Segment:
Subcompact/Compact Economy Car.
Target Audience:
DIY enthusiasts, independent repair shops, Toyota owners seeking to maintain or repair their vehicle.
Key Competitors:
Honda Civic, Nissan Sentra, Mitsubishi Mirage, Ford Escort, Chevrolet Cavalier.
Unique Selling Points:
Reputation for reliability and fuel efficiency, particularly with the 1.5L and 1.3L engines. Availability of 4WD option in this generation.
Manual Features:
Officially licensed, OE-derived information, instant digital access, year-long subscription with renewal options, compatibility with multiple devices.
Primary Coverage:
1991 Toyota Tercel (All Trims and Engines)
Secondary Coverage:
General troubleshooting and repair procedures applicable to the EL40 platform.
Estimated Pages:
Highly comprehensive, typically exceeding 1000 pages for OE-derived digital manuals.
Type:
Official Service and Repair Manual Software
Format:
PDF Download (Accessible via Web Browser)
Powertrain:
Engine (1E, 1EL, 2E, 3E series), Fuel System, Ignition System, Exhaust System, Engine Mechanical, Engine Electrical.
Drivetrain:
Front Wheel Drive (FWD), Full-Time Four Wheel Drive (4WD) system, Clutch, Manual Transmission, Automatic Transmission.
Chassis:
Suspension (Front and Rear), Steering System, Brake System (including ABS if equipped), Wheels and Tires.
Electrical:
Wiring Diagrams, Lighting System, Instrumentation, Audio System, Power Accessories, Charging System, Starting System, HVAC Controls.
Body:
Body Structure, Exterior Panels, Doors, Windows, Seats, Interior Trim, Climate Control System (HVAC).
Maintenance:
Scheduled Maintenance, Fluid Changes (Oil, Coolant, Brake, Transmission), Filter Replacements, Lubrication Points.
Repair:
Engine Overhaul, Transmission Repair, Brake System Overhaul, Suspension Component Replacement, Steering Rack Repair, Electrical Component Diagnosis and Replacement.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides for common symptoms, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) if applicable (OBDI era), component testing procedures.
Installation:
Installation procedures for major components such as engine, transmission, suspension parts, and accessories.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering from basic preventative maintenance to detailed component disassembly, repair, and reassembly. Includes specifications and tolerances.
Engine Code 1:
1E-U (1.3L SOHC)
Power 1 Hp:
Approx. 70 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque 1 Lb Ft:
Approx. 74 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm
Engine Code 2:
2E-E (1.3L SOHC Carbureted) / 2E-FE (1.3L SOHC EFI)
Power 2 Hp:
Approx. 74 hp @ 6000 rpm (EFI)
Torque 2 Lb Ft:
Approx. 77 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (EFI)
Engine Code 3:
3E-FE (1.5L SOHC EFI)
Power 3 Hp:
Approx. 83 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque 3 Lb Ft:
Approx. 85 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Acceleration 0 60 Mph:
Varies by engine and transmission, typically 10-13 seconds.
Fuel Economy Est Mpg:
City: 27-33 MPG, Highway: 32-38 MPG (highly dependent on engine and driving conditions).
Fuel Delivery 1:
Carburetor (e.g., 2E-E)
Fuel Delivery 2:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) (e.g., 1E-U, 2E-FE, 3E-FE)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Recommended Octane:
87 Octane (Refer to Owner's Manual for specific grades)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 94.3 inches (2395 mm)
Length:
Approx. 160.0 - 161.0 inches (4065 - 4090 mm)
Width:
Approx. 65.2 - 65.4 inches (1655 - 1660 mm)
Height:
Approx. 53.7 - 54.3 inches (1365 - 1380 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 2050 - 2250 lbs (930 - 1020 kg) depending on trim and drivetrain.
NHTSA Ratings 1991:
Information for this model year from NHTSA may be limited or unavailable. Generally rated as adequate for the era.
Brakes:
Front: Ventilated Discs, Rear: Drums (Standard). ABS was an optional feature on some higher trims.
Traction Control:
Not available on this model year.
Airbags:
Driver's side airbag was optional or standard on higher trims in later production runs of this generation, but not standard across all 1991 models.
Seatbelts:
Front: 3-point automatic retracting seat belts. Rear: Lap belts or 3-point belts depending on seating position and trim.
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM radio with cassette player. Optional CD player not common for this model year.
Speakers:
Typically 2 or 4 speakers.
ABS:
Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on some trims, primarily for front wheels.
Cruise Control:
Optional on some higher trim models.
Connectivity Features:
None in the modern sense. Basic vehicle systems only.
Oil Change:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles (5,000-8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first. Check manual for specific oil type.
Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), replace as needed or every 30,000 miles (48,000 km).
Spark Plugs:
Replace every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or as specified by OE material. Use NGK or DENSO plugs.
Coolant Flush:
Every 2 years or 30,000 miles (48,000 km).
Timing Belt:
Replace every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 4 years. Critical for interference engines. (Note: Some Tercel engines may use a timing chain).
Engine Oil:
API SG or higher, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (depending on climate). Capacity: Approx. 3.5-4.0 US quarts (3.3-3.8 liters).
Coolant:
Toyota Super Long Life Coolant (SLLC) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant with corrosion inhibitors. Capacity: Approx. 5.0-5.5 US quarts (4.7-5.2 liters).
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Power Steering Fluid:
Dexron II ATF or equivalent (if power steering equipped).
Common Problems 1:
Cooling system leaks (radiator, hoses), starter motor issues, alternator failure, worn CV joints (especially on 4WD models), exhaust manifold cracks.
Common Problems 2:
Carburetor adjustment issues (if applicable), fuel pump failure, minor electrical gremlins, interior plastic degradation due to age.
Common Problems 3:
Rust and corrosion, especially in harsh climates, affecting body panels and suspension components.
Toyota Reputation:
Toyota is renowned globally for its engineering excellence, reliability, and durability, particularly in its economy car segments.
Generation:
Third Generation Toyota Tercel (EL40 series).
Previous Generation:
Second Generation (EL30 series, 1986-1990).
Next Generation:
Fourth Generation (EL50 series, 1994-1999).
Production Years Generation:
1990-1994 (EL40 series).
Manufacturing Location:
Japan (primarily).
