Vehicle Type:
Compact SUV / Off-road Utility Vehicle
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts, DIY mechanics, fleet maintenance, restoration projects
Competitors 1991-1998:
Toyota RAV4 (later models), Land Rover Discovery, Jeep Cherokee (XJ), Mitsubishi Pajero/Montero, Suzuki Vitara
Body Styles:
3-door SWB, 5-door LWB, 2-door Sport (soft-top convertible)
Powertrain Layout:
Body-on-frame construction with part-time 4WD system (selectable 2WD/4WD)
Model Years Covered:
1991-1998
Chassis Variants:
Short Wheelbase (SWB), Long Wheelbase (LWB), Sport (Soft-top)
Engine Variants:
2.0L Petrol (C20NE, X20SE), 2.4L Petrol (C24NE), 2.3L Diesel (23DTR, D23DT), 2.8L V6 Petrol (C28NE), 3.2L V6 Petrol (6VD1)
Estimated Pages:
Hundreds (specific count not provided, but implied to be comprehensive)
Type:
Service and Repair Manual
Format:
PDF (Portable Document Format)
Engine:
Complete overhaul, diagnostics, tuning, component replacement (e.g., cylinder head, pistons, crankshaft, timing systems)
Fuel System:
Fuel injection systems (MPI, TBI), fuel pump, injectors, fuel lines, evaporative emission control (EVAP)
Cooling System:
Radiator, water pump, thermostat, hoses, fan systems (mechanical and electric)
Exhaust System:
Catalytic converter, muffler, pipes, oxygen sensors
Transmission:
Manual and Automatic transmission overhaul, clutch service, gear shifting mechanisms, transfer case
Drivetrain:
Front axle, rear axle, driveshafts, universal joints, constant velocity (CV) joints, differentials
Suspension:
Front independent suspension (torsion bar), rear leaf springs, shock absorbers, bushings, steering knuckles
Steering:
Power steering system, steering rack, steering column, tie rod ends
Brakes:
Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes (or disc depending on variant), hydraulic system, ABS (if equipped), parking brake
Electrical System:
Battery, alternator, starter motor, ignition system, lighting system, fuse box, wiring diagrams
Bodywork:
Body panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, window regulators, interior trim, bumpers
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system components, service, and repair
Maintenance:
Regular scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, tune-ups
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common faults, symptom-based troubleshooting guides
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for all major components and systems
Rebuilding:
Comprehensive instructions for overhauling engines, transmissions, and differentials
Refurbishing:
Guidance on restoring worn components and systems
Restoration:
Detailed information applicable to restoring the vehicle to original specifications
Wiring Diagrams:
Complete and detailed electrical system wiring diagrams for all circuits
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds
Diagnostics:
Includes diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) for relevant systems and diagnostic procedures
Specifications Data:
Detailed torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, and performance data
Engine Displacement Common:
2.0 Liters (1998cc)
Engine Type Common:
Inline-4 Cylinder, SOHC, Fuel Injection
Engine Codes Common:
C20NE (85 PS), X20SE (115 PS)
Horsepower 2.0L Petrol:
85 PS (C20NE) to 115 PS (X20SE)
Torque 2.0L Petrol:
Approx. 153 Nm (C20NE) to 170 Nm (X20SE)
Horsepower 2.8L V6:
150 PS (C28NE)
Horsepower 3.2L V6:
177 PS (6VD1)
Fuel Injection Type:
Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI) for most later models, Throttle Body Injection (TBI) on earlier 2.0L
Recommended Fuel:
Unleaded Gasoline (Octane rating as per owner's manual)
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000 km or 6 months (refer to manual for precise interval based on engine and driving conditions)
Timing Belt Replacement:
Crucial for petrol engines (e.g., 2.0L, 2.4L, 2.8L, 3.2L). Interval varies, often around 60,000-90,000 km. Critical to consult manual for specific engine.
Engine Oil Viscosity:
Commonly 10W-40 or 15W-40 for petrol and diesel engines (API SG or higher). Specifics vary by engine, consult manual.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol based antifreeze. Typically a green or pink OAT/HOAT coolant. Capacity around 7-9 liters.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
GL-4 or GL-5 rated gear oil, e.g., SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90. Capacity approx. 2.0-2.5 liters.
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Dexron II or III specification Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF). Capacity approx. 7-8 liters.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Power Steering Fluid:
ATF Dexron II or III specification, or specific power steering fluid.
Common Wear Items:
Suspension bushings, ball joints, tie rod ends, clutch wear, exhaust system corrosion
Engine Specific Issues:
Head gasket failures on some petrol engines, diesel glow plug issues, potential turbocharger issues on diesel variants (2.3 D)
Electrical Gremlins:
Can be prone to minor electrical issues due to age, particularly related to earth points and connectors.
4Wd System Maintenance:
Regular lubrication of transfer case and prop shaft U-joints is essential to prevent binding and wear.
Vauxhall Opel Heritage:
Part of General Motors (GM) global platform strategy, known for robust utility vehicles
Frontera A Introduction:
Launched in 1991 as a response to the growing SUV market, based on Isuzu TF platform
Frontera A Facelift:
Minor updates throughout its lifecycle, including styling tweaks and improved engines
Production Location:
Vauxhall Frontera produced in the UK, Opel Frontera produced in Germany (initially), Luton, UK later.
Production Years:
1991-1998 (Frontera A), replaced by Frontera B in 1998