🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Austin

Model:

Metro

Year:

1988

Region Of Origin:

United Kingdom

Chassis Code General:

A-Series based platform

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

A practical, no-nonsense supermini designed for affordability and ease of use. Competed with vehicles like the Ford Fiesta, Vauxhall Nova, and Volkswagen Polo.

Key Competitors:

Ford Fiesta, Vauxhall Nova, Volkswagen Polo, Peugeot 205, Renault 5

Design Philosophy:

Designed by David Bache, featuring a distinctive wedge-shaped profile and innovative interior packaging for its class.

Manual Advantage:

Provides dealership-level repair information, enabling significant cost savings for owners performing their own maintenance and repairs.

Target Audience:

Austin Metro owners with basic to advanced mechanical skills, independent repair shops, and enthusiasts.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Full Service, Repair, Troubleshooting, Diagnostics

Secondary Coverage:

Maintenance Schedules, Wiring Schematics, Technical Specifications

Estimated Page Count:

Varies by specific publication, but comprehensive for the model year

Type:

Workshop Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Complete disassembly, inspection, assembly of engine components (block, pistons, rods, crankshaft, cylinder head, valves, timing)

Engine Electrical:

Ignition system, starting system, charging system, wiring harnesses, sensors, ECUs (if applicable)

Emission Control:

Catalytic converter system, EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation), air injection, evaporative emission control

Fuel System:

Carburetor (e.g., SU, Weber) or Fuel Injection (MPI) systems, fuel pump, fuel lines, fuel tank, fuel filter

Clutch System:

Clutch operation, hydraulic system (if applicable), clutch disc, pressure plate, release bearing, flywheel

Manual Transaxle:

Gearbox operation, synchromesh, shifting mechanisms, gears, bearings, seals, fluid specifications

Automatic Transaxle:

If equipped, operation of automatic gearbox, torque converter, hydraulic control, fluid types and capacities

Driveshaft And Axle:

Front wheel drive axle shafts, CV joints, differential (integrated into transaxle)

Suspension System:

Front suspension (e.g., MacPherson struts), rear suspension (e.g., trailing arms, hydrolastic/hydragas if applicable to specific variants), shock absorbers, springs, bushes

Steering System:

Steering rack, steering column, linkages, power steering (if equipped)

Restraint Systems:

Seat belts (lap and diagonal), seat belt retractors, mounting points

Brake System:

Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes, master cylinder, brake lines, calipers, wheel cylinders, parking brake mechanism

Body Interior Exterior:

Body panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, glass, trim, bumpers, seats, dashboard

Body Electrical System:

Lighting (headlights, taillights, interior), wipers, washers, horn, power windows (if equipped), central locking (if equipped), fuse box diagrams

HVAC System:

Heating system, ventilation, demisting, heater core, blower motor, ducting (Air Conditioning typically optional and less common for this era/model)

Maintenance:

Regular servicing (oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug checks, fluid top-ups), brake pad/shoe replacement, belt adjustments

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon faults across all systems

Repair:

Step-by-step instructions for component removal, repair, and installation

Diagnostics:

Fault finding charts, symptom analysis, electrical diagnostic flowcharts

Depth:

Comprehensive, suitable for professional mechanics and advanced DIY enthusiasts. Covers engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, full electrical system diagnosis.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable if created from scanned digital source, or fully searchable if originally digital.

Printability:

Yes, all pages printable.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper Quality:

N/A (Digital Format - for printed output)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code General:

A-Series (Various displacements)

Displacement Common:

1.0L (998cc), 1.3L (1275cc)

Horsepower Typical:

Approx. 46-63 hp (depending on engine and tuning)

Torque Typical:

Approx. 70-95 Nm (depending on engine)

Fuel Delivery 1988:

Primarily Carburetor (e.g., Zenith, SU, Weber) or early Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI) on higher trims/specific markets.

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Petrol (Octane rating dependent on engine specification, typically 95 RON)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Standard:

4-Speed Manual Transaxle

Transmission Type Optional:

3-Speed Automatic Transaxle (less common)

Drive Layout:

Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)

Transmission Fluid Spec:

Typically GL-4 Hypoid gear oil (e.g., Castrol EPX 80W/90 or equivalent)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 3,400 mm (133.9 inches)

Width:

Approx. 1,580 mm (62.2 inches)

Height:

Approx. 1,370 mm (53.9 inches)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 700-800 kg (depending on engine and equipment)

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Era Context:

Safety standards were less stringent than modern vehicles; Euro NCAP did not exist in its current form.

Active Safety Equipment:

Disc front brakes, drum rear brakes, collapsible steering column.

Passive Safety Equipment:

Seat belts (front), reinforced passenger cell (designed for the era).

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Basic AM/FM radio with cassette player (optional).

Driver Assistance Features:

None in the modern sense. Focus is on basic mechanical systems.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 6,000 - 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 12,000 - 18,000 miles, depending on plug type.

Timing Belt Chain:

A-Series engines use a timing chain, which typically requires inspection but not regular replacement unless worn.

Engine Oil Spec:

SAE 20W/50 or 10W/40 (API SF/CD or SG/CD specification, consult manual for precise recommendation).

Coolant Spec:

Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze, typically mixed 50/50 with distilled water. Consult manual for specific type.

Brake Fluid Spec:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.

Common Wear Items:

Suspension bushes (especially hydrolastic/hydragas if fitted), clutch hydraulics, exhaust system, carburetor wear, rust (especially wheel arches, sills).

Electrical Gremlins:

Older British cars can be prone to minor electrical issues due to wiring age and quality; the manual will help diagnose.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Context:

Austin was a prominent British car manufacturer with a long history dating back to the early 20th century. The Metro was intended to revive the brand's fortunes.

Model Development:

Launched in 1980 as the Austin Mini Metro, it was Austin Rover Group's first all-new small car design in decades. The 1988 model year represents an updated version within its lifecycle.

Production Start:

1980

Production End:

1997 (under Rover Group)

Manufacturing Location:

Longbridge, Birmingham, England.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Industry Recognition:

While specific awards for the 1988 model are scarce, the Metro was a significant product for British Leyland/Austin Rover Group, aiming to compete effectively in the crucial supermini segment. It was praised for its interior space and handling in period reviews.