Positioning:
Affordable and practical compact car, particularly popular in developing markets due to its value proposition.
Target Audience:
Designed for owners who wish to perform their own maintenance and repairs, as well as independent repair shops.
Competitors:
Competed with other subcompact and compact cars of its era such as Hyundai Accent, Kia Rio, Daewoo Matiz/Nexia (precursor models), and various Eastern European and Asian offerings.
Features:
Fuel efficiency, relatively simple mechanicals, accessible pricing, and adequate practicality for its class.
Systems:
Engine, Transmission, Brakes, Electrical System, Wiring Diagrams, Suspension, Steering, Cooling System, Fuel Injection, Fuel System, Emission System, HVAC, Engine Control System, Chassis, Body, Restraint System, Interior, Differential, Drive Axles, General Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Periodic Lubrication.
Engine Control System:
Detailed diagnostics and repair procedures for the engine control unit (ECU), sensors (e.g., O2, MAP, TPS, CKP, CMP), actuators, and emission control systems.
HVAC:
Covers the heater, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, including diagnosis and repair of the compressor, condenser, evaporator, blower motor, refrigerant system, and climate controls.
Chassis Body:
Details on body panel repair, frame components, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, and interior trim removal and installation.
Restraint System:
Information regarding airbag systems, seat belt mechanisms, and related safety components.
Differential Drive:
Coverage for front-wheel drive components, including the transaxle, differential, and drive axles (CV joints).
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive electrical wiring diagrams are provided, illustrating circuits for all major systems, aiding in diagnosing electrical faults.
Procedures:
Step-by-step repair and service instructions, complete disassembly and reassembly guidance, troubleshooting procedures, maintenance tasks, diagnostic routines.
Troubleshooting Charts:
Includes detailed troubleshooting charts that correlate symptoms with potential causes and recommended diagnostic steps, greatly aiding in problem diagnosis.
Engine Rebuild:
Detailed procedures for engine rebuilding, including cylinder head removal/installation, piston/ring replacement, bearing inspection, crankshaft and camshaft service.
Transmission Service:
Covers clutch replacement (manual), torque converter service (automatic), internal component inspection and repair for both transmission types.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering from basic maintenance to detailed repair procedures, suitable for both DIY enthusiasts and experienced mechanics.
Diagnostic Tools:
Mentions or implies the use of standard automotive diagnostic tools, including multimeters for electrical checks and potentially basic scan tools for engine control diagnostics (OBD-II compliance varies by market and year).
Illustrations:
Includes hundreds of photos and illustrations to visually guide the user through each service and repair procedure, enhancing understanding.
Oil Change Interval:
Recommended oil change every 7,500 - 10,000 km (4,500 - 6,000 miles) or every 6-12 months, whichever comes first, depending on driving conditions and oil type.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically recommended every 30,000 - 40,000 km (18,000 - 24,000 miles) for standard spark plugs. Platinum or iridium plugs may have longer intervals.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Crucial service item for E-TEC engines. Recommended replacement interval is usually around 60,000 - 90,000 km (36,000 - 54,000 miles) or 4-5 years. Failure can cause severe engine damage.
Engine Oil:
API SJ or higher, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 viscosity grade is commonly recommended. Check manual for specific recommendations.
Coolant:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. GM's long-life coolant specifications should be verified from the manual.
Transmission Fluid:
Manual Transmission: GL-4 specification gear oil, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90. Automatic Transmission: Dexron III/VI compatible ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid).
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid is typically specified. Refer to manual for precise type and specification.
Power Steering Fluid:
If equipped with power steering, the manual will specify the correct fluid type, often Dexron-III or a specific power steering fluid.
Common Problems:
Potential issues include premature wear of suspension components (bushings, ball joints), occasional electrical gremlins, exhaust system corrosion, and heater core leaks. The engine control system and fuel injection components can also require attention. The manual addresses troubleshooting these.
Lubrication Points:
Covers chassis lubrication, suspension pivot points, steering linkage, and other critical moving parts requiring periodic greasing. Intervals specified in the manual.
Brand Origin:
Chevrolet is a division of General Motors (GM), an American automotive manufacturer with a long history dating back to 1911.
Model Lineage:
The Lanos was developed by Daewoo (which GM later acquired) and was sold globally under various GM brands, including Chevrolet. It replaced the Daewoo Nexia/Pontiac LeMans and was succeeded by models like the Chevrolet Aveo/Kalos.
Daewoo Heritage:
Originally designed and produced by Daewoo Motors, it reflects Korean automotive engineering advancements of the late 1990s, later integrated into GM's global portfolio.
Production Years:
The Lanos was produced from 1997 to 2002 in its original form. Variants continued production for several years after under different branding.