This manual covers the Sens, a compact and subcompact car produced in 1999. Based on the GM T-body platform, this model was designed as an affordable and practical transportation solution, competing with established Japanese and European models of its era. Available in Sedan, Hatchback, and Coupe body styles, the Sens featured a 1.5-liter inline 4-cylinder engine (G16SED) with Multi-point Fuel Injection, delivering approximately 88-96 horsepower and 120-130 Nm of torque. It offered a choice between a 5-speed manual transmission or an optional automatic transmission, prioritizing value and fuel economy for budget-conscious consumers.
This comprehensive factory service repair manual provides detailed information for the maintenance, diagnosis, and repair of your 1999 Sens. It covers all major systems, including the powertrain (engine, fuel, ignition, cooling, exhaust, emissions, and transmissions), chassis (suspension, steering, brakes), electrical systems (wiring diagrams, battery, charging, starting, lighting, instrumentation, and ECUs), and body (construction, interior, exterior, HVAC, and safety features). Within its hundreds of pages, you will find scheduled maintenance procedures, troubleshooting guides, component removal and installation instructions, technical specifications, and diagnostic flowcharts, equipping owners and technicians with the knowledge to keep the vehicle in optimal working condition.
Chassis Code:
J100 (Daewoo Cielo)
Body Styles Covered:
Sedan, Hatchback, Coupe (specific variants depending on market)
Segment:
Compact/Subcompact car segment
Target Audience:
Budget-conscious consumers, value-oriented buyers
Key Competitors:
Hyundai Elantra, Kia Spectra, Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, Ford Escort (during its era)
Value Proposition:
Affordability, practical design, decent fuel economy
Development Basis:
Based on the GM T-body platform, sharing similarities with models like the Opel Astra (European market)
Manual Type:
Factory Service Repair Manual
Page Count:
Hundreds of pages (estimated 800-1200 based on typical factory manuals)
Completeness:
Complete official full factory service repair manual
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, exhaust system, emissions control, transmission (manual and automatic)
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, braking system (including ABS where applicable), wheels and tires
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrument cluster, power accessories, audio system, ECUs and control modules
Body:
Body construction, interior trim, exterior trim, doors, windows, seats, HVAC system, safety systems (airbags, seatbelts)
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid checks and changes, filter replacements, tune-ups
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnosis, fault code identification and interpretation
Repair:
Component removal and installation, engine overhaul, transmission overhaul, suspension component replacement, brake caliper rebuild, electrical component diagnosis and repair
Adjustment:
Valve adjustment, idle speed adjustment, parking brake adjustment
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, tolerances, wiring schematics, diagnostic flowcharts
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds
Diagnostic Tools:
Includes information on diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and potential diagnostic procedures
Searchability:
Likely text-searchable for efficient navigation
Printability:
Printable in its entirety or selected pages
Graphic Quality:
High-quality diagrams, illustrations, and photographs
Binding Type:
N/A (Digital PDF format)
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital PDF format)
Engine Code:
G16SED (common variant)
Engine Type:
Inline 4-cylinder, SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft)
Displacement:
1.5 Liters (1498 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
Approximately 77.0 mm x 79.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
Typically around 9.0:1 to 9.5:1
Horsepower:
Approximately 88-96 HP (varies by market and specific tune)
Torque:
Approximately 120-130 Nm (varies by market and specific tune)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (Octane rating typically 87-91 RON)
Ignition System:
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) or Distributor-based ignition (depending on specific market variant)
Emissions Control:
Catalytic converter, EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) system, O2 sensors
Transmission Type:
5-speed Manual Transmission
Transmission Type:
3-speed or 4-speed Automatic Transmission (market dependent)
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically actuated single dry plate clutch (for manual transmission)
Automatic Transmission Control:
Electronic or hydraulic control (depending on specific AT model)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 gear oil (refer to manual for exact specification)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron II or Dexron III (refer to manual for exact specification)
Length:
Approx. 4210 - 4360 mm (sedan/hatchback)
Width:
Approx. 1660 - 1680 mm
Height:
Approx. 1390 - 1420 mm
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2500 mm
Curb Weight:
Approx. 980 - 1100 kg (varies by body style and equipment)
Gross Vehicle Weight:
Varies by model, refer to vehicle placard
Trunk Volume:
Varies by body style, refer to vehicle specifications
Crash Test Ratings:
Limited independent testing data available for the 1999 Daewoo Sens in major global markets. Likely to be modest compared to contemporary Japanese and European competitors.
ABS:
Optional on higher trim levels or specific market variants
Traction Control:
Generally not available
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags standard or optional depending on market and trim
Seatbelts:
3-point front seatbelts with pretensioners, 3-point rear seatbelts
Child Seat Anchors:
ISOFIX or LATCH anchors may be present on some models/markets, but not guaranteed
Audio System:
Factory-fitted AM/FM radio with cassette player. CD player optional on some variants.
Speaker Configuration:
Typically 2 or 4 speakers
Cruise Control:
Optional on higher trim levels
Connectivity Features:
Basic, no advanced connectivity options like Bluetooth or USB
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 5,000 - 7,500 miles or 6-12 months, whichever comes first (refer to manual for exact specification)
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles or as needed based on operating conditions
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (depending on spark plug type - standard or platinum)
Timing Belt Replacement:
Critical interval, typically 60,000 - 90,000 miles or 5-7 years. Failure can cause catastrophic engine damage.
Engine Oil Type:
API SJ or SL, SAE 10W-30 or 5W-30 (viscosity may vary based on climate, refer to manual)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based, silicate-inhibited antifreeze (typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (refer to manual for specific recommendation)
Power Steering Fluid:
ATF Dexron II/III or specific power steering fluid (refer to manual)
Engine Reliability:
Can be prone to minor oil leaks, ignition coil issues, and potentially early wear on valve stem seals if maintenance is neglected.
Transmission Reliability:
Manual transmissions are generally robust. Automatic transmissions may develop issues with shifting or torque converter if not serviced regularly.
Electrical System:
Aging wiring harnesses, intermittent electrical gremlins, and issues with door lock actuators or power window motors are common with age.
Suspension And Steering:
Worn ball joints, tie rod ends, and bushings can lead to vague steering and poor handling. Power steering pumps can also be a failure point.
Corrosion:
Body rust, especially around wheel arches, rocker panels, and the subframe, is a significant concern in areas with road salt.
Parent Company:
Daewoo Motor Co., Ltd. (South Korea)
Founding Era:
Established in 1983 (though Daewoo Group founded much earlier)
Predecessor:
Daewoo LeMans (based on the Opel Kadett)
Platform Sharing:
Based on the Daewoo J100 platform, which was a derivative of the Opel Kadett E, and also formed the basis for the Daewoo Cielo and Nexia.
Production Years:
1994 - 2002 (as Daewoo Cielo/Nexia/Sens, with the 1999 model being part of this generation)
Manufacturing Locations:
South Korea (main plant), potentially other locations through licensing or joint ventures
Awards And Accolades:
The Daewoo Sens (and its related Cielo/Nexia models) did not typically receive major industry awards or recognitions in developed automotive markets. Its strength was primarily in affordability and basic transportation.
