🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Daihatsu

Model:

Charade

Platform Codes:

G100, G101, G102 (depending on generation and market)

Applicable Generations:

Likely covers the G100/G101/G102 chassis generations (third generation, roughly 1987-1994) and potentially earlier or later variations depending on the specific manual's scope. Essential for mechanics and owners of these models.

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Subcompact/Compact hatchback and sedan, positioned as an affordable, reliable, and fuel-efficient vehicle for urban and everyday use.

Key Competitors:

Competed with vehicles such as the Toyota Starlet, Nissan March (Micra), Honda City, Suzuki Swift, and Ford Fiesta during its production run.

Design Philosophy:

Focused on practicality, fuel economy, compact dimensions for city driving, and cost-effectiveness. Later generations incorporated more modern styling and features.

📋 Manual Details

Global Markets:

Primarily covers markets where Daihatsu Charade was officially sold, including Japan, Europe, Australia, and various Asian and Latin American countries. Specific regional variations may be addressed within the manual.

Estimated Pages:

800-1200 (typical for comprehensive service manuals, exact count varies by edition and completeness)

Type:

Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual

Primary Language:

English (often includes supplementary languages for different markets)

Delivery Format:

Digital (PDF) for immediate download and accessibility, potentially also available in printed format.

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine mechanical (including disassembly, assembly, inspection, and overhaul), fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, exhaust system, lubrication system.

Drivetrain:

Manual transmission, automatic transmission (if applicable), clutch, drive shafts, differentials, transaxle (if applicable).

Chassis:

Suspension systems (front and rear, including struts, shocks, springs, control arms), steering system (rack and pinion, power steering), braking system (hydraulic, disc/drum configurations, ABS if equipped), wheels and tires.

Electrical:

12V electrical system, battery, alternator, starter motor, lighting system, power accessories, wiring diagrams, fuses and relays, diagnostic connectors (e.g., OBD-I or early OBD-II depending on year).

Body:

Body exterior (panels, doors, bumpers, hood, trunk), body interior (trim, seats, dashboard), HVAC (heating, ventilation, air conditioning), safety systems (airbags, seatbelts).

Maintenance:

Routine maintenance tasks, scheduled service intervals, fluid level checks and changes, filter replacements, tune-up procedures.

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting guides for common symptoms, diagnostic procedures for engine, transmission, electrical, and chassis issues, fault code interpretation (if applicable).

Repair Overhaul:

Detailed step-by-step instructions for component removal, disassembly, cleaning, inspection, repair, reassembly, and installation for virtually all vehicle systems.

Technical Specifications:

Torque specifications for fasteners, engine component clearances, fluid capacities, electrical resistance values, pressure specifications.

Body Repair Procedures:

Panel replacement, welding procedures, body panel alignment, rust repair techniques, and glass replacement.

HVAC Procedures:

Refrigerant system servicing (with safety precautions), component replacement (compressor, condenser, evaporator), blower motor, and climate control system diagnostics.

Diagnostic Tools Usage:

Guidance on using specific diagnostic tools, multimeters, pressure gauges, and emission testing equipment relevant to the vehicle's era.

Diagnostic Depth:

Comprehensive diagnostic flowcharts and symptom-based troubleshooting for all major systems, including electronic control units (ECUs) and sensors where applicable.

Repair Depth:

Full mechanical overhaul procedures for engines and transmissions, including critical measurements, tolerances, and component specifications for rebuilding.

Electrical Depth:

Detailed electrical schematics and wiring diagrams for all circuits, component location diagrams, and troubleshooting steps for electrical faults.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

Searchable PDF with high-resolution diagrams and text. Optimized for digital viewing and printing.

Image Clarity:

Clear, crisp diagrams and photographs ensuring accurate identification of parts and procedures. Vector-based diagrams for scalability.

Physical Binding:

If printed: Spiral-bound or perfect-bound for ease of use on a workbench, allowing pages to lay flat.

Physical Paper:

If printed: Durable, high-quality paper stock to withstand workshop environments.

Scope:

Comprehensive, covering everything from routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, electrical diagnostics, and body repair.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Common Engine Codes:

EJ-DE, EJ-VE, HD-E, G10A, G13A, G13B (specific to generation and market). Typically 3-cylinder or 4-cylinder DOHC or SOHC naturally aspirated gasoline engines.

Typical Horsepower:

Ranges from approximately 50 hp to 90 hp, depending on engine displacement and tuning. Some performance variants (e.g., GT Turbo) existed.

Typical Torque:

Ranges from approximately 60 Nm to 120 Nm, depending on engine size and configuration.

Injection Type:

Fuel Injection (MPI - Multi-Point Injection) for most later models; Carburetor on earlier generations.

Displacement:

Commonly 1.0L, 1.3L, 1.5L (e.g., 993cc, 1298cc, 1498cc).

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Standard:

5-speed Manual Transmission

Transmission Type Optional:

3-speed or 4-speed Automatic Transmission (depending on generation and market)

Drivetrain Layout:

Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) is standard; All-Wheel Drive (4WD/AWD) was an option on select generations/models (e.g., some Japanese market variants).

📐 Dimensions

Typical Length:

Around 3700mm - 3900mm (depending on generation and body style)

Typical Width:

Around 1600mm - 1650mm

Typical Height:

Around 1400mm - 1450mm

Curb Weight:

Approximately 800kg - 1000kg, depending on specification and engine.

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test History:

Older generations predate standardized rigorous crash testing by modern agencies. Later generations may have undergone some market-specific tests. Owner's manuals or specific vehicle documentation are needed for detailed ratings.

Braking Assistance:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on higher trims or later models. Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) may be present on some later variants.

Restraint Systems:

Driver and front passenger airbags, three-point seatbelts with pretensioners (increasingly standard on later generations).

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Basic AM/FM radio, cassette player, and later models offering CD players. Speaker configurations typically range from 2 to 4.

Parking Assistance:

Generally not available on older models. Rear parking sensors might be an aftermarket addition or factory option on very late models.

Bluetooth Integration:

Not typically factory-equipped on most generations. Aftermarket head unit installation is common for Bluetooth connectivity.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 5,000 km to 7,500 km (3,000 to 5,000 miles) or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used. Consult manual for specific intervals.

Major Service Interval:

Spark plugs, timing belt (if applicable - many had non-interference engines or chain drives), coolant, brake fluid services typically at intervals of 60,000 km to 100,000 km (40,000 to 60,000 miles).

Engine Oil Type:

API SG or higher, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (viscosity may vary based on ambient temperature). Check manual for exact API/ACEA specifications.

Coolant Type:

Ethylene glycol-based coolant, typically a pre-mix 50/50 solution. Use of silicone-free coolant is recommended. Consult manual for specific color/type.

Transmission Fluid Type Manual:

API GL-4 gear oil, typically 75W-90 or 80W-90 viscosity.

Transmission Fluid Type Automatic:

Dexron II or equivalent ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid). Consult manual for precise specification.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.

Common Wear Items:

Exhaust system components (rust), clutch wear, suspension bushings and ball joints, oxygen sensors, ignition coils, and fuel injectors (on injected models) due to age and mileage.

Engine Specific Concerns:

Overheating due to clogged radiators or failing water pumps, oil leaks from seals, and timing belt failure (on belt-driven engines if not replaced per schedule).

Electrical Common Faults:

Failing alternators, starter motors, door lock actuators, and issues with dashboard warning lights or instrument clusters.

📚 Vehicle History

Daihatsu Specialty:

Daihatsu, a subsidiary of Toyota, is known for producing small, fuel-efficient, and reliable vehicles, often with a focus on practicality and affordability.

Generations:

The Charade has had multiple generations, with significant design and engineering changes between them. Key generations include the first (1977-1983), second (1983-1987), third (1987-1994), and fourth (1994-2000). This manual likely covers one or more of these key generations.

Production Period:

Originally produced from 1977 to 2000. The nameplate has been used on different vehicles in various markets since then.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Fuel Efficiency Awards:

Daihatsu vehicles, including the Charade, were often recognized for their excellent fuel economy and were popular in markets valuing low running costs.

Reliability Perception:

Generally perceived as reliable, basic transportation, benefiting from Toyota's engineering influence and Daihatsu's focus on simplicity.