Market Position:
Compact Kei car, primarily for Asian and European markets known for fuel efficiency and urban maneuverability.
Competitive Analysis:
Competed with other Kei cars and small city cars from manufacturers like Suzuki (Alto, Wagon R), Mitsubishi (Minica), and Honda (Today, Life).
Key Features:
Compact dimensions, affordable pricing, high fuel economy, surprising interior space for its class, and reliability associated with Daihatsu's engineering.
Value Proposition:
Essential for owners and independent repair shops to maintain, diagnose, and repair the Daihatsu Cuore L500/L501, ensuring longevity and optimal performance.
Coverage Areas:
General Information, Maintenance, Engine Mechanical, Emission Control, EFI System, Fuel System, Cooling System, Lubrication System, Ignition System, Starting System, Charging System, Clutch, Manual Transmission, Automatic Transmission, Front Axle & Suspension, Rear Axle & Suspension, Brake, Steering, Body, Body Electrical, Harness & Wiring Diagram
Update Information:
Factory service manual implies it's the official documentation used by dealerships and mechanics, containing all necessary information as released by the manufacturer.
Manual Type:
Factory Service Repair Manual
Systems Covered:
Engine (mechanical, EFI, fuel, cooling, lubrication, ignition, starting, charging), Drivetrain (clutch, manual transmission, automatic transmission, axles), Suspension & Steering, Brakes, Electrical System (body electrical, wiring diagrams), Bodywork
Procedures Included:
Inspection, diagnosis, repair, maintenance, replacement, adjustment, troubleshooting, wiring schematics
Technical Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to major overhaul and diagnostics)
Troubleshooting Guides:
Includes detailed diagnostic procedures for various systems, helping to pinpoint faults and common issues.
Engine Codes:
Typically EF-CL, EF-SE, EF-ES (3-cylinder, 657cc or 847cc depending on market regulations for Kei cars)
Displacement Cc:
657 or 847
Horsepower Ps:
Approx. 45-60 PS (depending on engine variant and market)
Torque Nm:
Approx. 55-75 Nm (depending on engine variant and market)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Induction:
Naturally Aspirated
Timing System:
Timing Belt Driven DOHC
Emission Controls:
Catalytic Converter, EGR system (likely on later EFI models) as per emissions regulations of the era.
Manual Transmission:
5-Speed Manual
Automatic Transmission:
3-Speed Automatic (likely)
Drive Type:
Front-Wheel Drive (FWD), Optional All-Wheel Drive (AWD) on some variants
Clutch Type:
Dry, single-plate, diaphragm spring clutch for manual transmissions.
Crash Test Results:
Likely minimal, as Kei cars of this era often had limited crashworthiness testing compared to larger vehicles. Manual will cover safety system repairs if equipped.
Active Features:
ABS (Optional on higher trims), Power Assisted Brakes
Passive Features:
Seatbelts (front and rear), Reinforced body structure (within Kei car limitations)
Infotainment System:
Basic AM/FM Radio and Cassette Player (optional CD player on higher trims or aftermarket).
Driver Assistance Features:
Limited to basic safety features. No advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) expected for this model and era.
Connectivity Options:
No inherent Bluetooth or USB connectivity; upgrades typically aftermarket.
Oil Change Km:
Typically every 5,000-10,000 km or 6-12 months (refer to manual for specific recommendations based on driving conditions)
Air Filter Replacement Km:
Every 20,000-40,000 km or as needed based on inspection
Spark Plug Replacement Km:
Every 40,000-60,000 km (depending on plug type)
Timing Belt Replacement Km:
Crucial interval, typically 80,000-100,000 km or 5-7 years. Failure can cause catastrophic engine damage.
Engine Oil Grade:
API SG/SH or higher, Viscosity 5W-30 or 10W-30 (refer to manual for precise specification and capacity)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze/coolant (typically red or green, mixture ratio 50/50 with distilled water)
Transmission Fluid Manual:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-85 or 75W-90 gear oil (check manual for capacity and specific type)
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Dexron II/III or equivalent ATF fluid (check manual for capacity and specific type)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (refer to manual for confirmation and capacity)
Power Steering Fluid:
If equipped with power steering, typically ATF or specific power steering fluid (refer to manual)
Common Issues:
Timing belt wear/failure, ignition system component failure (coils, plugs), minor oil leaks from gaskets, suspension wear (bushings, ball joints), exhaust system corrosion, potential for carburetor issues on older non-EFI variants (though this manual is EFI focused).
Oil Filter Example:
May vary by manufacturer, but common aftermarket part numbers might cross to filters for other Daihatsu models of the era (e.g., compatible with some Suzuki or early Toyota filters; manual will provide OEM reference).
Air Filter Example:
Specific to L500 series, manual will provide OEM part number for accurate replacement.
Brand Origin:
Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd. is Japan's oldest automobile manufacturer, founded in 1907, and a subsidiary of Toyota.
Model Lineage:
The Cuore (meaning 'heart' in Italian) is one of Daihatsu's longest-running models, dating back to 1977. The L500 series represents a significant styling and engineering update over its predecessors.
Design Language:
The L500 series featured a more rounded and aerodynamic design compared to previous generations, with a distinct front-end styling.
Production Years:
L500 Series: Approximately 1994-1998
Manufacturing Location:
Japan
Market Perception:
Generally regarded as a reliable and economical city car. Daihatsu has a reputation for building durable, no-frills vehicles.
Consumer Ratings:
Varies by region and specific year; known for fuel efficiency and low running costs.
Manufacturing Standards:
Built to Japanese domestic market (JDM) standards, adhering to strict Kei car regulations.
