Vehicle Segment:
Compact SUV/Off-road Vehicle
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts, DIY mechanics, professional repair shops specializing in older Japanese vehicles.
Competitors 1989:
Suzuki Samurai, Mitsubishi Pajero (Montero), Toyota 4Runner (Hilux Surf), Nissan Pathfinder (Terrano).
Vehicle Appeal:
Compact size, rugged capability, reliable powertrain options, affordable entry point into the SUV market.
Value:
Essential resource for maintaining and repairing the Daihatsu F300, enabling owners to perform DIY tasks and understand complex systems.
Main Coverage:
Full Factory Service Repair
Included Sections:
Engine, Fuel System, Cooling System, Lubrication System, Ignition System, Exhaust System, Clutch, Manual Transmission, Automatic Transmission (if applicable), Transfer Case (if applicable), Driveshafts, Axles, Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering System, Brakes (Hydraulic & Parking), Electrical System (Wiring Diagrams, Components), Body & Frame, Interior Trim, Heating & Air Conditioning (HVAC), Diagnostic Procedures, Troubleshooting Charts, Torque Specifications, Maintenance Schedules.
Type:
Factory Service Manual
Engine Systems:
Engine mechanical (disassembly, assembly, overhaul), cylinder head, pistons, crankshaft, camshaft, timing belt/chain, lubrication, cooling, fuel injection/carburetion, ignition, exhaust.
Drivetrain Systems:
Clutch operation and replacement, manual transmission overhaul, transfer case operation (if 4WD), driveshaft, universal joints, CV joints, differential, rear axle.
Suspension Steering Brakes:
Front and rear suspension components (struts, shock absorbers, control arms, bushings, springs), steering gearbox, power steering system, brake system (master cylinder, calipers, rotors, drums, lines, parking brake).
Electrical Systems:
Complete wiring diagrams, charging system (alternator, battery), starting system (starter motor), lighting, ignition system diagnostics, instrument cluster, fuses, relays, power windows, door locks.
Body Interior HVAC:
Body panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, interior trim components, seat adjustments, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system diagnosis and repair.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, coolant flushes, brake fluid changes, belt inspections and replacement, tire rotation, fluid level checks.
Diagnostic Troubleshooting:
System-specific troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostic procedures, common fault identification, electrical circuit testing.
Major Repairs Overhauls:
Engine rebuild procedures, transmission removal and overhaul, suspension component replacement, brake system bleeding and component replacement, steering system repair.
Technical Adjustments:
Valve clearance adjustment, ignition timing adjustment, carburetor/fuel injection adjustment, wheel alignment specifications, clutch adjustment.
Depth:
Comprehensive from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including detailed diagnostic flowcharts and torque specifications for all critical fasteners.
Engine Type:
Inline 4-cylinder, SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft)
Displacement:
1.6 Liters (1589 cc)
Horsepower:
Approx. 73-76 hp @ 4800-5200 rpm (varies by market and specific tuning)
Torque:
Approx. 120-125 Nm @ 3200-3600 rpm (varies by market and specific tuning)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) or Carburetor (depending on market and trim).
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Ignition Type:
Distributor-based electronic ignition
Cooling Type:
Water-cooled
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 3.8 - 4.0 Liters (with filter)
Recommended Oil Viscosity:
10W-30 or 10W-40 API SG or higher
Transmission Type:
5-speed Manual Transmission
Transmission Type:
4-speed Automatic Transmission (availability may vary)
Drivetrain Options:
Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) or Part-Time Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) with selectable high/low range.
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or SAE 80W-90
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron II (or equivalent)
Length:
Approx. 3,890 mm (153.1 in)
Width:
Approx. 1,690 mm (66.5 in)
Height:
Approx. 1,720 mm (67.7 in)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2,380 mm (93.7 in)
Ground Clearance:
Approx. 190-200 mm (7.5-7.9 in)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1,300 - 1,400 kg (2,866 - 3,086 lbs)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Varies by configuration, typically around 1,900-2,000 kg
Towing Capacity:
Not typically specified for this model, but generally limited.
Wheel Size:
15 or 16 inches
Tire Size:
Commonly 205/70R15 or 215/65R16
Bolt Pattern:
5x139.7 mm (5x5.5 inches)
NHTSA Ratings 1989:
Information for this specific model year and region is limited; typical safety standards of the era apply.
Braking System:
Front ventilated disc brakes, rear drum brakes. Optional ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) might be available on higher trims or later production runs.
Drivetrain Stability:
4WD system enhances traction in slippery conditions.
Airbags:
Driver and passenger airbags were not standard or widely available in 1989 for this class of vehicle.
Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts for front occupants, lap belts for rear occupants.
Rollover Protection:
Body-on-frame construction provides a degree of structural integrity, but rollover risk is a consideration for tall SUVs of this era.
Audio System:
Factory fitted radio/cassette player, often with basic AM/FM and 2-4 speakers. Aftermarket upgrades are common.
Display:
Analog gauges for speedometer, tachometer, fuel, and temperature. No digital displays or infotainment screens.
ABS:
Optional on some later models, not standard.
Traction Control:
Not available.
Connectivity Options:
None from the factory; relies on aftermarket solutions for modern connectivity.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000-7,500 km (3,000-5,000 miles) or 6-12 months, whichever comes first.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-20,000 km (9,000-12,000 miles)
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 20,000-30,000 km (12,000-18,000 miles)
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-3 years or 40,000-50,000 km (24,000-30,000 miles)
Timing Belt Replacement:
Crucial! Every 80,000-100,000 km (50,000-60,000 miles) or 5-7 years, as failure can cause severe engine damage.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (check manual for specific recommendation)
Power Steering Fluid:
Dexron II (or equivalent) if equipped with power steering
Coolant:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, typically 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Common Wear Items:
Clutch wear, suspension bushings, exhaust system components, ignition coil and distributor components, cooling system hoses and radiator.
Body Corrosion:
Rust can be a concern, particularly in areas exposed to salt and moisture. Frame and body panel inspection is recommended.
Fuel System Issues:
Carburetor tuning may be required periodically; fuel injectors can become clogged over time.
Technical Specs Part Numbers
Oil Filter Part Number:
Examples: Fram PH3506, Wix 51365 (verify for specific engine application).
Timing Belt Kit Part Number:
Example: Gates TCK176 (verify for specific engine application).
Daihatsu Legacy:
Daihatsu, a subsidiary of Toyota, has a long history of producing small, efficient, and often innovative vehicles, known for their reliability and value.
F300 Introduction:
The F300 series, often referred to as the Daihatsu Feroza or Rocky (depending on market), was introduced in 1989 as a successor to the Rugger/F50 series, marking Daihatsu's entry into the compact, rugged SUV segment.
F300 Facelifts Updates:
The F300 received minor updates during its production run, including styling tweaks and powertrain enhancements.
Production Years:
1989-2002 (for the Feroza/Rocky lineage)
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Japan.
