🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Daihatsu

Model:

Feroza / Rocky

Model Code:

F300

Generation:

First Generation

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

The Daihatsu Feroza/Rocky (F300) was a compact, capable off-road vehicle, often positioned as an affordable and robust alternative to larger SUVs and traditional 4x4s. It appealed to those seeking genuine off-road performance in a smaller, more manageable package.

Competitive Analysis:

Competed with vehicles like the Suzuki Samurai, Jeep Wrangler (YJ), Toyota RAV4 (early models), and Land Rover Defender (in certain markets). Its key selling points were its compact size, relatively good off-road capability for its class, and affordability.

Key Features:

Body-on-frame construction, selectable 4WD system with low-range gearing, compact dimensions, relatively simple mechanicals, and a reputation for durability.

📋 Manual Details

Applicable Years:

1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998

Manual Type:

Workshop Service Manual (WSM)

Coverage Areas:

All vehicle systems and repair procedures

File Format:

PDF

Language:

English

Delivery:

Instant Download

Requirements:

Adobe PDF Reader

Compatibility:

Windows & Mac (All Versions)

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered:

Engine mechanical, engine electrical, fuel system, cooling system, exhaust system, lubrication system, ignition system, transmission (manual and automatic), drivetrain, suspension, steering, braking system, HVAC system, body and chassis, interior electrical, exterior lighting, diagnostics, and more.

Body And Chassis:

Detailed procedures for body panel removal and installation, frame inspection and repair, door mechanisms, hinges, latches, and interior trim components.

Suspension System:

Covers front and rear suspension components including coil springs, shock absorbers, control arms, bushings, and wheel bearings. Includes adjustment and replacement procedures.

Steering System:

Details on the power steering system (if equipped), steering gearbox, tie rods, ball joints, and steering column. Includes alignment specifications and procedures.

Electrical System:

Extensive coverage of the electrical system, including battery, charging system (alternator), starting system, lighting circuits, ignition system, dashboard indicators, and wiring diagrams for all major components.

Braking System:

Covers front disc brakes and rear drum brakes (typical configuration), including brake caliper overhaul, brake pad replacement, brake shoe replacement, master cylinder, brake lines, and bleeding procedures. Includes ABS diagnostics if applicable.

HVAC System:

Details on the heating and ventilation system, blower motor, heater core, and air conditioning system (if equipped), including refrigerant handling and component replacement.

Procedures Included:

Routine maintenance, scheduled servicing, troubleshooting, diagnostics, component removal and installation, repair procedures, overhaul instructions, electrical system diagnostics, wiring diagrams, component specifications, and torque values.

Engine Overhaul:

Step-by-step instructions for complete engine disassembly, inspection of internal components (pistons, rings, bearings, valves), cylinder head reconditioning, and reassembly with correct torque specifications.

Transmission Rebuild:

Comprehensive guides for both manual and automatic transmissions, covering clutch replacement, synchronizer inspection, gear replacement, seal replacement, and valve body diagnostics for automatics.

Diagnostic Trouble Codes DTC:

While OBD-I or OBD-II might be rudimentary or non-existent on earlier models, the manual provides methods for reading fault codes, often through specific diagnostic connectors or by observing engine behavior and indicator lights.

Technical Depth:

Comprehensive; covers everything from basic fluid changes and inspections to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, advanced electrical troubleshooting, and body repair.

Wiring Diagrams:

Detailed, high-quality wiring diagrams for all electrical systems, color-coded for ease of identification, crucial for troubleshooting electrical faults.

Torque Specifications:

Essential torque values for all critical fasteners throughout the vehicle, from engine components to suspension and brake hardware.

Component Tolerances:

Precise measurement tolerances for internal engine components, bearing clearances, and other critical wear parts, vital for accurate rebuilds.

📊 Manual Specifications

Print Quality:

Full Printable

Binding Type:

Digital (PDF)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital format, printable pages)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Family:

Daihatsu HD Series

Engine Code Examples:

HD-C, HD-E (Common variants based on market and specific model year)

Displacement:

1.6 Liter (1589 cc)

Configuration:

Inline-4 Cylinder

Aspiration:

Naturally Aspirated

Horsepower Range:

Approximately 85-95 PS (metric horsepower) depending on specific engine tune and market regulations.

Torque Range:

Approximately 125-135 Nm (Newton-meters) depending on specific engine tune.

Fuel Delivery:

Fuel Injection (EFI - Electronic Fuel Injection) for most models from the late 1980s onwards, replacing earlier carburetor systems.

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline

Ignition System:

Electronic Ignition (Distributor-based in earlier models, Coil-on-Plug or distributorless in later iterations where applicable).

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

5-Speed Manual Transmission

Optional Transmission:

4-Speed Automatic Transmission (Availability varied by market and trim level).

Drivetrain Type:

Selectable Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) with part-time engagement. Typically features a transfer case with 2H, 4H, and 4L (low-range) gears.

Transfer Case:

Manual engagement lever for 2WD/4WD selection and low range.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approximately 3700-3900 mm (depending on body style: Hardtop, Soft Top, etc.)

Width:

Approximately 1550-1650 mm

Height:

Approximately 1650-1750 mm

Wheelbase:

Approximately 2000-2100 mm

Curb Weight:

Approximately 1000-1200 kg

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:

Typically around 1600-1700 kg

Cargo Volume:

Limited due to compact size, varies by body style (Hardtop offers more secure storage than soft top).

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Ratings:

Generally limited or non-existent by modern standards, as crash testing regulations were less stringent during its initial production years. Specific regional ratings may exist but are not widely publicized.

Active Safety Features:

Primarily mechanical: 4WD system for enhanced traction on slippery surfaces, basic ABS on some later models in certain markets.

Passive Safety Features:

Seat belts, basic interior padding. Frame construction offered some inherent rigidity.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Basic for its era; typically a factory-installed radio with AM/FM and cassette player. Features like CD players or advanced audio systems were rare and market-dependent.

Driver Assistance Features:

Minimal. Primarily focused on mechanical functionality rather than electronic aids. Features like ABS were optional and not universally equipped.

Connectivity:

None. No provisions for Bluetooth, USB, or smartphone integration. Connectivity was limited to basic electrical systems.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 5,000-7,500 km or 6 months, whichever comes first. Refer to manual for precise interval based on driving conditions.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Recommended every 30,000-40,000 km. Manual will specify exact type and gap.

Timing Belt Replacement:

Crucial component; typically recommended every 80,000-100,000 km or 5-7 years. Failure can cause severe engine damage.

Engine Oil Type:

API SG or higher, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 recommended for most climates. Manual will specify precise viscosity and API rating.

Coolant Type:

Ethylene glycol-based coolant, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Manual will specify approved types and capacity.

Transmission Fluid Manual:

API GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90. Manual will specify exact type and capacity.

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

Dexron II or equivalent. Manual will specify exact type and capacity.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid. Manual will specify precise type.

Known Issues:

Rust and corrosion (especially on the chassis and body panels), potential issues with the transfer case linkage, starter motor reliability, and aging suspension components. Water ingress into electrical connectors can also be a concern.

Troubleshooting Guide:

The manual provides detailed diagnostic procedures for common issues, including starting problems, engine performance issues, transmission faults, brake issues, and electrical system malfunctions, often with symptom-based troubleshooting trees.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Daihatsu, a subsidiary of Toyota, has a long history of producing small, reliable, and often quirky vehicles, with a strong focus on compact cars and SUVs.

Model Evolution:

The Feroza/Rocky succeeded the Daihatsu Taft and was a direct competitor in the growing mini-SUV market. It was produced globally under various names, including Feroza, Rocky, and Rugger, with minor variations. It was eventually replaced by the Daihatsu Terios in many markets.

Production Years:

1984-2002 (global production timeline for the F300 platform, with this manual covering 1987-1998).

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily Japan, with potential assembly in other countries depending on market.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions:

The Feroza/Rocky generally received positive reviews for its off-road capability and durability within its segment, though specific awards were less common than for larger, mainstream SUVs.