Vehicle Segment:
Compact/Small Family Car
Target Audience For Manual:
Ford Laser KJ owners, independent repair shops, automotive technicians, DIY enthusiasts.
Competitors Of Vehicle:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Nissan Pulsar, Mazda 323 (Familia), Mitsubishi Lancer.
Manual Key Selling Points:
Comprehensive coverage, detailed diagrams, step-by-step procedures, troubleshooting guides, maintenance schedules, electrical schematics, direct factory information.
Regions Covered:
Global (primarily for markets where the Ford Laser KJ was sold)
Trim Levels Covered:
All available trim levels for the KJ generation
Estimated Page Count:
Approximately 500-800 pages (typical for comprehensive factory service manuals)
Type:
Factory Service Repair Manual / Workshop Manual
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, lubrication system, exhaust system, engine control systems (ECU/ECM), transmission (manual and automatic), clutch, drivetrain components (driveshafts, axles).
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, brakes (front and rear, hydraulic, ABS if applicable), wheels and tires.
Electrical:
Starting system, charging system, lighting system, ignition, instrumentation, audio system, power accessories (windows, mirrors, locks), body control modules, fuse box diagrams, wiring harnesses, diagnostic connectors.
Body:
Body construction, exterior panels, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, interior trim, seats, HVAC system (heating, ventilation, air conditioning).
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, belt and hose inspections, brake inspections, tire rotations.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides for common symptoms, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), electrical system diagnostics, mechanical component testing.
Repair:
Detailed step-by-step repair procedures for all major vehicle systems, including engine overhaul, transmission overhaul, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement, electrical component repair.
Technical Information:
Torque specifications, clearances, timing procedures, diagnostic procedures, wiring diagrams, exploded views of components.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical system diagnosis and repair.
Engine Codes:
B3 (1.3L), BP (1.8L) - shared Mazda/Ford engines.
Displacement 1.3L:
1296 cc
Displacement 1.8L:
1839 cc
Horsepower 1.3L:
Approx. 62-75 HP (depending on tuning and market)
Torque 1.3L:
Approx. 95-105 Nm (depending on tuning and market)
Horsepower 1.8L:
Approx. 90-115 HP (depending on tuning and market)
Torque 1.8L:
Approx. 140-160 Nm (depending on tuning and market)
Induction Type:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI) or Carburetor (for some base models in certain markets).
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Transmission Type Standard:
5-speed Manual Transmission
Transmission Type Optional:
4-speed Automatic Transmission
Transmission Fluid Spec Manual:
API GL-4 (e.g., Mazda GL-4 75W-90 or equivalent)
Transmission Fluid Spec Automatic:
Dexron III or Mercon equivalent.
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2500 mm (dependent on body style)
Length:
Approx. 4190 mm (dependent on body style)
Height:
Approx. 1400 mm (sedan), Approx. 1420 mm (hatchback)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1050-1150 kg (depending on engine and body style)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 1500-1600 kg (typical for segment)
Crash Test Ratings:
N/A (Historical data may vary by region and testing agency; not widely tested by modern standards)
Active Safety Features:
Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on some higher trims.
Passive Safety Features:
Seat belts (front and rear), optional driver's airbag (market dependent), reinforced safety cage construction.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000-10,000 km or 6-12 months, whichever comes first (refer to manual for specifics).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 km or as needed based on operating conditions.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000-60,000 km (depending on spark plug type: copper vs. platinum/iridium).
Engine Oil Spec:
API SJ or SL, SAE 10W-30 or 5W-30 (depending on climate and manufacturer recommendation; check owner's manual).
Coolant Spec:
Ethylene glycol based antifreeze, typically a green or blue type. Capacity: Approx. 5.5 - 6.0 Liters.
Brake Fluid Spec:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (check cap or manual). Capacity: Approx. 0.7 - 1.0 Liters.
Common Wear Items:
Suspension bushings, ball joints, tie rod ends, clutch wear (manual transmission), oxygen sensors, ignition coils (if applicable).
Potential Electrical Issues:
Corrosion in wiring connectors, aging capacitors in ECUs, power window motor failures.
Engine Specific Issues:
Oil leaks from seals (e.g., crank seals, valve cover gasket), potential head gasket issues if severely overheated.
Ford Brand Focus:
Ford's global strategy involved badge engineering and platform sharing with Mazda during this era, particularly in Asian and Australian markets.
Laser Model Lineage:
The Ford Laser was a rebadged version of the Mazda Familia/323. The KJ generation was based on the Mazda BJ platform. It succeeded the KF Laser and was replaced by the subsequent Lazer models.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily manufactured in Australia and Japan (via Mazda).
