🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Isuzu

Model:

Impulse

Year:

1990

Generation Code:

JT

Chassis Code:

JT221F

👋 Introduction

Market Segment:

Compact Sports Coupe / Performance Car

Key Competitors 1990:

Toyota Celica, Nissan 240SX, Mitsubishi Eclipse, Ford Probe

Unique Selling Points Of Manual:

Officially licensed OE materials, instant online access, PC/laptop/smartphone/tablet compatibility, year-long subscription, cost-effective compared to printed manuals or shop labor.

Unique Selling Points Of Vehicle:

Stylized Italian design (Giotto Giugiaro), available all-wheel drive (AWD) on certain trims, performance-oriented drivetrain options, independent rear suspension.

📋 Manual Details

Main Coverage:

Complete Service and Repair

Specific Systems Covered:

Engine Mechanical, Fuel System, Ignition System, Cooling System, Exhaust System, Drivetrain (Front Wheel Drive), Transmission (Manual & Automatic), Steering System, Suspension System (Front & Rear), Brake System (Front Disc, Rear Disc), Electrical System, HVAC System, Body and Chassis, Interior Trim, Diagnostic Procedures

Estimated Page Count:

1000+

Manual Type:

Software Service & Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital Software (Online Access with Year Subscription)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Detailed overhaul procedures, component specifications, timing belt/chain replacement, cylinder head service, piston and connecting rod installation, crankshaft service.

Fuel System:

Fuel injection system diagnostics, component testing (injectors, fuel pump, pressure regulator), fuel filter replacement, fuel tank service.

Ignition System:

Ignition coil testing, spark plug specifications and replacement, distributor service (if applicable), ignition timing adjustments, ECU diagnostics related to ignition.

Cooling System:

Radiator service, coolant specifications and flushing procedures, thermostat replacement, water pump diagnosis and replacement, fan clutch/electric fan operation.

Drivetrain:

Front wheel drive axle boot replacement, CV joint service, differential inspection and service (for FWD transaxle).

Transmission Manual:

Clutch inspection and replacement, transmission fluid specifications and change intervals, gear shifting mechanism troubleshooting, internal transmission repair procedures.

Transmission Automatic:

Automatic transmission fluid type and capacity, fluid and filter change procedures, torque converter service, common diagnostic codes and troubleshooting for automatic transmissions.

Steering System:

Power steering fluid type, pump and rack diagnosis, tie rod end replacement, steering column service, alignment specifications.

Suspension System:

Front and rear shock absorber/strut replacement, ball joint inspection and replacement, control arm service, spring replacement, wheel bearing service, alignment angles.

Brake System:

Front and rear brake pad and rotor replacement, brake caliper service, brake fluid type and bleeding procedures, parking brake adjustment, ABS system diagnostics (if equipped).

Electrical System:

Wiring diagrams for all circuits, fuse and relay identification and testing, starter and alternator service, battery specifications, lighting system repair, horn and wiper system service, dashboard warning lights troubleshooting.

HVAC System:

Air conditioning system refrigerant type, evacuation and recharge procedures, compressor clutch testing, heater core replacement, blower motor service, cabin air filter replacement (if applicable).

Body Chassis:

Door panel removal, interior trim piece replacement, bumper removal and installation, hood and trunk latch mechanisms, window regulator service, panel alignment procedures.

Maintenance Procedures:

Regularly scheduled maintenance, fluid level checks and top-offs, filter replacements (oil, air, fuel), spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement, tire rotation and pressure checks.

Troubleshooting Guides:

Systematic diagnostic flowcharts for common drivability issues, electrical faults, and mechanical problems. Includes symptom-based troubleshooting.

Repair Procedures:

Step-by-step instructions with torque specifications, special tool requirements, and exploded views for component removal and installation across all major vehicle systems.

Diagnostic Procedures:

Methods for checking engine codes, sensor data interpretation, actuator testing, and electrical circuit diagnosis using multimeters and specialized tools.

Depth Of Coverage:

Comprehensive, from basic preventative maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds. Includes detailed specifications, diagrams, and troubleshooting.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

Web-based software accessible via browser.

Print Quality:

N/A (Digital Format)

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

4ZC1-T (Turbocharged)

Engine Type:

Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16-valve, Turbocharged

Displacement:

1.8 Liters (1809 cc)

Horsepower:

130 hp @ 6000 rpm (approx.)

Torque:

137 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm (approx.)

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)

Recommended Fuel:

87 Octane Unleaded Gasoline (Check manual for specific octane)

Timing Belt Replacement Interval:

60,000 miles or 5 years (Refer to manual for exact interval)

Oil Capacity With Filter:

4.2 Quarts (4.0 Liters) - Refer to manual for exact capacity

Recommended Engine Oil:

API SG/SH SAE 10W-30 (Refer to manual for specific viscosity and certifications)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-Speed Manual

Transmission Type:

4-Speed Automatic

AWD Availability:

Available on specific trims (e.g., Turbo AWD)

Manual Transmission Fluid Type:

API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 (Refer to manual for exact specification)

Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:

Dexron II or equivalent (Refer to manual for exact specification)

Transmission Fluid Capacity Manual:

Approx. 2.0 Quarts (1.9 Liters) - Refer to manual

Transmission Fluid Capacity Automatic:

Approx. 7.0 Quarts (6.6 Liters) - Refer to manual

📐 Dimensions

Length:

167.7 inches (4259 mm)

Width:

66.1 inches (1679 mm)

Height:

50.4 inches (1280 mm)

Wheelbase:

97.2 inches (2469 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 2,600 - 2,850 lbs (1180 - 1293 kg) - Varies by trim and drivetrain

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Ratings:

N/A for this model year (NHTSA ratings were less standardized/publicly available in 1990)

Active Safety Features:

Front Disc Brakes, Rear Disc Brakes, Available Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on some trims.

Passive Safety Features:

Seat belts (driver and passenger), Collapsible steering column, Reinforced body structure.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM Stereo Cassette Player, optional CD player (rare), speaker configurations.

Driver Assistance Features:

ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) available on some models.

Connectivity Features:

None (Pre-dating modern connectivity standards)

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000 - 5,000 miles or 6 months (Refer to manual)

Air Filter Replacement Interval:

Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles or 1-2 years (Refer to manual)

Fuel Filter Replacement Interval:

Every 30,000 - 50,000 miles (Refer to manual)

Spark Plug Replacement Interval:

Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (depending on plug type, refer to manual)

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 (Refer to manual for specific type and replacement interval)

Coolant Type:

Ethylene Glycol based, Green (50/50 mix with distilled water) - Refer to manual for specific type and capacity

Common Wear Items:

CV joint boots, suspension bushings, clutch wear (manual transmission), engine mounts, turbocharger seals (on turbo models).

Electrical Gremlins:

As with many cars of this era, aging wiring harnesses, grounds, and switches can lead to intermittent electrical issues; the manual is crucial for diagnosing these.

📚 Vehicle History

Isuzu Brand Focus:

Known for robust diesel engines and reliable trucks, also ventured into passenger cars with unique designs.

Impulse First Generation:

Introduced in 1984, this 1990 model represents the second generation of the Impulse, featuring updated styling and improved performance, often sharing platforms or components with GM vehicles (Geo Storm in North America).

Manufacturing Location:

Japan

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Automotive Awards:

While specific awards for the 1990 model are not widely publicized, the Impulse was generally well-regarded for its styling and sporty driving dynamics in its segment.