Segment:
Compact sporty coupe, premium European offering.
Key Competitors:
Toyota MR2, Nissan 300ZX, Mazda RX-7, Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro.
Design Philosophy:
Unique styling, advanced aerodynamics (active rear spoiler), sophisticated chassis.
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides the in-depth knowledge required to maintain and repair this enthusiast-focused vehicle, preserving its unique character.
General Coverage:
Comprehensive factory service repair for the 1990 Volkswagen Corrado.
Specific Systems:
Engine, Drivetrain, Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Electrical System, Bodywork, Climate Control, Fuel System, Cooling System, Exhaust System, Interior Components.
Estimated Pages:
Over 1000 pages (typical for a complete factory service manual of this era)
Type:
Factory Service Repair Manual (FSM)
Format:
Likely digitized PDF or physical bound manual
Engine Management:
Detailed diagnostics and repair procedures for the engine control unit (ECU), sensors, actuators, and ignition system.
Fuel And Emission:
Fuel injection system (Digifant), fuel pump, injectors, evaporative emission control (EVAP).
Drivetrain:
Manual and automatic transmission service, clutch operation, drive shafts, differentials.
Suspension And Steering:
Front and rear suspension component replacement, alignment procedures, power steering system.
Brakes:
ABS system, brake caliper servicing, rotor replacement, brake fluid bleeding, parking brake.
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, component testing, fuse box layout, lighting, starter, alternator, battery.
Body And Interior:
Body panel repair, door mechanisms, window regulators, seat removal, dashboard disassembly.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance tasks, fluid changes, filter replacements, spark plug service.
Repair And Overhaul:
Complete disassembly, assembly, and repair procedures for all major vehicle components.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts and symptom-based troubleshooting guides for common issues.
Diagnostics:
Procedures for using diagnostic tools, reading fault codes (OBD-I in this era).
Installation And Removal:
Step-by-step instructions for removing and installing all major components.
Depth Level:
Expert-level, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts.
Diagnostic Focus:
Detailed electrical schematics and component testing resistance/voltage values.
Digital Format:
PDF (Searchable text is highly desirable)
Print Quality Digital:
High-resolution scans ensuring clarity of diagrams and text.
Binding Physical:
Spiral-bound or hardcover (for physical versions) for ease of use during repairs.
Paper Type Physical:
Durable paper stock resistant to grease and workshop conditions.
Engine Code And Type:
9A (2.0L 16V DOHC Inline-4)
Displacement:
1984 cc (2.0 Liters)
Horsepower:
139 hp (102 kW) @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
131 lb-ft (178 Nm) @ 4000 rpm
Fuel Injection:
Bosch Digifant electronic fuel injection
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (Octane rating typically 91+)
Compression Ratio:
10.4:1
Bore X Stroke:
82.5 mm x 92.8 mm
Valve Train:
DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Transmission Type Standard:
5-speed Manual Transaxle (02A/02G)
Transmission Type Optional:
4-speed Automatic Transaxle (096)
Drive Layout:
Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)
Gear Ratios Manual:
Specific ratios provided in manual, typical for sport coupe application.
Transmission Fluid Spec Manual:
G 052 171 A2 or equivalent (VW TL 726-X)
Transmission Fluid Spec Auto:
G 052 990 A2 (ATF) or equivalent (VW TL 521 62)
Crash Test Data:
Limited official crash test data for this specific era and model available from primary sources, but designed to European safety standards of the time.
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Traction control was not commonly available in 1990 for this model.
Airbags:
Driver's airbag was optional or standard depending on market. Passenger airbag not typically fitted.
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia reel seatbelts front and rear.
Body Structure:
Reinforced safety cell, crumple zones.
Audio System:
Factory radio/cassette player, potential for aftermarket upgrades.
Active Spoiler:
Speed-sensitive automatically deploying rear spoiler for improved aerodynamics.
Cruise Control:
Available as an option or standard on some trims.
Connectivity Features:
None by modern standards; primarily focused on mechanical and basic electrical systems.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 5,000-7,500 miles or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Recommended replacement every 60,000-80,000 miles or 5-7 years for the 16V engine.
Engine Oil Spec:
VW 500 00 or 502 00 (e.g., 5W-40, 10W-40 synthetic recommended)
Coolant Spec:
G 11 (blue) coolant or equivalent (50/50 mix with distilled water)
Brake Fluid Spec:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Common Electrical:
Window regulators, central locking, interior lighting, headlight motors (for pop-up mechanism).
Common Engine:
Oil leaks, aging vacuum lines, fuel pump issues, ignition module failure.
Common Suspension:
Worn control arm bushings, ball joints, strut mounts.
Common Interior:
Dashboard cracks, worn seat bolsters, headliner sag.
Volkswagen Legacy:
Volkswagen's reputation for engineering, reliability, and quality across a range of vehicles.
Corrado Development:
Developed as a successor to the Scirocco, built on the Golf Mk2 platform but with significant chassis and styling refinements.
Production Years:
1988-1995
Manufacturing Location:
Emden, Germany
Market Impact:
Praised for its handling and styling, but faced challenges with reliability and perceived value compared to some Japanese competitors.
Automotive Press Acclaim:
Often praised by automotive journalists for its distinctive styling and engaging driving dynamics upon release.
Consumer Ratings Era:
Mixed, with strengths in performance and design, but occasional concerns about build quality and electrical reliability in some reviews.
Emissions Compliance:
Designed to meet emissions standards of the target markets for 1990 (e.g., EPA in the US, EU regulations).
