Target Audience:
Austin Metro 1982 owners, DIY mechanics, restoration enthusiasts
Uniqueness:
Official genuine factory service manual, not a third-party equivalent; complete coverage
Content Type:
Hundreds of pages with illustrations, diagrams, specifications, and step-by-step instructions
Usability:
Searchable PDF, printable on demand, easy to use for all skill levels
Manual Origin:
Original factory documentation
Cost Savings:
Enables owners to perform servicing and repairs, potentially saving $50-$60 per hour in labor costs
Powertrain:
Engine Service/Repair, Transmission Service/Repair, Differential/Drive, Axle
Chassis And Suspension:
Brake System, Suspension, Steering, Chassis/Body
Electrical And Engine Management:
Wiring Diagram, Electrical System, Engine Control System, Fuel Injection/Fuel System
Comfort And Safety:
Cooling System, Emission System, Heater/Air Conditioner, Restraint System, Interior
Fuel System Details:
Fuel pump, fuel filter, carburettor overhaul and adjustment, fuel lines, fuel tank.
Cooling System Details:
Radiator, water pump, thermostat, hoses, fan operation, heater matrix.
Maintenance:
General Maintenance, Periodic Lubrication
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting, Advanced Troubleshooting Guide
Repair:
Step-by-step repair procedures for all covered systems, Rebuild procedures
Engine Rebuild:
Engine disassembly, inspection, component replacement (pistons, rings, bearings, valves), reassembly, timing adjustment.
Transmission Overhaul:
Gearbox disassembly, synchromesh inspection and replacement, bearing checks, clutch adjustment and replacement.
Electrical Troubleshooting:
Fuse box diagnostics, wiring harness inspection, starter motor, alternator, ignition system testing, lighting circuit diagnosis.
Depth:
Comprehensive factory-level detail for professional technicians and experienced DIY enthusiasts
Diagrams:
Detailed wiring diagrams, exploded views of mechanical components.
Specifications:
Torque values, clearances, tolerances, fluid capacities, electrical resistance values.
Engine Family:
A-Series (variations likely)
Displacement Options:
Likely 998cc and 1275cc variants
Horsepower Range:
Typical 998cc: ~34-40 bhp; 1275cc: ~50-55 bhp (exact figures vary by tune and model)
Torque Range:
Typical 998cc: ~50-55 lb-ft; 1275cc: ~65-70 lb-ft (exact figures vary)
Fuel Delivery:
Carburetor (likely SU or Weber) for most models, potential for early fuel injection on some variants
Ignition System:
Distributor-based, contact breaker or electronic ignition depending on specific build
Emission Controls:
Lean burn carburetion, PCV system, potentially EGR depending on market specification.
Length:
Approx. 3380 mm (133.1 in)
Width:
Approx. 1570 mm (61.8 in)
Height:
Approx. 1350 mm (53.1 in)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2090 mm (82.3 in)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 700-800 kg (1540-1760 lbs) depending on engine and equipment
Gross Vehicle Weight:
Typically around 1200 kg (2645 lbs)
Crash Test History:
Limited official safety ratings available for this era, generally reflects standards of the time.
Braking System:
Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes
Seatbelts:
Standard lap and sash seatbelts (front), lap belts (rear)
Body Structure:
Monocoque construction with integrated safety cage, deformable front and rear sections.
Oil Change:
Every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first.
Tune Up:
Recommended every 12,000 miles or 12 months for spark plugs, points, and condenser (if applicable).
Timing Belt:
N/A (A-Series engines typically use a timing chain)
Engine Oil:
API SF/CC or SG/CD, SAE 20W-50 or 10W-40 (depending on climate). Capacity approx. 3.5 liters.
Coolant:
50/50 mix of ethylene glycol antifreeze and distilled water. Capacity approx. 5.5 liters.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 glycol-based brake fluid
Gearbox Oil Capacity:
Approx. 1.7 liters (3.0 Imperial pints)
Common Problems:
Rust (wheel arches, sills, door bottoms), Hydrolastic/Hydragas suspension issues (leaks, loss of pressure), carburettor tuning difficulties, minor electrical gremlins.
Engine Specific:
Oil leaks from seals and gaskets, potential for worn camshafts on high-mileage engines.
Manufacturer:
British Leyland / Austin Rover Group
Platform:
Designed to replace the Mini, based on the ADO81 project.
Key Innovations:
Hydrolastic suspension (later replaced by Hydragas on some models), front-wheel drive transverse engine layout.
Production Years:
1980–1990 (for the first generation)
Manufacturing Locations:
Longbridge, Birmingham, UK
Significance:
One of Britain's best-selling cars of the 1980s, aimed at the supermini segment.
