Segment:
Subcompact/Compact Car
Target Audience:
Budget-conscious consumers, first-time car buyers, economy-minded drivers.
Key Competitors:
Hyundai Accent, Kia Sephia, Ford Escort, Chevrolet Cavalier, Honda Civic (lower trims), Toyota Corolla (lower trims).
Value Proposition:
Affordability, practical design, decent fuel economy, straightforward mechanicals.
Body Styles:
Hatchback (3-door and 5-door), Sedan.
Engine Systems:
Engine mechanical, cooling system, lubrication system, fuel system (injection/carburetion), ignition system, exhaust system, emissions control.
Transmission Systems:
Manual transmission (gearbox, clutch, driveshafts), Automatic transmission (torque converter, valve body, planetary gears, cooling).
Brake Systems:
Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes (or disc if applicable), parking brake, ABS (if equipped).
Suspension Steering:
Front MacPherson struts, rear torsion beam/independent suspension, power steering system, steering rack/box.
Electrical Systems:
Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter motor), lighting system (headlights, taillights, interior), instrument panel, body control module (BCM), wiring diagrams.
Body Chassis:
Body panel repair, interior trim removal/installation, door mechanisms, glass, seals, chassis lubrication.
Maintenance Procedures:
Routine servicing (oil changes, filter replacements, spark plugs), fluid checks and top-offs, brake pad/shoe replacement, tire rotation.
Repair Procedures:
Engine overhaul, transmission overhaul, suspension component replacement, brake system repair, electrical component diagnosis and repair.
Troubleshooting Diagnostics:
Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for common issues, fault code interpretation (if applicable), testing electrical circuits.
Rebuild Refurbish Restore:
Detailed instructions for disassembling, inspecting, repairing, and reassembling major vehicle components.
Diagnostic Tools:
Coverage of standard mechanic's tools, torque wrenches, multimeter, and potentially basic OBD-II scan tool usage (depending on specific ECU capabilities of the 1998 model).
Component Identification:
Detailed diagrams and explanations of all major components and their functions.
Specifications Tolerances:
Precise torque specifications, clearance measurements, and operational tolerances for all mechanical assemblies.
Engine Code And Type:
Ecotec-Family (GM-derived), likely a 1.5L SOHC or DOHC inline-4 gasoline engine (e.g., X15SED).
Displacement:
1.5 Liters (approx. 1498 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
Approx. 77.5 mm x 78.0 mm (typical for this engine family)
Compression Ratio:
Approx. 9.4:1 to 10.0:1 (depending on specific variant)
Horsepower:
Approx. 75-90 HP @ 5400-5600 RPM
Torque:
Approx. 84-95 lb-ft @ 3000-3400 RPM
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane or higher recommended)
ECU Type:
GM ECM (Electronic Control Module) based system
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 5.0 - 6.0 Liters (check manual for precise capacity)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 3.5 - 4.0 Liters (with filter, check manual for precise capacity)
Recommended Oil Viscosity:
SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (API SJ or higher)
Standard Transmission Type:
5-Speed Manual Transmission
Optional Transmission Type:
4-Speed Automatic Transmission
Clutch Type:
Hydraulic Actuated Dry Single Plate Clutch
Transmission Fluid Manual:
Dexron-III ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid) or equivalent for automatic; Manual gearbox oil (GL-4 specification, e.g., 75W-90).
Crash Test Ratings:
Limited data available for 1998 models; typically scored poorly in contemporary independent tests compared to Japanese and European competitors. Refer to specific regional testing bodies (e.g., Euro NCAP if applicable).
ABS Availability:
Optional on some trims/markets.
Traction Control:
Generally not available on 1998 models.
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags standard or optional depending on market and trim level.
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia reel seatbelts for front occupants, lap belts for rear occupants (three-point in rear may be optional or market dependent).
Audio System:
Factory fitted AM/FM radio with CD or cassette player. Speakers typically 2-4.
Dashboard Displays:
Analog gauges for speedometer, tachometer, fuel level, engine temperature; warning lights for critical systems.
Cruise Control:
Optional on higher trim levels.
Aux Usb Ports:
Not available on the 1998 model; aftermarket solutions would be required.
Oil And Filter Change:
Every 5,000 - 7,500 miles (8,000 - 12,000 km) or 6-12 months, whichever comes first.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 - 20,000 miles (24,000 - 32,000 km) or annually.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000 - 50,000 miles (48,000 - 80,000 km), depending on plug type (copper vs. platinum).
Coolant Flush And Replacement:
Every 2-3 years or 30,000 miles (48,000 km).
Timing Belt Replacement:
Crucial: Check if this engine uses a belt or chain. If belt, typically 60,000 - 90,000 miles (96,000 - 144,000 km) or 5-7 years. *This is a critical item covered by the manual.*
Power Steering Fluid:
Dexron-III ATF or specific Daewoo power steering fluid.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 Brake Fluid.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based coolant, mixed 50/50 with distilled water. GM's Dex-Cool (orange) is generally not compatible without flushing.
Common Wear Items:
CV joint boots, exhaust system components, front suspension bushings, brake wear items.
Electrical Gremlins:
Occasional issues with door lock actuators, window regulators, and dashboard warning lights due to age and component quality.
Engine Performance:
Potential for minor oil leaks from valve cover gasket or oil pan gasket over time. Ignition system components (coil packs, plug wires) can wear.
Transmission Reliability:
Automatic transmissions can be sensitive to fluid condition and maintenance. Manual transmissions are generally robust but clutch wear is normal.
Daewoo Automotive Context:
Daewoo Motor Company was a South Korean manufacturer, heavily influenced by GM's platform sharing and engineering assistance. It aimed to compete in global markets with budget-friendly vehicles.
Development Basis:
Developed with significant input and platform sharing from General Motors, notably based on the Opel Astra F platform.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily South Korea; also manufactured under license in other countries (e.g., Poland, Romania, Russia).
Production Years:
1997-2003 (globally, with variations depending on market and rebranding).
