Segment:
Compact family car / Executive car
Era:
Pioneered the European 'hatchback revolution' of the 1980s.
Key Competitors:
Volkswagen Golf Mk2, Opel/Vauxhall Astra, Fiat Tipo, Peugeot 309, Renault 9/11.
Design:
Aerodynamic styling, advanced independent rear suspension (IRS) on some models, spacious interior for its class.
Powertrain:
Reliable and relatively economical OHC Pinto four-cylinder petrol engines, available in various displacements.
Driving Dynamics:
Known for its balanced chassis and engaging handling, especially compared to contemporaries.
Engine Management:
Ignition system, fuel injection (Bosch LE2-Jetronic, Weber-Tandem), emission control systems, engine diagnostics, component testing.
Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly/disassembly, cylinder head, pistons, crankshaft, camshaft, valve train, lubrication system, cooling system, timing belt replacement.
Transmission:
Manual transmission (Type 9, MTX-75 variants), clutch system, gearbox overhaul, gear shift linkage.
Drivetrain:
Rear-wheel drive system, driveshafts, rear axle assembly, differential.
Brakes:
Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes, hydraulic system, parking brake, ABS (where fitted on later models/variants).
Suspension:
Front independent suspension (MacPherson struts), rear live axle with Watt's linkage, shock absorbers, springs, bushings.
Steering:
Rack and pinion steering, power steering system (where fitted).
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, lighting system, starting and charging system (alternator, starter motor), fuses, relays, battery.
Body And Interior:
Body panel removal/installation, door mechanisms, interior trim, seats, HVAC system (heating, ventilation, air conditioning).
Maintenance Procedures:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, coolant flushes, brake fluid changes, timing belt inspection/replacement, tune-up procedures.
Repair Procedures:
Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, brake caliper overhaul, suspension component replacement, electrical component diagnosis and repair, bodywork repair.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts for common drivability issues, electrical faults, starting problems, and performance anomalies.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic owner maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed torque specifications and diagnostic procedures.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 6,000 - 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (depending on driving conditions and oil used).
Service Intervals Filters
Oil Filter Replacement:
Replace with every oil change.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 12,000 - 24,000 miles or as needed.
Fuel Filter Replacement:
Every 12,000 - 24,000 miles or as needed (critical for EFI systems).
Service Intervals Spark Plugs
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles (depending on plug type).
Service Intervals Timing Belt
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 40,000 - 60,000 miles or 4-5 years (critical, failure causes catastrophic engine damage).
Fluid Specifications Engine Oil
Engine Oil Specification:
API SF or SG, SAE 10W-40 or 10W-30 (check manual for specific grade and capacity).
Fluid Specifications Coolant
Coolant Specification:
Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze/coolant. Ford specification: ESE-M97B44-A or equivalent. Capacity approx. 5-6 Liters.
Fluid Specifications Brake Fluid
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Fluid Specifications Transmission Oil Manual
Manual Transmission Fluid Spec:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 (Check manual for Type 9 specifics).
Fluid Specifications Transmission Oil Auto
Automatic Transmission Fluid Spec:
Ford ESP-M2C138-CJ or MERCON compatible fluid.
Fluid Specifications Rear Axle
Rear Axle Fluid Spec:
API GL-5, SAE 80W-90 (if limited slip differential, consult manual).
Common Problems Rust:
Prone to rust in wheel arches, sills, and around the rear window seal.
Common Problems Cvh Engine:
CVH engines can suffer from worn valve stem seals (blue smoke on startup), ignition coil failures, and thermostat issues.
Common Problems Efi:
Early EFI systems can be sensitive; issues with air flow meters, idle control valves, and fuel pumps are not uncommon.
Common Problems Suspension:
Worn front suspension bushings, ball joints, and rear axle bushes.
Common Problems Exhaust:
Corrosion of exhaust components, particularly manifolds and silencers.
Oil Filter Part Number Example:
Ford: 1357334, Mann-Filter: W719/26, Mahle: OC26, Bosch: 0986452040 (examples, always verify for specific engine).
Air Filter Part Number Example:
Ford: 6131532, Mann-Filter: C1541, Mahle: LX491 (examples, always verify for specific engine).
Spark Plug Part Number Example:
NGK: BPR5ES, Champion: RN9YC4 (examples, always verify for specific engine and ignition system).
Ford European Strategy:
Successor to the Ford Taunus/Cortina. Designed to be a modern, aerodynamic, and globally competitive vehicle.
Facelift:
Significant facelift in 1986 (Mk2 Sierra) with improved aerodynamics, interior, and mechanical updates, including new engines.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Germany (Cologne), Belgium (Genk), UK (Dagenham), South Africa, Taiwan, Argentina.
Production End Year:
1993 (in Europe)
