Historical Segment:
Compact car, popular in Europe and other global markets
Key Competitors:
Ford Escort, Volkswagen Golf, Fiat Ritmo, Renault 9/11
Design Philosophy:
Practicality, fuel efficiency, and affordability, often with sporty variants available
Target Audience:
Families, young drivers, budget-conscious buyers
Primary Coverage:
Service and Repair
Secondary Coverage:
Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Diagnostics
Estimated Pages:
300-800+ (depending on specific generation and edition)
Type:
Workshop Manual / Service Repair Manual
Language:
English (common, but may exist in other languages)
Format:
Digital (PDF), Print
Engine Systems:
Engine overhaul, fuel injection/carburetor, ignition, cooling, lubrication, emissions control, engine management systems
Transmission Systems:
Manual and Automatic transmission overhaul, clutch, driveshafts, differentials
Brake Systems:
Hydraulic system, disc and drum brakes, ABS (if equipped), parking brake
Suspension Steering:
Front and rear suspension components, steering rack/box, power steering
Electrical Systems:
Wiring diagrams, lighting, starting and charging system, instrumentation, body electronics, ECU diagnostics
Body Chassis:
Body panel removal/installation, interior trim, doors, windows, body structural repairs
Maintenance Procedures:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, belt adjustments, spark plug replacement
Diagnostic Procedures:
Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnosis, fault code interpretation (OBD-I/II if applicable)
Repair Procedures:
Component removal, disassembly, reassembly, and installation instructions with torque specifications
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific repairs
Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds
Digital Quality:
Searchable text, high-resolution images, clear diagrams
Print Readability:
Professional printing with clear illustrations and easy-to-read text
Binding:
Spiral-bound or perfect-bound for ease of use in workshop environments
Paper Quality:
Durable, high-quality paper stock resistant to workshop grease and fluids
Engine Types Covered:
Inline-4 gasoline (e.g., 1.2L, 1.3L, 1.4L, 1.6L, 1.8L, 2.0L), Diesel (later generations)
Power Output Range:
Approximately 55 hp to 130 hp (for GSi models)
Torque Output Range:
Approximately 90 Nm to 180 Nm
Fuel Delivery:
Carburetor (early models), Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) (later models, including multi-point)
Ignition System:
Distributor-based, Electronic Ignition (DIS) on some later models
Common Codes:
Various, e.g., CIH (Cam-in-Head), Family II engines (e.g., C16NZ, C18XE, C20XE)
Transmission Type Standard:
4-speed or 5-speed Manual Transmission
Transmission Type Optional:
3-speed or 4-speed Automatic Transmission
Clutch Type:
Single dry plate clutch
Gear Ratios:
Specific ratios provided per engine and transmission type within the manual
Manual Transmission Fluid:
GL-4 rated gear oil, viscosity typically 75W-80 or 75W-90
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron II or equivalent
Body Styles:
3-door hatchback, 5-door hatchback, 5-door station wagon (Caravan/Tourer), 2-door sedan (sometimes, e.g., Vauxhall Belmont), 2-door convertible (later generations)
Wheelbase Range:
Approx. 2500-2550 mm (depending on generation)
Curb Weight Range:
Approx. 900-1150 kg (depending on body style and engine)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Varies by model, typically around 1400-1600 kg
Historical Safety Standards:
Reflects safety standards of its production era; Euro NCAP not applicable for early models.
Braking System Type:
Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes (standard); some higher trims and later models may have rear discs
ABS Availability:
Optional on some later models (e.g., Kadett E)
Seatbelts:
Standard 3-point front seatbelts, rear seatbelts
Airbags:
Driver airbag became available or standard on later trims/generations
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 7,500 - 15,000 km or 6-12 months (refer to manual for specific engine/oil type)
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 km depending on plug type (copper, platinum)
Timing Belt Replacement:
Critical; typically every 60,000 - 100,000 km or 5-7 years (depending on engine variant, especially for interference engines)
Engine Oil Specification:
API SG/SH or higher, ACEA A2/A3; Viscosity typically 10W-40 or 5W-40 (refer to manual for specific engine and climate)
Coolant Specification:
Ethylene Glycol based, mixed with distilled water (50/50 ratio); e.g., G11 or equivalent
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Power Steering Fluid:
Specific hydraulic fluid or ATF Dexron II/III, check manual
Rust Corrosion:
Common on older models, particularly around wheel arches, sills, and suspension mounts.
Engine Issues:
Carburetor tuning problems, ignition system wear (distributor cap, rotor), oil leaks, exhaust manifold cracks (CIH engines).
Electrical Issues:
Wiring harness degradation, corrosion in connectors, alternator or starter motor failure.
Suspension Wear:
Worn ball joints, tie rod ends, shock absorbers, and bushes due to age and mileage.
Opel History:
Opel, a German automotive manufacturer, has a long history of producing reliable and practical vehicles.
Generations:
Multiple generations, most notably Kadett A (1962-1965), Kadett B (1965-1973), Kadett C (1973-1979), Kadett D (1979-1984), Kadett E (1984-1991)
Kadett E Rebadge:
Kadett E was also sold as the Vauxhall Astra in the UK.
Production Period:
1962-1991
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Germany, but also other European countries and South Africa.
