Target Audience:
Do-it-yourselfer and experienced mechanic alike, aiming for cost-effective vehicle maintenance and repair.
Cost Savings:
Enables owners to fix problems in the cheapest way possible by providing the necessary knowledge.
Content Scope:
Highly detailed, comprehensive, covering everything to repair, maintain, rebuild, refurbish, or restore the vehicle.
Knowledge Gain:
Aims to increase owner's understanding of their vehicle and preventative maintenance over time.
Applicable Years:
1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996
Covered Regions:
Global (as models were sold internationally)
Estimated Pages:
Likely several hundred to over a thousand pages, typical for a comprehensive service manual (actual count not specified in product info but implied by depth).
Type:
Service Repair Manual
Engine:
Detailed repair, overhaul, and diagnostic procedures for engine components, including timing, valve adjustments, piston/ring replacement, crankshaft and camshaft service.
Fuel System:
Inclusion of fuel injection systems, carburetion (if applicable to specific engines within the range), fuel pump, lines, filter service, and diagnostic procedures.
Cooling System:
Radiator, water pump, thermostat, cooling fan, hoses, and coolant specifications/flushes.
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, component testing (alternator, starter, battery), lighting systems, ignition system diagnostics, and fuse/relay identification.
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, braking system (including ABS if equipped), driveline, axles, and wheel bearings.
Emission Control Information:
Details on emissions control devices, diagnostic procedures related to emissions, and potentially catalyst information.
Maintenance:
Comprehensive periodic maintenance schedules, fluid changes (oil, coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid), filter replacements, and lubrication points.
Repair:
Step-by-step instructions for a wide range of repairs, from minor component replacement to major overhauls.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts and procedures for identifying and rectifying common and uncommon vehicle issues.
Rebuild Refurbish Restore:
Guidance for rebuilding major components like engines, transmissions, and differentials.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering basic to advanced repair and maintenance procedures suitable for DIY enthusiasts and professional mechanics.
Common Engines:
Primarily 1.6L G16A and 1.8L G18K 4-cylinder gasoline engines. Some markets may have had diesel variants.
Horsepower Range:
Approximately 75-80 HP for the 1.6L and 95-100 HP for the 1.8L (varies slightly by year and tuning).
Torque Range:
Around 85-90 lb-ft for the 1.6L and 100-110 lb-ft for the 1.8L (varies slightly).
Injection Type:
Primarily multi-point fuel injection (MPI) for later models, with earlier models potentially featuring electronic fuel injection (EFI) or carburetion depending on market and specific engine code.
Drive Type:
Timing belt driven (critical for maintenance and replacement schedules).
Transmission Type:
Typically a 5-speed manual transmission (M50, M52) was standard on many models.
Optional Transmission:
A 3-speed or 4-speed automatic transmission was available as an option.
Drivetrain:
Available in 2WD and 4WD configurations. 4WD typically featured a selectable transfer case with 2H, 4H, and 4L modes.
Body Styles:
2-door convertible (soft-top and hard-top) and 4-door SUV/wagon.
Wheelbase:
Approx. 86.6 inches (2,200 mm) for 2-door models; Approx. 97.6 inches (2,480 mm) for 4-door models.
Curb Weight:
Varies by configuration, typically ranging from 2,200 lbs to 2,700 lbs (approx. 1,000 kg to 1,225 kg).
Crash Test Performance:
As an older vehicle, specific NHTSA/IIHS ratings for all years and configurations may be limited. Early models did not have the advanced safety features of modern vehicles.
Braking System:
Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes. ABS was an option on later models or higher trim levels.
Airbags:
Driver-side airbag became standard on many models towards the later part of the production run.
Audio System:
Basic AM/FM radio with cassette player. Optional CD player on higher trims/later years. Speaker configurations were typically 2 or 4.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was optional on some models and became more common in later years, often limited to rear-wheel ABS on earlier systems.
Early Features:
Limited by era; no modern connectivity like Bluetooth or USB. Basic power windows and locks were available on higher trims.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used. Refer to manual for exact spec.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Crucial interval, often around 60,000 miles or 5 years. Failure can cause catastrophic engine damage. Manual will specify exact interval.
Engine Oil:
Likely 5W-30 or 10W-30, depending on climate. Manual will confirm API service classification and specific viscosity.
Coolant:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Manual will specify type (e.g., green universal or specific OEM formulation).
Transmission Fluid Manual:
GL-4 gear oil for manual transmissions (e.g., 75W-90). Manual will confirm spec and capacity.
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Dexron-III or equivalent for automatic transmissions. Manual will confirm spec and capacity.
Common Complaints:
Rattling noise from timing chain tensioner (on some engines), differential pinion seal leaks, potential rust in unibody structure, catalytic converter issues, electrical gremlins in older units.
Maintenance Focus:
Regular timing belt replacement is paramount. Checking and topping up all fluids, and addressing any signs of rust early.
Suzuki Offroad:
Suzuki has a long history of producing capable and lightweight off-road vehicles, a lineage continued with the Sidekick.
Generation Overview:
This manual covers the first generation (1986-1998 globally, with this manual focusing on the earlier segment). Key updates occurred throughout the years, including engine upgrades and styling changes.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily manufactured in Japan (Suzuki) and also assembled in other locations through joint ventures, including Canada for the Geo Tracker.
Rebadging:
The Geo Tracker was a rebadged version of the Suzuki Sidekick for the North American market via a joint venture between Suzuki and General Motors.
