Market Positioning:
A practical, affordable family car from a Polish manufacturer, designed for durability and ease of maintenance in its home market and Eastern Bloc countries.
Competitive Landscape 1978:
Competed with other Eastern Bloc vehicles and to a lesser extent, some Western European compact/mid-size offerings in export markets. Known for its robust, if somewhat utilitarian, design.
Key Selling Points:
Spacious interior for its class, rear-wheel drive for durability and handling characteristics, relatively simple mechanicals making it repairable.
Value Proposition:
Enables owners to perform professional-level repairs and maintenance, saving significant costs associated with workshop labor, and ensuring the vehicle's longevity and optimal condition.
General Coverage:
Complete front-to-back vehicle repair
Specific Systems Covered:
Engine, Transmission, Brakes, Suspension, Electrical System, Bodywork, Air Conditioning
Estimated Page Count:
Extensive (Exact number not provided, but described as comprehensive)
Manual Type:
Repair Manual / Service Manual
Format:
Likely Printed (implied by garage use, but could be digital format delivered)
Engine Overhaul Rebuilding:
Yes, comprehensive
Troubleshooting Diagnostics:
Yes, includes diagnostic procedures
Engine Performance:
Yes, covers performance optimization
Front End Alignment:
Yes, includes procedures and specifications
Suspension:
Yes, detailed coverage
Transmission Removal Installation:
Yes, complete procedures
Air Conditioning Service Capacities:
Yes, including service and refrigerant capacities
Transmission In Car Servicing:
Yes, for in-vehicle maintenance
Brake Servicing:
Yes, complete procedures
U Joint Cv Joint Service:
Yes, including procedures
Electrical System:
Yes, via complete wiring diagrams
Vacuum System:
Yes, via vacuum diagrams
Repair Procedures:
Yes, step-by-step explanations for all repairs
Maintenance Procedures:
Implied through general repair and servicing
Timing Belt Service:
Yes, detailed procedures
Diagnostic Capabilities:
Includes Computer Diagnostic Trouble Tree Charts, suggesting advanced diagnostics for the era
Specification Detail:
Complete torque specifications, detailed specifications, capacities
Illustrative Content:
Illustrations, diagrams, depth illustrations
User Accessibility:
Understandable with basic mechanical knowledge
File Format:
Not explicitly stated, but often digital (PDF) for modern sales. Assumed to be easily printable.
Print Quality:
High-quality, with clear illustrations and diagrams (expected for professional use)
Binding Type:
Spiral-bound or Perfect-bound (typical for repair manuals for lay-flat use)
Paper Type:
Durable, possibly coated paper to withstand workshop environments
Engine Family:
Based on Fiat 132/125 engines (early models)
Engine 1 3L Displacement:
Approximately 1290 cc
Engine 1 5L Displacement:
Approximately 1481 cc
Engine 1 3L Horsepower:
Approximately 60-70 PS (exact figures vary by specific engine tune and emission standards of the time)
Engine 1 5L Horsepower:
Approximately 75-85 PS (exact figures vary by specific engine tune)
Fuel System Type:
Carbureted (typically single or twin Solex/Weber carburetors depending on engine variant and market)
Engine Configuration:
Inline-4, Overhead Valve (OHV) or Overhead Cam (OHC) depending on specific engine variant and year.
Ignition System:
Distributor-based ignition system
Body Styles:
4-door Sedan, 5-door Station Wagon (Variant), 3-door Hatchback (often designated as a 'Fastback' or 'Kombi'), Pickup Truck (Dodge 100, also FSO variants)
Wheelbase Approx:
2665 mm (for sedan)
Curb Weight Approx:
1050-1150 kg (depending on body style and engine)
Crash Test Standards:
Designed to meet safety standards of the late 1970s; likely no formal independent crash test ratings available in the modern sense for this era and origin.
Active Safety Features:
Disc brakes front, drum brakes rear (typical); power-assisted brakes may be optional or standard on higher trims/later models.
Passive Safety Features:
Seat belts (likely lap belts in front, possibly lap belts in rear), reinforced body structure.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 5,000 - 7,500 km or 6 months (standard for the era; manual will provide precise details).
Tune Up Interval:
Approx. 15,000 - 20,000 km (includes spark plug, points, and filter checks/replacements; manual will confirm).
Engine Oil Type:
API SG or SH equivalent, SAE 20W-50 or 10W-40 (dependent on climate; manual to confirm exact specification and capacity).
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze mixed with distilled water (50/50 ratio typical; manual to confirm specific type and capacity).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (manual will specify; crucial for brake system integrity).
Common Wear Items:
Carburetor tuning, ignition system components (points, condenser, coil), clutch wear, exhaust system corrosion, suspension bushings, rust on body panels.
Electrical Reliability:
Wiring harness issues and electrical component reliability can be a concern; good diagrams are essential.
Brand Origin:
Fabryka Samochodów Osobowych (FSO), Poland. Originally established to assemble foreign cars, later developed its own models.
Development Basis:
The Polonez was developed as a successor to the Fiat 125p, utilizing a modified Fiat 125 chassis but with a new, more modern body design by Giorgetto Giugiaro.
Production Period:
1978–2002 (significant lifespan, indicating robustness and continuous updates).
Manufacturing Location:
Warsaw, Poland
