Segment:
Compact Executive Car / Family Sedan
Target Audience:
DIY mechanics, independent repair shops, Ford Sierra Sapphire owners seeking to perform maintenance and repairs
Competitors:
Vauxhall Cavalier, Volkswagen Passat, Peugeot 405, Audi 80/90, BMW 3 Series (E30)
Vehicle Appeal:
Rear-wheel drive dynamics, spacious interior (Sapphire saloon), practical hatchback/estate variants, range of engine options, distinctive styling
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides comprehensive technical information to maintain and repair the Ford Sierra Sapphire, enabling cost savings and extending vehicle lifespan.
Years Covered:
1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993
Estimated Pages:
Hundreds (Specific count not provided in product info, typical for comprehensive workshop manuals of this era)
Type:
Workshop Repair Service Manual
Language:
English (Assumed for a UK/European market manual, standard practice)
Mechanical Systems:
Engine (all variants), Fuel System, Cooling System, Exhaust System, Lubrication System, Ignition System
Drivetrain Systems:
Clutch, Manual Transmission, Automatic Transmission, Driveshafts, Differentials, Axles
Chassis Systems:
Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering System, Braking System (Front & Rear Discs/Drums), Wheels & Tires
Electrical Systems:
Wiring Diagrams, Lighting System, Ignition System, Starting System, Charging System, Instrumentation, Power Accessories (Windows, Locks, Mirrors), Radio/Audio Systems
Body And Trim:
Body Panels, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Interior Trim, Glass, Bumpers, Exterior Trim
Maintenance Tasks:
Oil Change, Filter Replacement (Oil, Air, Fuel), Spark Plug Replacement, Coolant Flush & Replacement, Brake Fluid Flush, Belt Inspection & Replacement, Tire Rotation & Pressure Checks, Wiper Blade Replacement
Repair Procedures:
Engine Overhaul/Rebuild, Transmission Overhaul/Rebuild, Clutch Replacement, Brake Pad/Disc Replacement, Shock Absorber/Strut Replacement, Wheel Bearing Replacement, Starter Motor Replacement, Alternator Replacement, Radiator Replacement, Fuel Pump Replacement
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic Flowcharts, Symptom-Based Troubleshooting Guides, Electrical Fault Finding, Engine Performance Issues, Transmission Shifting Problems
Diagnostics:
Advanced diagnostic procedures, fault code interpretation (where applicable), component testing specifications
Rebuilds:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for component disassembly, cleaning, inspection, repair, and reassembly of major mechanical assemblies
Specifications:
Torque specifications for all fasteners, clearances, alignment data, fluid capacities, electrical resistance values
Format Details:
High-resolution PDF, likely searchable text for quick navigation, printable pages
Quality:
Professional reproduction of original factory service manual content
Binding:
N/A (Digital PDF Download)
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital PDF Download)
Engine Options:
Multiple petrol engines: 1.6L CVH, 1.8L CVH/L8, 2.0L Pinto (OHC), 2.0L DOHC (I4), 2.3L Cologne V6 (2300GHIA), 2.8L Cologne V6 (2.8i Ghia/XR4i/XR4x4), 2.9L Cologne V6 (2.9i 4x4). Diesel: 1.8L TD (Turbo Diesel).
Horsepower Range:
Approx. 75 hp (1.6L) to 150 hp (2.8i V6) depending on engine and tune.
Torque Range:
Approx. 120 Nm (1.6L) to 220 Nm (2.8i V6) depending on engine.
Fuel Delivery:
Carburettor (Weber, Zenith) or Fuel Injection (Bosch L-Jetronic, EEC-IV EFI) depending on engine and year.
Common Codes:
e.g., LJN (1.6), LDB (1.8), N8A/N9A (2.0 OHC), YTB (2.0 DOHC), GBA (2.8i V6), 2.9i V6, 1.8 TD (ARJ/ASN).
Type:
Pressurized liquid-cooled system with engine-driven fan or viscous fan clutch.
Oil Type:
API SG/SH rated multi-viscosity oil, e.g., 10W-40 or 5W-30 depending on climate and engine variant (refer to manual for precise specs).
Manual Gearboxes:
4-speed and 5-speed manual transmissions (e.g., Type 9 5-speed).
Automatic Gearboxes:
3-speed and 4-speed automatic transmissions (e.g., C3, AXOD).
Drivetrain Options:
Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD), Four-Wheel Drive (4WD/AWD) for XR4x4 and 4x4 models.
Manual Gearbox Oil:
API GL-4 Hypoid Gear Oil (e.g., 75W-90 or 80W-90).
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Mercon/Dexron III (or equivalent) ATF fluid. Capacity varies by model, typically 4-6 liters.
Body Styles:
Saloon (Sapphire), Hatchback, Estate ( Turnier)
Length:
Varies by body style, e.g., Sapphire saloon approx. 4535 mm.
Width:
Varies by model, typically around 1700-1760 mm.
Height:
Varies by body style, typically around 1390-1440 mm.
Curb Weight:
Ranges from approx. 1050 kg for base models to over 1300 kg for V6 4x4 models.
Gross Vehicle Weight:
Typically around 1700-1800 kg, depending on configuration.
Euro Ncap Performance:
Not applicable for vehicles of this era (Euro NCAP founded in 1997). Early models would have had basic safety features.
Braking System:
Front ventilated discs, rear drums standard. Higher performance models/variants often featured 4-wheel disc brakes (e.g., XR4x4).
Steering System:
Rack and pinion, with optional power assistance.
Seatbelts:
Front seatbelts, with rear seatbelts often standard or optional depending on trim and market.
Child Safety:
Rear door child locks on some models, ISOFIX not standard.
Body Structure:
Reinforced safety cage, deformable crumple zones (front and rear).
Audio Systems:
Factory fitted radios with AM/FM reception, cassette player. Often 2 or 4 speaker systems. Aftermarket upgrades common.
Cruise Control:
Optional on higher-spec models, typically electro-mechanical system.
Antilock Braking System:
Optional on some models, particularly higher-performance and 4x4 variants. Typically a 3-channel system.
Features:
Limited by era. Basic electrical systems, no advanced connectivity like Bluetooth or USB ports from factory.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 6,000 - 10,000 miles (10,000 - 15,000 km) or 12 months, depending on engine and oil type. Manual will specify exact intervals.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Variable, e.g., 12,000 miles for some older plugs, 20,000-30,000 miles for improved plugs. Varies by engine type (e.g., V6, 4-cyl).
Timing Belt Replacement:
Critical for interference engines. Typically 40,000 - 60,000 miles (60,000 - 100,000 km) for 2.0 DOHC and some V6 engines. Manual will detail specific intervals and procedures.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze. Typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Specific Ford coolant specification is required (e.g., ESE-M97B44-A).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid.
Power Steering Fluid:
Specific power steering fluid or Mercon/Dexron ATF, depending on the system fitted. Consult manual.
Rust Corrosion:
Common in wheel arches, sills, strut tops, and rear panel due to age and environmental factors.
Electrical Gremlins:
Intermittent faults in lighting, wipers, central locking, and dashboard instruments can occur due to aging wiring and connectors.
Engine Management:
Carburettor wear and tuning issues, fuel injection sensor failures (e.g., MAF/MAP, TPS), ignition coil issues.
Suspension Wear:
Worn ball joints, tie rod ends, bushings, and shock absorbers leading to imprecise handling and steering wander.
Exhaust System:
Corrosion and leaks in exhaust manifold, pipes, and silencers.
Manufacturer:
Ford of Europe
Introduction Year:
1982 (Sierra hatchback), Sapphire saloon introduced later (1987)
Facelifts:
Major facelift in 1987 ('Sierra III' or 'Sierra facelift'), introducing updated styling, interior, and improved aerodynamics, including the 'Sapphire' saloon body.
Production Period:
1982 - 1993
Manufacturing Locations:
Ford plants in Europe, primarily West Germany (Cologne) and Belgium (Genk), and the UK (Dagenham).
Total Production Units:
Over 4.3 million units of all Sierra variants produced.
