Market Segment:
Subcompact economy car, known for its affordability and simple mechanicals.
Competitors 1980S:
Primarily competed with other budget-friendly imports such as the Hyundai Excel, Kia Pride, and early models of Japanese offerings like the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla in certain markets, though often positioned at a lower price point.
Yugo Key Features:
Front-wheel drive, simple construction, hatchback utility, very low purchase price.
Value For Owners:
Essential resource for owners seeking to perform maintenance and repairs themselves, reducing reliance on often scarce or specialized service centers. Empowers owners to keep their vehicles operational.
Engine Systems:
Engine mechanical (cylinder head, block, pistons, crankshaft, camshaft), fuel system (carburetor, fuel pump, lines), ignition system (distributor, coil, spark plugs, wiring), cooling system (radiator, thermostat, water pump, hoses), lubrication system (oil pump, filter, passages), exhaust system (manifold, pipes, muffler)
Drivetrain Systems:
Transmission (manual, clutch, gearshift linkage), drive axles, differential
Chassis Systems:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system (rack and pinion), braking system (front discs, rear drums, hydraulic lines, parking brake)
Electrical Systems:
Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter motor), lighting system (headlights, taillights, interior), ignition switch, fuse box, wiring diagrams, dashboard instruments, horn
Body And Interior:
Body panel removal/installation, door mechanisms, window regulators, seat adjustments, interior trim, HVAC system (heater core, fan, controls)
Maintenance Procedures:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, belt adjustments, fluid level checks and top-offs, coolant flushing, brake adjustments, battery terminal cleaning
Repair Procedures:
Engine component overhaul (e.g., head gasket replacement, piston ring replacement), carburetor rebuilding, clutch replacement, brake pad/shoe replacement, suspension component replacement (shocks, ball joints), alternator/starter replacement, radiator replacement
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts, common problem identification, symptom-based repair guidance
Specifications:
Torque specifications for critical fasteners, engine timing settings, valve clearance adjustments, fluid capacities, electrical resistance values
Depth Of Information:
Detailed, step-by-step instructions for mechanical repairs, electrical diagnostics, and routine maintenance. Suitable for both novice and experienced DIY mechanics.
Engine Type:
Inline 4-cylinder, SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft)
Displacement Cc:
1116 cc (for most common models)
Displacement Ci:
68.1 cubic inches
Bore X Stroke:
76 mm x 86 mm (approximate)
Compression Ratio:
8.8:1 (typical)
Horsepower Hp:
Approximately 55-60 hp @ 5500 RPM (varies slightly by year/market)
Torque Lb Ft:
Approximately 64-67 lb-ft @ 3000 RPM (varies slightly by year/market)
Fuel Delivery:
Weber 32 DFM (or similar single-barrel carburetor) in most North American spec vehicles. Some markets may have different configurations.
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (Octane rating as recommended by manufacturer, typically 87 AKI or equivalent)
Ignition Type:
Breakerless (electronic ignition) with distributor
Cooling Type:
Liquid-cooled, pressurized system
Oil Capacity Qts:
Approximately 3.5 quarts (3.3 liters) with filter change
Engine Code Prefix:
Varies, but often related to Zastava's internal designations (e.g., 101 series engines adapted).
Transmission Type Standard:
4-speed manual transaxle
Transmission Type Optional:
5-speed manual transaxle (available on some higher trims like GVX or in specific markets)
Clutch Type:
Dry single-plate clutch, hydraulically actuated
Transmission Fluid Type:
API GL-4 gear oil, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 recommended. Check manual for exact viscosity and capacity.
Length In:
Approx. 152 inches (3860 mm)
Width In:
Approx. 62 inches (1575 mm)
Height In:
Approx. 54 inches (1370 mm)
Wheelbase In:
Approx. 90 inches (2285 mm)
Curb Weight Lbs:
Approx. 1900-2100 lbs (860-950 kg)
Cargo Volume Cu Ft:
Variable due to hatchback design, typically around 8-10 cu ft behind rear seats.
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
4x100mm
Standard Tire Size:
155/80R13 or 165/70R13 (common sizes)
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000 miles (5,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 12,000 miles (20,000 km) or annually.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 18,000-24,000 miles (30,000-40,000 km), depending on plug type and condition.
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 24,000 miles (40,000 km) or 2 years.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Crucial for this engine. Typically every 40,000-50,000 miles (60,000-80,000 km). Failure can cause severe engine damage.
Engine Oil Spec:
API SF or SG, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40. Consult manual for specific ambient temperature recommendations.
Coolant Spec:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, mixed 50/50 with distilled water. Green in color (standard for the era).
Brake Fluid Spec:
DOT 3 glycol-based brake fluid.
Common Problems:
Carburetor tuning issues, electrical system gremlins (corrosion, loose connections), exhaust system rust, suspension wear (bushings, ball joints), starter motor reliability, potential for head gasket leaks due to overheating if cooling system is not maintained.
Rust Prone Areas:
Wheel wells, rocker panels, door bottoms, floor pans, and rear hatch area are susceptible to rust, especially in humid or road-salt-exposed environments.
Manufacturer Origin:
Yugo (Zastava) is a brand from Yugoslavia, produced by Zastava Automobiles in Kragujevac, Serbia.
Design Basis:
Based on the Fiat 128 platform, with styling updates by Giorgetto Giugiaro.
Production Period Yugo:
Early models based on Fiat 128 platform began production in the late 1970s. The specific Yugo (GV, GVL, GVX) models were primarily exported to North America from 1985 through 1992. This manual covers the peak export years.
Manufacturing Location:
Kragujevac, Serbia (Yugoslavia at the time)