🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Daihatsu

Model:

Charade

Year:

1991

Platform:

Daihatsu CB Series

Chassis Codes:

G100, G101, G102 (depending on specific market/variant)

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

Subcompact hatchback, known for its reliability, fuel efficiency, and affordability. Competed with models like the Suzuki Swift, Nissan March/Micra, and Toyota Starlet.

Competitive Analysis:

The 1991 Charade (often the Daihatsu Charade G200 series in many markets, though the manual specifies '1991' which might align with the latter part of the G100 generation or early G200 introductions depending on regional release schedules) offered a value proposition focused on practicality and economy. Its compact size made it ideal for urban environments.

Key Features:

Fuel-efficient engines, compact dimensions, durable construction, basic but functional interior, available in various body styles (3-door, 5-door hatchback, sometimes a sedan).

Target Audience:

Professional automotive technicians, mechanics, and experienced DIY enthusiasts.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas:

Global (specific market variations may exist, but core data applies)

Page Count:

Estimated 800-1200 pages (typical for a comprehensive repair manual of this era)

Manual Type:

Repair Service Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered:

Engine (all variants), Transmission (manual & automatic), Drivetrain, Suspension, Steering, Brakes (hydraulic, ABS if equipped), Fuel System, Exhaust System, Cooling System, Lubrication System, Electrical System (including ECU, ignition, lighting, accessories), HVAC System, Body & Interior, Chassis Components, Diagnostic Procedures, Troubleshooting Guides, Wiring Diagrams.

Procedures Included:

Routine maintenance, scheduled servicing, troubleshooting, diagnostic fault finding, component removal & installation, disassembly & assembly, calibration, adjustment, repair procedures for all major systems.

Technical Depth:

Comprehensive, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIYers. Includes detailed torque specifications, electrical schematics, diagnostic flowcharts, and component-level repair instructions.

Diagnostic Tools:

Manual details basic diagnostic procedures and may reference specific OEM diagnostic tools or methods for EFI systems, though OBD-I or OBD-II compliance might be limited or non-existent.

Wiring Diagrams:

Detailed wiring diagrams for all electrical systems, including engine management, lighting, accessories, and optional features. Color-coded diagrams are standard.

Torque Specifications:

Comprehensive torque specifications for all fasteners, including cylinder head bolts, main bearing caps, suspension components, and engine mounts.

Troubleshooting Charts:

Flowcharts and guides for diagnosing common drivability issues, electrical faults, and mechanical problems.

Bodywork Repair:

Procedures for minor bodywork repairs, rust prevention, panel alignment, and interior trim removal/installation.

Diagnostic Codes:

Explanation of any diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) if applicable to EFI systems of the era, or methods for checking system status.

Engine Rebuild:

Includes procedures for complete engine disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly.

Suspension Geometry:

Details on alignment specifications (camber, caster, toe) and adjustment procedures.

Electrical Component Testing:

Procedures for testing alternators, starters, fuel injectors, sensors, and other electrical components.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

Searchable PDF

Print Quality:

High-resolution, clear diagrams and text for easy reading and printing.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Primary Engine:

1.0L 3-Cylinder (CB90, CB90E) and 1.3L 4-Cylinder (CB23, CB23E, CB23EI, CB23EK, CB23EL) engines.

Performance:

1.0L: Approx. 55-60 HP; 1.3L: Approx. 65-75 HP. Specific output varied by engine code and market.

Fuel System:

Carbureted (early models) or Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) on later or higher-trim variants. The manual will cover both.

Engine Codes:

CB90, CB90E, CB23, CB23E, CB23EI, CB23EK, CB23EL, HD-E (turbo diesel, less common).

Cylinder Arrangement:

Inline 3-cylinder and Inline 4-cylinder

Engine Type:

Naturally Aspirated, SOHC and DOHC (depending on variant).

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline

Cooling System:

Liquid-cooled, pressurized system with a radiator, fan, and thermostat.

Lubrication System:

Forced lubrication via oil pump, oil filter, and oil pan. Includes oil pressure sensor.

Bore X Stroke:

1.0L (CB90): 70.0 x 66.5 mm; 1.3L (CB23): 74.0 x 77.0 mm.

Compression Ratio:

Typically 9.0:1 to 10.0:1, depending on engine variant.

Valvetrain:

SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft) or DOHC (Double Overhead Camshaft) driven by a timing belt.

🔧 Transmission

Standard:

5-speed manual transmission.

Optional:

3-speed or 4-speed automatic transmission.

Features:

Front-wheel drive (FWD) is standard on most variants. Some markets may have offered 4WD on specific models.

Gear Ratios:

Specific gear ratios are detailed in the manual for both manual and automatic transmissions, varying by model and engine.

Clutch Type:

Single dry plate clutch (manual transmission).

Drivetrain Layout:

Front Wheel Drive (FWD)

📐 Dimensions

Exterior:

Compact hatchback dimensions, typically under 4 meters in length. Precise dimensions vary slightly by body style (3-door vs. 5-door).

Interior:

Designed for 4-5 occupants, with a focus on maximizing interior space within its small footprint.

Cargo:

Moderate cargo capacity, expandable with folding rear seats.

Weights:

Curb weight typically ranges from 750-900 kg depending on engine and equipment.

Wheelbase:

Approximately 2,300-2,385 mm (varies by specific chassis code and body style).

Track Width:

Front: approx. 1,300-1,330 mm; Rear: approx. 1,280-1,320 mm.

Tire Sizes:

Common sizes include 155/80R13, 165/70R13, 175/65R14, depending on trim and wheel size.

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

4 x 100 mm

Length:

Approx. 3,700-3,880 mm (Varies by body style)

Width:

Approx. 1,600-1,630 mm

Height:

Approx. 1,380-1,430 mm

🛡️ Safety Features

Ratings:

Safety standards of the era were less stringent. No official Euro NCAP or NHTSA ratings are readily available for this specific model year, but it adhered to Japanese safety regulations of the time.

Active Features:

Basic braking system, potentially with front disc brakes and rear drum brakes. ABS was not a common feature on base models but might have been an option on higher trims or later G200 models.

Passive Features:

Seat belts (front and rear), and a reinforced chassis structure for its class. Airbags were not standard equipment and rarely offered on this generation.

Brakes Front:

Ventilated disc brakes or solid disc brakes.

Brakes Rear:

Drum brakes.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment:

Basic factory-installed radio (AM/FM, cassette player). No advanced infotainment systems were available. Speakers typically in doors or dashboard.

Driver Assistance:

None by modern standards. Basic features included power steering on some higher-trim models.

Connectivity:

No connectivity features like Bluetooth or USB were available. Car phone installations would be aftermarket.

🔧 Maintenance

Service Intervals:

Typical intervals: Oil change every 5,000-7,500 km (3,000-5,000 miles), spark plugs every 30,000-50,000 km, timing belt every 80,000-100,000 km (crucial for interference engines). Coolant, brake fluid, and transmission fluid checks at regular intervals as outlined in the manual.

Fluid Specifications:

Engine Oil: API SG/SH, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40. Transmission Fluid (Manual): GL-4 75W-90. Transmission Fluid (Automatic): Dexron III. Coolant: Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze (50/50 mix with distilled water). Brake Fluid: DOT 3.

Known Issues:

Ignition system components (distributor, coils), carburetor wear (on carbureted models), exhaust system corrosion, clutch wear, minor electrical issues (e.g., power window motors, lighting). The timing belt is a critical maintenance item; failure can cause severe engine damage.

Common Maintenance Tasks:

Engine oil and filter replacement, air filter replacement, spark plug replacement, fuel filter replacement, timing belt inspection and replacement, coolant flush, brake pad/shoe inspection, tire rotation, battery terminal cleaning.

Fluid Capacities:

Engine Oil: Approx. 3.5-4.0 liters. Coolant: Approx. 4.5-5.0 liters. Transmission Oil (Manual): Approx. 2.0 liters. Automatic Transmission Fluid: Approx. 3.0-4.0 liters (total capacity varies).

Spark Plugs:

Typical plugs: NGK BPR5ES, Denso W20EPR-U. Gap specification: 0.8-0.9 mm.

Ignition Timing:

Specific timing is critical and detailed in the manual, usually adjusted with the engine at idle and vacuum advance disconnected.

Timing Belt Replacement Part Number:

Varies by engine, consult manual for specific OE or aftermarket P/N.

Oil Filter Part Number:

Example: Fram PH7317, Bosch 3300, Purolator L14002 (verify for specific engine variant).

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Daihatsu, a subsidiary of Toyota, has a long history dating back to 1907. It is known for producing small, fuel-efficient, and reliable vehicles, particularly microcars and compact cars.

Model Evolution:

The Charade has a lineage dating back to the 1970s. The 1991 model falls within the third generation (G100, 1987-1993) or the very beginning of the fourth generation (G200, 1993-2000) depending on market introduction timelines. This generation saw styling updates and improvements in refinement and technology.

Production:

Produced in Japan, with assembly in other countries as well. The G100/G200 generation was a globally sold model.

Generation Codes:

G100 (Third Generation), G200 (Fourth Generation - early models may overlap).

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions:

While specific major awards for the 1991 model are scarce, the Charade line consistently received recognition for reliability and fuel efficiency in consumer surveys and automotive publications in its target markets.

Ratings:

Consumer satisfaction often centered on its low running costs and dependability for its class and price point.