Segment:
Executive/Large Family Car
Unique Selling Proposition:
European-designed, spacious, and comfortable alternative in its class
Key Competitors:
Vauxhall/Opel Carlton, Peugeot 605, Citroën XM, BMW 5 Series (E34), Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W124)
Design Philosophy:
Aerodynamic styling, spacious interior, emphasis on comfort and refinement
Aerodynamics:
Class-leading drag coefficient for its era
Interior Space:
Notable for its generous interior room and comfort
Primary Focus:
Comprehensive service, repair, and maintenance
Diagnostic Scope:
Troubleshooting and problem diagnosis
Electrical Diagrams:
Includes detailed wiring diagrams
Estimated Pages:
Varies by specific edition, typically 1000+
Type:
Service and Repair Manual
Engine Mechanics:
Disassembly, assembly, inspection, and repair of engine components
Engine Management:
Fuel injection, ignition, emission control, and engine control systems
Transmission Overhaul:
Service and repair for manual and automatic transmissions
Brake System Service:
Hydraulic system, components (discs, pads, calipers, drums), ABS (if equipped)
Suspension And Steering:
Front and rear suspension, steering rack, power steering system
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, accessories, body electronics
Chassis And Body:
Frame, body panels, doors, windows, interior trim, corrosion protection
Cooling System Maintenance:
Radiator, water pump, thermostat, hoses, coolant specifications
Fuel System Service:
Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel lines, injectors, pressure regulation
Exhaust System Repair:
Exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, mufflers, pipes
Restraint System:
Seat belts, airbags (if equipped), and associated components
Wheel And Tire Service:
Wheel alignment, balancing, tire replacement
General Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, spark plug replacement
Troubleshooting Guides:
Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for common problems
Repair Instructions:
Detailed procedures for component replacement and repair
Reassembly Guidelines:
Instructions for putting components back together correctly
Refurbishment Techniques:
Methods for restoring worn or damaged parts
Periodic Lubrication:
Scheduled lubrication points and lubricant types
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering from basic maintenance to major overhauls
Diagnostic Capability:
Advanced diagnostic procedures, including reading fault codes (OBD-I)
Rebuild Procedures:
Detailed instructions for engine, transmission, and other major component rebuilds
Engine Options:
2.0L I4 (DOHC), 2.4L I5 (DOHC), 2.9L V6 (DOHC)
Engine Code Example:
Y5A (2.0L), ARQ (2.0L DOHC), ARP (2.4L DOHC), BOA (2.9L V6)
2.0L DOHc Horsepower:
Approx. 123 hp (92 kW)
2.4L DOHc Horsepower:
Approx. 148 hp (110 kW)
2.9L V6 DOHc Horsepower:
Approx. 190 hp (142 kW)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Petrol (Gasoline)
Length:
Approx. 4,641 mm (182.7 in)
Width:
Approx. 1,790 mm (70.5 in)
Height:
Approx. 1,416 mm (55.7 in)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2,770 mm (109.1 in)
Curb Weight Range:
Approx. 1,450 - 1,600 kg (3,197 - 3,527 lbs)
Crash Safety Era:
Designed to meet 1990s safety standards
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) often standard or optional depending on trim
Airbags:
Driver airbag standard; passenger airbag optional on some models
Seat Belts:
Three-point seat belts for all occupants, pre-tensioners often included
Body Structure:
Reinforced safety cell and crumple zones
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000-15,000 km (6,000-9,000 miles) or 12 months, whichever comes first (refer to manual for exact specification)
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 40,000-60,000 km (25,000-37,000 miles) depending on plug type
Timing Belt Replacement:
Crucial service item; typically every 80,000-100,000 km (50,000-60,000 miles) for DOHC engines (check manual for specific engine)
Engine Oil Type:
API SG or higher, SAE 10W-30 or 5W-40 recommended (check manual for specific engine and climate conditions)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based coolant, typically with a 50/50 mix with distilled water
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Transmission Fluid Type Auto:
Mercon or equivalent automatic transmission fluid (ATF)
Suspension Wear:
Common wear on front control arm bushings and rear trailing arm bushings, leading to vibration and handling issues
Engine Management Sensors:
Failures of Crankshaft Position Sensor (CKP) and Camshaft Position Sensor (CMP) can cause no-start or stalling issues
Electrical Gremlins:
Age-related issues with wiring harness integrity, particularly in door jambs and under the dashboard
Rust Corrosion:
Prone to rust on wheel arches, sills, and boot lid edges, especially in regions with salted roads
Cooling System Leaks:
Aging hoses, radiator, and water pump can develop leaks
Idle Control Valve:
Can become dirty or fail, leading to rough idling or stalling