Brand Perception:
Daewoo vehicles of this era were positioned as budget-friendly, practical compact and subcompact cars, often targeting first-time buyers or those seeking economical transportation.
Key Competitors:
The Daewoo Sens competed in a segment with vehicles like the Hyundai Elantra, Kia Sephia, and various Japanese compacts such as the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla.
Model Focus:
The Sens was designed to offer a balance of fuel efficiency, practicality, and a modest feature set for its price point.
Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly, disassembly, cylinder head, block, crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods, lubrication system, cooling system, fuel injection system.
Engine Performance:
Ignition system, emission control systems, engine tuning, performance diagnostics.
Transmission:
Manual and Automatic transmission repair, overhaul, adjustments, fluid specifications.
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive system, CV joints, driveshafts, differential service.
Suspension Steering:
Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, ball joints, steering gear, power steering system.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems (disc and drum), hydraulic system, ABS (if equipped), brake fluid specifications.
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system, lighting, ignition, body electricals, wiring diagrams, fuses, relays.
Fuel System:
Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel lines, fuel injectors, fuel filter replacement.
Exhaust System:
Exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, muffler, pipes, emissions controls.
Body Interior:
Body panel removal/installation, door mechanisms, interior trim, seats, dashboard, HVAC system service.
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning system diagnosis and repair.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, tire rotation, tune-ups.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common problems, fault codes (OBD-I/OBD-II if applicable), symptom-based troubleshooting guides.
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for all major mechanical and electrical components, including complete overhauls.
Diagnostics:
Detailed diagnostic charts, circuit diagrams, component testing procedures.
Specifications Data:
Torque specifications, clearance measurements, alignment data, fluid capacities, electrical resistance values.
Depth Of Coverage:
Comprehensive factory-level detail covering from routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including complex electrical diagnostics and bodywork.
Engine Type:
Inline 4-cylinder, naturally aspirated
Displacement:
1.5 Liters (1498 cc)
Horsepower:
Approximately 85-90 HP (exact figure can vary slightly by market and specific engine code)
Torque:
Approximately 125-130 Nm (exact figure can vary slightly by market and specific engine code)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (Octane rating typically 91 RON or higher)
Common Engine Code:
A15MF (or similar variants based on GM/Opel designs)
Transmission Type Standard:
5-speed Manual Transmission
Transmission Type Optional:
4-speed Automatic Transmission
Transmission Fluid Manual:
GM Synchromesh Transmission Fluid or equivalent GL-4 (SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90, consult manual for exact spec)
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Dexron-III or equivalent (consult manual for exact spec)
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 - 7,500 miles (8,000 - 12,000 km) or 6-12 months, whichever comes first (consult manual for exact specification).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 - 20,000 miles (24,000 - 32,000 km) or annually.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000 - 50,000 miles (48,000 - 80,000 km) depending on plug type.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Crucial for this engine. Typically every 60,000 - 90,000 miles (96,000 - 144,000 km) or 5-7 years. Failure can cause catastrophic engine damage.
Engine Oil Type:
API SG, SH, or SJ certified. Viscosity typically SAE 10W-30 or 5W-30 (check manual for specific climate and load recommendations).
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approximately 3.5 - 4.0 liters (with filter change). Consult manual.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol-based antifreeze, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Use Asian vehicle specific coolant if possible.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4, consult manual for definitive specification.
Common Wear Items:
Clutch wear, suspension bushings, exhaust system corrosion, starter motor reliability, and occasional minor electrical gremlins are typical for vehicles of this age and origin.
Engine Management:
Ignition coil packs, spark plug wires, and fuel injector issues can affect performance and fuel economy.
Body Corrosion:
Depending on climate and rust protection, body rust can be a concern, particularly around wheel arches, sills, and door bottoms.
Daewoo Origins:
Daewoo Motor Company was a South Korean automobile manufacturer, established in 1982 as part of the Daewoo Group. It aimed to compete in the global automotive market.
Platform Basis:
The Daewoo Sens (and its predecessor the Nexia/LeMans) was based on the Opel Kadett E platform, a successful European design from the 1980s, later rebadged and sold globally under various GM brands.
Manufacturing Location:
Primarily South Korea, with potential for assembly in other international markets through Daewoo's global network.
Production Years:
The Daewoo Sens was produced from the mid-1990s until the early 2000s, with the 1998 model being part of its core production run.