🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Daewoo

Model:

Espero

Year:

1998

Vin Prefix:

KLO

👋 Introduction

Market Segment:

Mid-size family sedan.

Key Competitors:

Opel Vectra, Ford Mondeo, Volkswagen Passat, Toyota Camry, Honda Accord.

Design Origin:

Styled by Giorgetto Giugiaro of Italdesign.

Unique Selling Points:

Distinctive aerodynamic styling, comfortable ride, competitive pricing.

📋 Manual Details

Manual Type:

Full Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Repair:

Comprehensive engine overhaul, component diagnostics, timing belt replacement, lubrication system, cooling system, fuel delivery, ignition system, exhaust system, emission controls.

Transmission Repair:

Manual and Automatic Transmission: overhaul, clutch service, shift linkage adjustment, torque converter diagnosis, fluid changes, hydraulic system.

Chassis And Suspension:

Front and rear suspension components, steering system, wheel alignment specifications, shock absorber/strut replacement, ball joints, tie rods, power steering system.

Braking System:

Disc and drum brake systems, hydraulic lines, master cylinder, brake booster, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) components and diagnostics, caliper and rotor replacement, brake pad service.

Electrical System:

Wiring diagrams, fuse box locations, battery, charging system (alternator, starter), lighting system, instrument cluster, power windows, central locking, horn, wiper system, diagnostics for electrical faults.

Body And Interior:

Body panel removal/installation, door mechanisms, lock systems, seat removal, dashboard trim, HVAC system (heating, ventilation, air conditioning) components and service, body repair guidelines.

Maintenance Procedures:

Regular scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, coolant flushes, brake fluid changes, drive belt inspection/replacement.

Troubleshooting Guides:

Systematic diagnostic procedures for common problems, symptom-based troubleshooting, fault code interpretation (if applicable).

Rebuilding Procedures:

Detailed instructions for rebuilding major components like the engine, transmission, and brake calipers.

Diagnostic Capabilities:

Advanced diagnostics for engine management, transmission control, and ABS systems, including troubleshooting electrical circuits and sensor data interpretation.

Repair Level:

Comprehensive, covering everything from basic tune-ups to complete engine and transmission overhauls. Suitable for professional mechanics and advanced DIY enthusiasts.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

Portable Document Format (PDF)

Searchability:

Fully searchable text content for quick information retrieval.

Print Quality:

High-resolution scanned pages, optimized for clear printing of diagrams and text.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Page Count:

Estimated 1500+ pages (typical for comprehensive service manuals)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

C20NE (for some markets)

Engine Type:

Inline 4-cylinder, SOHC

Displacement:

1998 cc (2.0 Liters)

Horsepower:

Approx. 114 hp @ 5600 rpm (varies by market/engine variant)

Torque:

Approx. 170 Nm @ 2600 rpm (varies by market/engine variant)

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Recommended Fuel:

Unleaded gasoline, Octane rating 91-95 (RON+MON)/2

Ignition System:

Electronic ignition with distributor and coil

Emission Control:

Catalytic converter, EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) system (market dependent)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Standard:

5-speed Manual Transmission

Transmission Type Optional:

4-speed Automatic Transmission

Clutch Type:

Hydraulically operated, single dry plate clutch (Manual)

Transmission Fluid Type Manual:

GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 gear oil

Transmission Fluid Type Automatic:

Dexron III / Mercon compatible automatic transmission fluid (ATF)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 4600 mm (181.1 in)

Width:

Approx. 1770 mm (69.7 in)

Height:

Approx. 1430 mm (56.3 in)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 2620 mm (103.1 in)

Track Width Front:

Approx. 1470 mm (57.9 in)

Track Width Rear:

Approx. 1480 mm (58.3 in)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 1300-1400 kg (2866-3086 lbs), depending on equipment and engine

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approx. 1750-1850 kg (3858-4079 lbs)

Trunk Volume:

Approx. 440 liters (15.5 cu ft)

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Ratings:

Limited data available for official crash test ratings for the 1998 Daewoo Espero. However, designs of this era generally followed established safety practices.

ABS:

Available as an option on some trims.

Traction Control:

Rarely fitted, typically not a standard feature.

Airbags:

Driver airbag standard on most models; passenger airbag optional.

Seatbelts:

Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts front and rear.

Body Structure:

Reinforced passenger safety cell, crumple zones.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory fitted AM/FM stereo with cassette player; CD player optional on higher trims.

Speaker Configuration:

Typically 4-speaker system (2 front, 2 rear).

Cruise Control:

Available as an option on many models.

Connectivity Features:

Limited by era; no Bluetooth or USB connectivity. Basic power accessories.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first.

Engine Oil Filter Replacement:

Replace at every oil change.

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 24 months.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 36 months (copper plugs); inspect iridium/platinum plugs at 60,000 miles (96,000 km).

Timing Belt Replacement:

Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 5 years. Crucial to prevent catastrophic engine damage.

Coolant Flush:

Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 36 months.

Engine Oil Specification:

API SG/SH or higher, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (check owner's manual for specific climate recommendations).

Coolant Specification:

Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, mixed 50/50 with distilled water. GM Type 1 or equivalent.

Brake Fluid Specification:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid.

Common Wear Items:

Exhaust system components (muffler, catalytic converter), suspension bushings, wheel bearings, radiator.

Electrical Gremlins:

Occasional issues with dashboard warning lights, power window motors, and central locking actuators due to age and wiring harness degradation.

Engine Performance:

Minor power loss or rough idling can occur if fuel injectors, spark plugs, or ignition leads are worn. Timing belt integrity is critical.

Transmission Shifts:

Slightly notchy shifts in manual transmissions or delayed engagement in automatics can indicate low fluid, worn synchros, or clutch issues.

Timing Belt Kit Part Number:

Refer to specific engine variant (e.g., Gates TBK348 or equivalent from reputable aftermarket suppliers).

Oil Filter Part Number:

Purolator L10241, Wix 51515, or equivalent.

Air Filter Part Number:

Wix 42503, Fram CA3927, or equivalent.

📚 Vehicle History

Parent Company:

Daewoo Motor Company, South Korea.

Platform Basis:

Based on the chassis and drivetrain of the second-generation Opel Vectra (GM 'J' platform).

Design Philosophy:

Aims to blend European styling and engineering with Korean manufacturing efficiency.

Production Years:

1994-1997 (for initial launch, with minor updates continuing until around 1999 in some markets).

Manufacturing Locations:

South Korea (primarily), also assembled in other countries under license.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Design Awards:

While specific automotive awards for the Espero are not widely publicized, its design by Giorgetto Giugiaro, a renowned automotive designer, lent it significant aesthetic appeal.

Reliability Ratings:

Reliability data for Daewoo vehicles of this era is mixed, with some models experiencing more issues than established Japanese or German competitors. Thorough maintenance is key.