🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Daewoo

Model:

Nubira / Lacetti

Year:

2004

Chassis Code:

J200 (for Lacetti sedan/wagon), J100 (for Nubira sedan/wagon)

Generation Name:

Second Generation (J200 platform)

Generation Years:

2002-2008 (though production spanned into early 2009 in some markets)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact/Small Family Car

Key Competitors 2004:

Ford Focus, Volkswagen Golf, Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Hyundai Elantra, Kia Spectra.

Value Proposition:

Offered a balance of space, features, and affordability, often positioned as a budget-friendly alternative to established Japanese and European rivals.

Design Evolution:

The J200 platform represented a significant styling and engineering update from the previous Nubira (J100) generation, with more modern and European-influenced styling.

📋 Manual Details

Systems Covered:

Body and Accessories, Brakes, Driveline/Axle, Engine, General Information, HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning), Restraints, Steering, Suspension, Transmission, Body Repair, Electrical Wiring Diagrams

Estimated Page Count:

Likely 1000+ pages (typical for a comprehensive service manual)

Manual Type:

Complete Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

File Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Systems:

Engine mechanicals, cooling system, lubrication, fuel system, ignition system, emission controls, engine diagnostics, engine removal/installation.

Transmission Systems:

Manual and automatic transmission repair, clutch service, torque converter, transmission fluid, gearshift mechanisms.

Brake Systems:

Front and rear brakes (disc/drum), anti-lock braking system (ABS), brake fluid, master cylinder, calipers, rotors, pads, lines, parking brake.

Suspension Steering:

Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, struts, control arms, ball joints, tie rod ends, steering rack, power steering system.

Electrical Systems:

Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, gauges, instrument panel, power windows, locks, mirrors, audio system, fuse box diagrams, wiring schematics.

Body Interior:

Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, interior trim, seating, glass, locks, hinges, body repair procedures.

HVAC Systems:

Air conditioning system, heater core, blower motor, evaporator, refrigerant, climate controls, ventilation.

Restraint Systems:

Airbags, seat belts, SRS system diagnostics.

Maintenance Procedures:

Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, tune-ups, brake inspection, tire rotation.

Repair Procedures:

Step-by-step instructions for component replacement, rebuilding, and adjustment of all major systems.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic flowcharts and explanations for common and uncommon vehicle issues.

Diagnostic Capabilities:

Includes information for basic visual checks to advanced diagnostic procedures, likely referencing specific diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) if applicable to the era.

Rebuild Information:

Detailed instructions for engine and transmission overhauls, including specifications for machining and assembly.

📊 Manual Specifications

PDF Features:

Searchable text, zoomable images, hyperlinked sections (typical for well-produced PDFs).

Image Resolution:

High resolution for clear diagrams and illustrations.

Binding Type:

Digital (PDF) - no physical binding.

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code Common:

T20SED (1.8L DOHC Ecotec)

Engine Displacement Liter:

1.8

Engine Configuration:

Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC (Double Overhead Camshaft)

Horsepower Ps:

~120-125 PS (@ 6000 rpm) for the 1.8L

Torque Nm:

~165-170 Nm (@ 3800 rpm) for the 1.8L

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (RON 91 or higher recommended)

Oil Type Recommended:

API SJ or higher, ACEA A3/B3, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-40 (refer to manual for exact specification)

Oil Capacity Liter:

Approximately 4.0 - 4.5 liters (with filter change)

Spark Plug Type:

NGK BKR6E-11 or equivalent

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Standard:

5-speed Manual Transmission

Transmission Type Optional:

4-speed Automatic Transmission

Automatic Transmission Features:

Electronically controlled, with overdrive.

Manual Transmission Fluid Type:

API GL-4, SAE 75W-90

Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:

Dexron III or equivalent (refer to manual for exact specification)

📐 Dimensions

Length Mm:

Sedan: ~4535 mm, Wagon: ~4570 mm

Width Mm:

~1725 mm

Height Mm:

Sedan: ~1445 mm, Wagon: ~1460 mm

Wheelbase:

~2600 mm

Curb Weight Kg:

~1250-1350 kg (depending on body style and equipment)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Kg:

Approximately 1700-1800 kg

Cargo Volume Liter Sedan:

Approximate: 450 liters

Cargo Volume Liter Wagon:

Approximate: 480-1500 liters (with rear seats folded)

🛡️ Safety Features

Euro Ncap Rating 2004:

Four stars (for Euro NCAP testing, depending on exact specifications)

ABS:

Available (standard on higher trims, optional on others)

Traction Control:

Less common on base models, may be available on higher trims or optional.

Airbags:

Front airbags standard; side airbags often optional or standard on higher trims.

Seat Belts:

Pre-tensioning front seatbelts.

Child Seat Anchors:

ISOFIX/LATCH system.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory fitted AM/FM/CD player, often with auxiliary input or changer controls on higher trims. Speaker configurations varied.

Instrument Cluster:

Analog gauges for speedometer, tachometer, fuel, and temperature. Warning lights for various systems.

Cruise Control:

Available on mid-to-higher trim levels.

Auxiliary Input:

Rare on factory units of this era, aftermarket solutions were common.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval Km:

Every 7,500 - 10,000 km or 6-12 months (whichever comes first)

Air Filter Replacement Km:

Every 15,000 - 20,000 km

Spark Plug Replacement Km:

Every 30,000 - 40,000 km (standard ignition, iridium plugs may have longer intervals)

Timing Belt Replacement Km:

Crucial: Every 60,000 - 80,000 km for the 1.8L engine, or 5 years. Failure can cause catastrophic engine damage.

Coolant Type:

Ethylene glycol based coolant, silicate-free, with corrosion inhibitors (typically green or orange, refer to manual for GM specific spec, e.g., Dexcool or equivalent).

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4

Power Steering Fluid Type:

Dexron III or equivalent power steering fluid

Common Problem 1:

Cooling system leaks (radiator, hoses, water pump seals).

Common Problem 2:

Suspension wear (bushings, ball joints, control arms) leading to knocking noises or poor handling.

Common Problem 3:

HVAC blower motor failure, or evaporator core leaks causing AC issues.

Common Problem 4:

Electrical gremlins, particularly with door locks, power windows, or dashboard warning lights (often related to grounding or harness issues).

Common Problem 5:

Exhaust system corrosion and leaks.

📚 Vehicle History

Daewoo Context:

Daewoo Motors was a South Korean automobile manufacturer, established in 1982. It was acquired by General Motors (GM) in 2002, and its models were subsequently rebadged or developed under GM's global platforms.

Nubira Lacetti Lineage:

The Nubira (J100) was first introduced in 1997. The J200 generation, branded as Lacetti in many markets (and sometimes still Nubira), was a significant platform overhaul, designed with input from GM's global engineering resources, including Pininfarina for styling on some variants.

Manufacturing Locations:

Primary production in South Korea (Bupyeong-gu, Incheon); also assembled in other countries through CKD (Completely Knocked Down) kits.

Rebranding Examples:

The Lacetti platform was also sold under other GM brands and names, such as Chevrolet Lacetti, Suzuki Forenza, and Buick Excelle (in China).

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Typical Awards:

While not a frequent award winner, the model was generally recognized for its competitive pricing and value proposition within the compact car segment.