🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Suzuki

Model:

Alto

Engine Code:

F8B

Generation Designation:

Fourth Generation (JDM/Export)

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

Ultra-compact city car, highly popular in Asian and European markets for its fuel efficiency and affordability. Competes with models like the Daihatsu Mira, Honda Life, and Mitsubishi Minica.

Competitive Analysis:

The Suzuki Alto F8B variant is distinguished by its robust and economical F8B engine, offering a blend of performance and fuel economy suitable for urban environments. This manual provides the necessary technical data to maintain and repair this specific, often enthusiast-maintained, variant.

Key Features Of Manual:

Detailed step-by-step repair procedures, torque specifications, wiring diagrams, diagnostic trouble codes, exploded views of components, maintenance schedules, and troubleshooting flowcharts.

Diagrams And Illustrations:

Abundant, high-quality diagrams, exploded views, and photographic illustrations to clarify repair steps and component identification.

📋 Manual Details

Covered Regions:

Global Markets (JDM focus for F8B engine variant)

Estimated Page Count:

400-600 (Typical for comprehensive service manuals)

Manual Type:

Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual

Language:

English (Translated from original Japanese)

Format:

Digital (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Covered Systems:

Engine Mechanical, Engine Control System (ECU), Fuel System, Ignition System, Exhaust System, Cooling System, Lubrication System, Intake System, Transmission (Manual/Automatic), Drivetrain, Suspension (Front/Rear), Steering System, Brake System (Front/Rear), Electrical System (12V), Lighting System, Body Control Modules, HVAC System, Chassis Components, Body Panels, Interior Trim, Safety Restraints (SRS), Diagnostic Procedures, Troubleshooting Guides.

Electrical System Coverage:

Detailed wiring diagrams for all major electrical systems, fuse box layouts, component testing procedures, troubleshooting common electrical faults, battery and charging system diagnostics.

Chassis And Body:

Frame structure, body panel removal and installation, door and window mechanisms, interior trim panel removal, bumper systems, welding and repair procedures for body panels.

Included Procedures:

Routine Maintenance (Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Spark Plugs), Component Removal and Installation, Engine Overhaul and Rebuild, Transmission Service and Repair, Brake System Overhauls, Suspension Component Replacement, Steering System Adjustments, Electrical System Troubleshooting, Wiring Diagram Analysis, Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Interpretation, Clutch Service, Cooling System Flush and Refill, Fuel Injector Cleaning, Timing Belt/Chain Replacement, Emissions Control System Service, Bodywork Repair, Panel Alignment, Interior Component Servicing.

Diagnostic Procedures:

Troubleshooting guides for starting issues, running problems, misfires, performance degradation, diagnostic trouble code (DTC) interpretation, sensor testing, actuator testing.

Wheel Alignment Specifications:

Camber, Caster, Toe-in/Toe-out angles and adjustment procedures.

Brake System Procedures:

Brake pad replacement, rotor resurfacing/replacement, caliper overhaul, brake line bleeding, parking brake adjustment, ABS system bleeding procedures.

Depth Of Coverage:

Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to full rebuilds and advanced diagnostics).

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format Details:

Searchable PDF, High-resolution scans for clarity, Printable pages.

Searchability:

Full text search capability within the PDF document for quick information retrieval.

Print Quality:

Excellent (Crisp text, clear diagrams and illustrations).

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Inline 3-cylinder, 4-stroke, naturally aspirated gasoline

Engine Displacement:

796 cc

Engine Code:

F8B

Bore X Stroke:

68.5 mm x 72.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

9.5:1 (Typical)

Valvetrain:

SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft), 12 valves (4 valves per cylinder)

Horsepower:

Approx. 37-42 PS @ 5500-6000 RPM (Varies by market and tune)

Torque:

Approx. 60-65 Nm @ 3000-3500 RPM (Varies by market and tune)

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI) or Carburetor (early models)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (RON 91 or higher recommended)

Fuel Tank Capacity:

Approx. 25-30 Liters

Engine Control Unit ECU:

ECM (Engine Control Module) with proprietary Suzuki software. Manual provides diagnostic parameters and lookup tables.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Standard:

5-speed Manual Transmission

Transmission Type Optional:

3-speed Automatic Transmission (AT)

Clutch Type:

Dry single plate clutch (Manual Transmission)

📐 Dimensions

Overall Length:

Approx. 3395-3415 mm

Overall Width:

Approx. 1495-1500 mm

Overall Height:

Approx. 1470-1530 mm

Wheelbase:

Approx. 2360-2375 mm

Ground Clearance:

Approx. 150 mm

Curb Weight:

Approx. 630-700 kg

Gross Vehicle Weight:

Approx. 1000-1050 kg

Seating Capacity:

4 Adults (2 front, 2 rear)

Cargo Volume:

Compact, but expandable with folding rear seats. Specific volume varies by generation and configuration.

🛡️ Safety Features

Safety Ratings General:

Varies by market and specific testing agency; generally reflects its segment and era.

Active Safety Features:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) - often optional or on higher trims, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD).

Passive Safety Features:

Seat belts (front and rear), High-tensile strength steel body structure, Driver and passenger airbags (often optional or on higher trims), Child seat anchor points (ISOFIX).

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment Features:

Basic AM/FM Radio, Cassette Player or CD Player (depending on trim and year), basic speaker system.

Driver Assistance Features:

Limited by design; primary focus on core vehicle functions. May include parking sensors on some higher trims.

Connectivity Features:

Typically minimal, focused on basic audio connectivity. No integrated Bluetooth or smartphone mirroring as standard on most variants.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 7,500-10,000 km or 6-12 months, whichever comes first (refer to manual for exact recommendation).

Air Filter Replacement Interval:

Every 20,000-30,000 km or as needed based on operating conditions.

Spark Plug Replacement Interval:

Every 40,000-60,000 km (depending on plug type).

Timing Belt Replacement Interval:

Every 80,000-100,000 km or 5-7 years (if applicable, F8B might use a timing chain). Manual will specify.

Engine Oil Specification:

API SG/SH/SJ or ACEA A2/A3, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (check manual for exact viscosity and API classification).

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approx. 3.0-3.2 Liters with filter change.

Coolant Type:

Ethylene Glycol based coolant, 50/50 mix with distilled water. Suzuki Super Long Life Coolant (SLLC) recommended.

Transmission Fluid Manual:

API GL-4, SAE 75W-85 or 75W-90 gear oil.

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

Dexron III or equivalent ATF. Manual will specify exact type.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4.

Transmission Fluid Capacity Manual:

Approx. 1.6-1.8 Liters

Transmission Fluid Capacity Automatic:

Approx. 3.5-4.0 Liters (may vary slightly)

Common Issues:

Ignition coil failure, exhaust manifold cracks, minor oil leaks from seals, carburetor adjustment issues (on older models), suspension wear (bushings, ball joints), rust in common areas (wheel arches, sills), occasional electrical gremlins in older vehicles. The manual will provide diagnostic procedures for these.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage Suzuki:

Suzuki Motor Corporation has a long history in small vehicle manufacturing, known for its specialization in compact cars, motorcycles, and marine engines, emphasizing practicality, fuel efficiency, and reliability.

Alto Model Evolution:

The Suzuki Alto has been in continuous production since 1979, evolving through numerous generations and design updates. The F8B engine variant typically belongs to the fourth or fifth generation, characterized by its boxy yet compact design and focus on utility.

Key Design Eras:

Early generations were more utilitarian, later generations adopted more rounded styling while retaining compact dimensions. The F8B engine has been a staple for its efficiency.

Production Locations:

Primarily manufactured in Japan, with some versions also produced or assembled in other international markets.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Awards And Recognitions:

While specific awards for the F8B variant may not be widely publicized, the Suzuki Alto model line has consistently been recognized for its value, fuel efficiency, and practicality in various global automotive surveys and publications focused on compact and city cars.