🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Renault Model: Espace Generation: Espace I (J11) Model Year: 1988 Codes Chassis Code: J11 👋 Introduction Market Position Vehicle Segment: Early MPV (Multi-Purpose Vehicle) / Minivan. A pioneering segment. Competitors 1988: Chrysler Voyager/Grand Voyager (North America), potentially nascent European MPV offerings. Key Features Design Innovation: Front-wheel drive, transverse engine layout, three rows of seating with modular configuration, large interior volume, innovative 'Spaceship' dashboard design. Manual Value Proposition Uniqueness: Vehicle-specific and technician-level detail, going beyond generic advice to provide precise procedures and specifications essential for accurate maintenance and repair of the 1988 Espace I. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Manual Type: Service and Repair Manual Language: English Format: Digital (likely PDF, based on common industry practice for older manuals) Scope: Comprehensive, A-Z coverage of all models and repairs Page Count Estimated Page Count: Varies by original publisher, typically 400-800 pages for full service manuals of this era. 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Powertrain: Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, exhaust system, engine management (ECU diagnostics). Transmission: Manual and Automatic transmission overhaul, clutch service, driveshafts, differentials. Chassis: Suspension (front and rear), steering system, braking system (including ABS if applicable), wheel alignment. Electrical: Wiring diagrams, lighting systems, dashboard instrumentation, power accessories, starter motor, alternator, battery system, diagnostic procedures for electrical faults. Bodywork: Body panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, interior trim, glazing, seals, body repair techniques. HVAC: Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning system service and repair. Procedures Included Maintenance: Scheduled maintenance intervals, fluid changes (oil, coolant, brake fluid), filter replacements, tune-up procedures. Diagnostics: Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, fault code interpretation (OBD I systems), electrical testing procedures. Repair: Detailed step-by-step instructions for component removal, disassembly, inspection, repair, reassembly, and installation. Adjustment: Carburetor/fuel injection adjustments, brake adjustments, clutch adjustments, ignition timing adjustments. Specification Setting: Torque specifications, clearances, fluid levels, alignment angles. Technical Depth Depth Level: Factory-level, covering routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including advanced diagnostics and repair procedures used by dealership technicians. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Digital Format: Likely PDF, optimized for readability and searchability. May include high-resolution scans of original print material. Print Quality Scan Quality: High-resolution scans ensuring clarity of text, diagrams, and illustrations. Binding Type Physical Binding: Not applicable for digital format, but original manual would be professionally bound (e.g., perfect bound, spiral bound) for durability in a workshop environment. Paper Type Original Paper: Durable, often gloss-coated paper for diagrams and illustrations, with matte paper for text sections, designed for workshop use. ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Type Common: Inline-4, Petrol (Gasoline) Engine Displacement Common: 2.0 Liters (1995 cc) Engine Codes Common: J7R Performance Horsepower Approx Common: 108 hp @ 5,250 rpm Torque Approx Common: 160 Nm (118 lb-ft) @ 3,000 rpm Fuel System Fuel Delivery Common: Electronic Fuel Injection (Bosch Motronic) Fuel Type: Unleaded Petrol (Super Unleaded/Premium Unleaded) Cooling System Coolant Type Specification: Ethylene Glycol based coolant, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Refer to manual for specific Renault specification (e.g., Type D). Lubrication Engine Oil Specification: API SG/CD or ACEA A2/B2. Viscosity typically SAE 10W-40 or 5W-40 depending on climate. Consult manual for precise OE recommendation and capacity (approx. 4.5 liters). 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Type Common: 5-speed Manual Transmission Optional Transmission Type Optional: 4-speed Automatic Transmission Features Manual Transmission Fluid Spec: API GL-4 SAE 75W-80 or SAE 75W-90 synthetic gear oil. Capacity approx. 2.2 liters. Automatic Transmission Fluid Spec: Renaultmatic D2 or equivalent Dexron II specification. Capacity approx. 6.0 liters for overhaul. Clutch Type: Dry single plate diaphragm clutch (manual transmission). 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length Approx: 4200 mm (165.4 inches) Width Approx: 1770 mm (69.7 inches) Height Approx: 1650 mm (65.0 inches) Wheelbase Approx: 2650 mm (104.3 inches) Weights Curb Weight Approx Manual: 1350 kg (2976 lbs) Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Approx: 1970 kg (4343 lbs) Cargo Cargo Volume Seats Up: Highly variable due to modular seating, but substantial for its class when configured for cargo. 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings Crash Test Results: Data from 1988 is limited by modern standards. Early Espace models were not subject to rigorous standardized crash testing like today. However, R&D focused on structural integrity for its intended purpose. Active Features Braking System: Front ventilated discs, rear drums. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) was an option on higher trims. Suspension Stability: Independent front suspension (MacPherson struts), independent rear trailing arm suspension contributing to stable handling. Passive Features Seat Belts: 3-point inertia reel seat belts for front occupants, 2-point or 3-point for rear occupants depending on seating position and trim. Body Structure: Reinforced passenger cell with crumple zones designed to absorb impact energy. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Original units typically featured analogue radios with cassette players. Upgrade paths may involve aftermarket solutions. Speaker layout designed for cabin acoustics. Driver Assistance ABS Availability: Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was an optional feature, not...
Early MPV (Multi-Purpose Vehicle) / Minivan. A pioneering segment.
Competitors 1988:
Chrysler Voyager/Grand Voyager (North America), potentially nascent European MPV offerings.
Key Features
Design Innovation:
Front-wheel drive, transverse engine layout, three rows of seating with modular configuration, large interior volume, innovative 'Spaceship' dashboard design.
Manual Value Proposition
Uniqueness:
Vehicle-specific and technician-level detail, going beyond generic advice to provide precise procedures and specifications essential for accurate maintenance and repair of the 1988 Espace I.
📋 Manual Details
Coverage Areas
Manual Type:
Service and Repair Manual
Language:
English
Format:
Digital (likely PDF, based on common industry practice for older manuals)
Scope:
Comprehensive, A-Z coverage of all models and repairs
Page Count
Estimated Page Count:
Varies by original publisher, typically 400-800 pages for full service manuals of this era.
Factory-level, covering routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including advanced diagnostics and repair procedures used by dealership technicians.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
Digital Format:
Likely PDF, optimized for readability and searchability. May include high-resolution scans of original print material.
Print Quality
Scan Quality:
High-resolution scans ensuring clarity of text, diagrams, and illustrations.
Binding Type
Physical Binding:
Not applicable for digital format, but original manual would be professionally bound (e.g., perfect bound, spiral bound) for durability in a workshop environment.
Paper Type
Original Paper:
Durable, often gloss-coated paper for diagrams and illustrations, with matte paper for text sections, designed for workshop use.
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Type Common:
Inline-4, Petrol (Gasoline)
Engine Displacement Common:
2.0 Liters (1995 cc)
Engine Codes Common:
J7R
Performance
Horsepower Approx Common:
108 hp @ 5,250 rpm
Torque Approx Common:
160 Nm (118 lb-ft) @ 3,000 rpm
Fuel System
Fuel Delivery Common:
Electronic Fuel Injection (Bosch Motronic)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Petrol (Super Unleaded/Premium Unleaded)
Cooling System
Coolant Type Specification:
Ethylene Glycol based coolant, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Refer to manual for specific Renault specification (e.g., Type D).
Lubrication
Engine Oil Specification:
API SG/CD or ACEA A2/B2. Viscosity typically SAE 10W-40 or 5W-40 depending on climate. Consult manual for precise OE recommendation and capacity (approx. 4.5 liters).
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Transmission Type Common:
5-speed Manual Transmission
Optional
Transmission Type Optional:
4-speed Automatic Transmission
Features
Manual Transmission Fluid Spec:
API GL-4 SAE 75W-80 or SAE 75W-90 synthetic gear oil. Capacity approx. 2.2 liters.
Automatic Transmission Fluid Spec:
Renaultmatic D2 or equivalent Dexron II specification. Capacity approx. 6.0 liters for overhaul.
Clutch Type:
Dry single plate diaphragm clutch (manual transmission).
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length Approx:
4200 mm (165.4 inches)
Width Approx:
1770 mm (69.7 inches)
Height Approx:
1650 mm (65.0 inches)
Wheelbase Approx:
2650 mm (104.3 inches)
Weights
Curb Weight Approx Manual:
1350 kg (2976 lbs)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Approx:
1970 kg (4343 lbs)
Cargo
Cargo Volume Seats Up:
Highly variable due to modular seating, but substantial for its class when configured for cargo.
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
Crash Test Results:
Data from 1988 is limited by modern standards. Early Espace models were not subject to rigorous standardized crash testing like today. However, R&D focused on structural integrity for its intended purpose.
Active Features
Braking System:
Front ventilated discs, rear drums. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) was an option on higher trims.
Suspension Stability:
Independent front suspension (MacPherson struts), independent rear trailing arm suspension contributing to stable handling.
Passive Features
Seat Belts:
3-point inertia reel seat belts for front occupants, 2-point or 3-point for rear occupants depending on seating position and trim.
Body Structure:
Reinforced passenger cell with crumple zones designed to absorb impact energy.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Original units typically featured analogue radios with cassette players. Upgrade paths may involve aftermarket solutions. Speaker layout designed for cabin acoustics.
Driver Assistance
ABS Availability:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was an optional feature, not standard across all 1988 models.
Cruise Control:
May have been available as an option on higher trim levels. Not a common feature for the base model.
Connectivity
Connectivity Features:
No factory-installed connectivity features (e.g., Bluetooth, USB, smartphone integration) as these technologies did not exist in 1988.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000 km (6,000 miles) or 12 months, whichever comes first. Refer to manual for exact intervals based on driving conditions.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Critical item. Usually specified around 80,000 km (50,000 miles) or 5 years. Failure can cause catastrophic engine damage. Consult manual for exact interval and part numbers.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically every 40,000 km (25,000 miles). Consult manual for specific plug type and gap.
Fluid Specifications
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 conforming to relevant national/international standards. Capacity approx. 1 liter.
Coolant Capacity:
Approximately 7.0 liters for the 2.0L engine.
Known Issues
Electrical Gremlins:
Age-related issues with wiring looms, connectors, and dashboard components are common. Poor earth connections can cause spurious fault symptoms.
Suspension Wear:
Wear in suspension bushings, ball joints, and wheel bearings can lead to knocking noises and affect handling due to the vehicle's weight and type of suspension.
Rust Corrosion:
Common on older vehicles, particularly around wheel arches, sills, and tailgate. Early rustproofing was not as advanced as modern standards.
Engine Management Sensors:
Ageing sensors (e.g., lambda sensor, engine speed sensor, throttle position sensor) can cause drivability issues and affect fuel economy.
Door Seals And Water Ingress:
Degradation of door and tailgate seals can lead to water ingress into the cabin, affecting interior trim and potentially causing electrical issues.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Renault Innovation:
Renault has a long history of innovation in automotive design and engineering, particularly in front-wheel-drive and compact car segments. The Espace represents a significant leap into a new vehicle category.
Model Evolution
Espace Concept:
Conceived by Matra and later produced by Renault, the Espace was inspired by the American Dodge Caravan and Plymouth Voyager. It pioneered the MPV concept in Europe.
Production
Manufacturing Location:
Assembled by Matra at their plant in Romorantin-Lanthenay, France.
Production Years
First Generation Production:
1984-1991 (Espace I)
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
European Car Of The Year:
While the Espace I was not the outright winner in 1985 (the first year of its release), it was nominated and highly influential, often cited in discussions of automotive innovation. It was named 'What Car?' Car of the Year in the UK in 1985.
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