🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Sterling Model: 825 Year: 1988 👋 Introduction Market Position Vehicle Segment: Luxury Mid-size Sedan Competitive Analysis Competitors 1988: Acura Legend, Lexus ES250 (upcoming), BMW 5 Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Volvo 740/760 Key Features Platform Sharing: Based on the Honda Accord platform, but with significant luxury and styling upgrades. Design Origin: Designed by Italian design house Pininfarina. Manual Value Proposition Benefit To Owner: Enables DIY repairs and maintenance, reducing reliance on dealerships and potentially saving significant costs. Resource Type: Authoritative OEM information for accurate repairs. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Primary Coverage: Full Repair and Service Page Count Estimated Page Count: Varies (typical OEM shop manuals are 500-1500+ pages, specific count not provided) Manual Type Type: OEM Shop/Service/Repair Manual Language Language: English Format Format: Digital Downloadable PDF 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine Mechanical: Engine removal/installation, disassembly, inspection, assembly, specifications Fuel System: Fuel delivery, injection system, fuel tank, lines, pump, injectors Lubrication Cooling: Oil pump, oil filter, oil cooler, water pump, thermostat, radiator, cooling fan, passages Engine Performance: Engine specifications, timing, diagnosis Transmission: Automatic transmission service, removal/installation, internal components, fluid specifications Steering System: Power steering pump, steering rack, tie rods, steering column Suspension: Front and rear suspension components, shocks, struts, springs, control arms Brakes: Brake system components, hydraulic lines, calipers, rotors, pads, parking brake Electrical System: Wiring diagrams, battery, alternator, starter, ignition system, lighting, fuses, relays, diagnostics Bodywork: Body panel removal/installation, doors, windows, trim, bumpers, structural components Intake Exhaust: Intake manifold, exhaust manifold, exhaust system components Climate Control: HVAC system, A/C, heater, ventilation, controls Interior Trim: Seats, dashboard, door panels, carpeting, headliner Procedures Included Routine Maintenance: Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, tire rotation, spark plug replacement Diagnostic Troubleshooting: Systematic diagnosis of common and advanced issues Component Replacement: Step-by-step instructions for replacing major and minor components Engine Rebuilding: Complete engine overhaul procedures Transmission Overhaul: Detailed steps for transmission repair and rebuild Electrical Diagnostics: Troubleshooting electrical faults using wiring diagrams Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive: from basic maintenance to advanced repairs and diagnostics 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Type: PDF Print Quality Quality: High resolution, suitable for printing Binding Type Binding: N/A (Digital Download) Paper Type Paper: N/A (Digital Download) Searchability Text Search: Likely searchable text content ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Code: PGM-FI (Programmed Fuel Injection) V6 Engine Type: Naturally Aspirated V6 Displacement: 2.5 Liters (2500 cc) Bore X Stroke: Not specified in product data, typically found in manual. Compression Ratio: Not specified in product data, typically found in manual. Horsepower: 173 hp @ 5500 rpm (approx.) Torque: 200 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm (approx.) Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Multi-point fuel injection (PGM-FI) Fuel Type: Unleaded Regular Gasoline Lubrication System Oil Capacity: 4.5 US quarts (4.3 liters) with filter (typical for this engine, check manual for exact) Cooling System Coolant Capacity: Approx. 7.0 US quarts (6.6 liters) (check manual for exact) 🔧 Transmission Standard Type: 4-speed Automatic Optional Type: None (Manual transmission was not offered in the US market for the 825) Features Features: Electronically controlled, adaptive shift logic. Fluid Specifications Transmission Fluid Type: Honda ATF-Z1 or equivalent (check manual for precise specification and part number) 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: 191.9 inches (4874 mm) Width: 70.7 inches (1796 mm) Height: 55.1 inches (1400 mm) Wheelbase: 109.2 inches (2774 mm) Weights Curb Weight: 3,450 lbs (1565 kg) (approx.) Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: Not specified in product data. 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Crash Test Results: Specific NHTSA ratings for 1988 Sterling 825 are not readily available from standard databases. Manual may contain relevant safety information. Active Features Active Safety Features: Four-wheel disc brakes, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was available as an option on some trims. Passive Features Passive Safety Features: Seat belts, reinforced body structure. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Typically featured an AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional premium sound systems were available. Driver Assistance Driver Assistance Features: ABS (optional), cruise control. Connectivity Connectivity Options: None in the modern sense (no Bluetooth, USB, etc.). 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Typically 5,000-7,500 miles or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions (refer to manual for specific intervals). Transmission Fluid Change: Every 30,000-60,000 miles (check manual for recommended interval). Spark Plug Replacement: Typically around 60,000-100,000 miles for iridium or platinum plugs, earlier for standard (manual will specify exact type and interval). Fluid Specifications Engine Oil Specification: 10W-30 or 10W-40 API SG or higher (check manual for exact viscosity and API rating). Coolant Specification: Ethylene glycol-based coolant, typically a green color, 50/50 mix with distilled water (check manual for exact type and capacity). Brake Fluid Specification: DOT 3 or DOT 4 (check manual for exact specification). Known Issues Common Wear Items: Suspension bushings, engine mounts, power steering components, electrical sensors, and HVAC blower motors are common wear items on vehicles of this era. Electronics Reliability: Older electronics can...
Systematic diagnosis of common and advanced issues
Component Replacement:
Step-by-step instructions for replacing major and minor components
Engine Rebuilding:
Complete engine overhaul procedures
Transmission Overhaul:
Detailed steps for transmission repair and rebuild
Electrical Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting electrical faults using wiring diagrams
Technical Depth
Depth:
Comprehensive: from basic maintenance to advanced repairs and diagnostics
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
File Type:
PDF
Print Quality
Quality:
High resolution, suitable for printing
Binding Type
Binding:
N/A (Digital Download)
Paper Type
Paper:
N/A (Digital Download)
Searchability
Text Search:
Likely searchable text content
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Code:
PGM-FI (Programmed Fuel Injection) V6
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated V6
Displacement:
2.5 Liters (2500 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
Not specified in product data, typically found in manual.
Compression Ratio:
Not specified in product data, typically found in manual.
Horsepower:
173 hp @ 5500 rpm (approx.)
Torque:
200 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm (approx.)
Fuel System
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point fuel injection (PGM-FI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Regular Gasoline
Lubrication System
Oil Capacity:
4.5 US quarts (4.3 liters) with filter (typical for this engine, check manual for exact)
Cooling System
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 7.0 US quarts (6.6 liters) (check manual for exact)
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Type:
4-speed Automatic
Optional
Type:
None (Manual transmission was not offered in the US market for the 825)
Features
Features:
Electronically controlled, adaptive shift logic.
Fluid Specifications
Transmission Fluid Type:
Honda ATF-Z1 or equivalent (check manual for precise specification and part number)
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
191.9 inches (4874 mm)
Width:
70.7 inches (1796 mm)
Height:
55.1 inches (1400 mm)
Wheelbase:
109.2 inches (2774 mm)
Weights
Curb Weight:
3,450 lbs (1565 kg) (approx.)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Not specified in product data.
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Crash Test Results:
Specific NHTSA ratings for 1988 Sterling 825 are not readily available from standard databases. Manual may contain relevant safety information.
Active Features
Active Safety Features:
Four-wheel disc brakes, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was available as an option on some trims.
Passive Features
Passive Safety Features:
Seat belts, reinforced body structure.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Typically featured an AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional premium sound systems were available.
Driver Assistance
Driver Assistance Features:
ABS (optional), cruise control.
Connectivity
Connectivity Options:
None in the modern sense (no Bluetooth, USB, etc.).
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 5,000-7,500 miles or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions (refer to manual for specific intervals).
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles (check manual for recommended interval).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically around 60,000-100,000 miles for iridium or platinum plugs, earlier for standard (manual will specify exact type and interval).
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Specification:
10W-30 or 10W-40 API SG or higher (check manual for exact viscosity and API rating).
Coolant Specification:
Ethylene glycol-based coolant, typically a green color, 50/50 mix with distilled water (check manual for exact type and capacity).
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (check manual for exact specification).
Known Issues
Common Wear Items:
Suspension bushings, engine mounts, power steering components, electrical sensors, and HVAC blower motors are common wear items on vehicles of this era.
Electronics Reliability:
Older electronics can be prone to failure; thorough diagnostics are often required.
Engine Performance Issues:
EGR valve issues, injector clogging, and vacuum leaks can affect engine performance and emissions.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Brand Origin:
Sterling was a British marque established by the Rover Group, intended to compete in the premium automotive market. It was part of the British Leyland conglomerate before being acquired by British Aerospace and then BMW.
Model Evolution
Model Lineage:
The Sterling 825 was the flagship sedan for the marque in North America, closely related to the Rover 800 series.
Production
Production Period:
1987-1991 (Sterling 800 series in UK), 1987-1994 (Sterling models in North America)
Manufacturing Location:
Rover Group's Cowley plant in Oxfordshire, England.
Sales Performance
Sales Figures:
Sterling models, including the 825, did not achieve high sales volumes in North America, contributing to the marque's short lifespan.