This comprehensive workshop manual provides detailed instructions and technical specifications for repairing and maintaining your 1981 Suzuki Hatch Alto 550CC SS40AT SS40V. The manual covers a wide range of topics, including: * **General Information:** This section outlines basic information about your vehicle, such as safety precautions, tool requirements, and common technical terms. * **Heating and Air Conditioning:** Learn about the operation and maintenance of your vehicle's climate control system, including troubleshooting and repair procedures. * **Steering, Suspension, Wheels and Tires:** Discover how to inspect, adjust, and repair your steering system, suspension components, wheels, and tires. * **Drive Shafts and Propeller Shaft:** Get detailed guidance on inspecting, maintaining, and repairing your drive shafts and propeller shaft. * **Brake System:** This section covers the inspection, adjustment, and repair of your brake system, including hydraulic components, calipers, and pads. * **Engine:** Learn about the operation, maintenance, and repair of your engine, including the fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, and lubrication system. * **Transmission, Clutch, and Differential:** This section provides comprehensive information about inspecting, adjusting, and repairing your transmission, clutch, and differential. * **Electrical System:** Explore the intricacies of your vehicle's electrical system, including wiring diagrams, troubleshooting procedures, and repair techniques for components like the starter, alternator, and lighting systems. * **Body Service:** This section covers the repair and maintenance of your vehicle's body, including body panels, doors, windows, and trim. * **Restraint System:** Get detailed information on the operation, inspection, and repair of your vehicle's safety restraint system. This manual is your ultimate resource for understanding and maintaining your Suzuki Hatch Alto.

The Suzuki Alto SS40, launched in 1981, marked a significant step in Suzuki's commitment to producing compact and fuel-efficient vehicles. The Alto SS40, available in both the SS40AT (automatic) and SS40V (manual) variants, was a true testament to Suzuki's engineering prowess, featuring a tiny 550cc engine that delivered impressive efficiency for its time. The car was designed with a focus on practicality, boasting a spacious interior for its compact size, making it an ideal choice for city dwellers who prioritized maneuverability and affordability. The minimalist design of the Alto SS40, with its iconic boxy shape and simple lines, contrasted with the more elaborate designs of other cars emerging in the early 80s. This simplicity, however, contributed to its overall efficiency, making it an economical option for everyday commuting and even longer trips. The Suzuki Alto SS40's compact size and fuel-efficient engine made it a popular choice for drivers seeking economical transportation options. Its small footprint made it easy to maneuver through congested city streets and find parking in tight spaces. Despite its diminutive size, the Alto SS40 offered a surprisingly spacious interior, accommodating four adults comfortably. The engine, while small, provided enough power for urban driving, and its excellent fuel economy made it a cost-effective choice for daily commutes. The Alto SS40's enduring popularity, particularly in its home market of Japan, is a testament to its simple, practical design and its ability to deliver on the promise of affordable and fuel-efficient transportation. Its legacy lives on, with subsequent generations of the Alto continuing to embody Suzuki's commitment to producing compact and efficient vehicles that meet the needs of a wide range of drivers.