🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Austin Model: Metro Year: 1988 Region Of Origin: United Kingdom Codes Chassis Code General: A-Series based platform 👋 Introduction Market Position Positioning: A practical, no-nonsense supermini designed for affordability and ease of use. Competed with vehicles like the Ford Fiesta, Vauxhall Nova, and Volkswagen Polo. Competitive Analysis Key Competitors: Ford Fiesta, Vauxhall Nova, Volkswagen Polo, Peugeot 205, Renault 5 Key Features Design Philosophy: Designed by David Bache, featuring a distinctive wedge-shaped profile and innovative interior packaging for its class. Manual Advantage: Provides dealership-level repair information, enabling significant cost savings for owners performing their own maintenance and repairs. Manual Advantage Target Audience: Austin Metro owners with basic to advanced mechanical skills, independent repair shops, and enthusiasts. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Primary Coverage: Full Service, Repair, Troubleshooting, Diagnostics Secondary Coverage: Maintenance Schedules, Wiring Schematics, Technical Specifications Page Count Estimated Page Count: Varies by specific publication, but comprehensive for the model year Manual Type Type: Workshop Service and Repair Manual Language Language: English Format Format: Digital (PDF) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine Mechanical: Complete disassembly, inspection, assembly of engine components (block, pistons, rods, crankshaft, cylinder head, valves, timing) Engine Electrical: Ignition system, starting system, charging system, wiring harnesses, sensors, ECUs (if applicable) Emission Control: Catalytic converter system, EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation), air injection, evaporative emission control Fuel System: Carburetor (e.g., SU, Weber) or Fuel Injection (MPI) systems, fuel pump, fuel lines, fuel tank, fuel filter Clutch System: Clutch operation, hydraulic system (if applicable), clutch disc, pressure plate, release bearing, flywheel Manual Transaxle: Gearbox operation, synchromesh, shifting mechanisms, gears, bearings, seals, fluid specifications Automatic Transaxle: If equipped, operation of automatic gearbox, torque converter, hydraulic control, fluid types and capacities Driveshaft And Axle: Front wheel drive axle shafts, CV joints, differential (integrated into transaxle) Suspension System: Front suspension (e.g., MacPherson struts), rear suspension (e.g., trailing arms, hydrolastic/hydragas if applicable to specific variants), shock absorbers, springs, bushes Steering System: Steering rack, steering column, linkages, power steering (if equipped) Restraint Systems: Seat belts (lap and diagonal), seat belt retractors, mounting points Brake System: Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes, master cylinder, brake lines, calipers, wheel cylinders, parking brake mechanism Body Interior Exterior: Body panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, glass, trim, bumpers, seats, dashboard Body Electrical System: Lighting (headlights, taillights, interior), wipers, washers, horn, power windows (if equipped), central locking (if equipped), fuse box diagrams HVAC System: Heating system, ventilation, demisting, heater core, blower motor, ducting (Air Conditioning typically optional and less common for this era/model) Procedures Included Maintenance: Regular servicing (oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug checks, fluid top-ups), brake pad/shoe replacement, belt adjustments Troubleshooting: Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon faults across all systems Repair: Step-by-step instructions for component removal, repair, and installation Diagnostics: Fault finding charts, symptom analysis, electrical diagnostic flowcharts Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive, suitable for professional mechanics and advanced DIY enthusiasts. Covers engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, full electrical system diagnosis. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Type: PDF Searchability: Likely text-searchable if created from scanned digital source, or fully searchable if originally digital. Print Quality Printability: Yes, all pages printable. Binding Type Binding: N/A (Digital Format) Paper Type Paper Quality: N/A (Digital Format - for printed output) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Code General: A-Series (Various displacements) Displacement Common: 1.0L (998cc), 1.3L (1275cc) Performance Horsepower Typical: Approx. 46-63 hp (depending on engine and tuning) Torque Typical: Approx. 70-95 Nm (depending on engine) Fuel System Fuel Delivery 1988: Primarily Carburetor (e.g., Zenith, SU, Weber) or early Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI) on higher trims/specific markets. Fuel Type: Unleaded Petrol (Octane rating dependent on engine specification, typically 95 RON) 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Type Standard: 4-Speed Manual Transaxle Optional Transmission Type Optional: 3-Speed Automatic Transaxle (less common) Features Drive Layout: Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) Transmission Fluid Spec: Typically GL-4 Hypoid gear oil (e.g., Castrol EPX 80W/90 or equivalent) 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: Approx. 3,400 mm (133.9 inches) Width: Approx. 1,580 mm (62.2 inches) Height: Approx. 1,370 mm (53.9 inches) Weights Curb Weight: Approx. 700-800 kg (depending on engine and equipment) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings Crash Test Era Context: Safety standards were less stringent than modern vehicles; Euro NCAP did not exist in its current form. Active Features Active Safety Equipment: Disc front brakes, drum rear brakes, collapsible steering column. Passive Features Passive Safety Equipment: Seat belts (front), reinforced passenger cell (designed for the era). 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Infotainment System: Basic AM/FM radio with cassette player (optional). Driver Assistance Driver Assistance Features: None in the modern sense. Focus is on basic mechanical systems. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Typically every 6,000 - 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first. Spark Plug Replacement: Every 12,000 - 18,000 miles, depending on plug type. Timing Belt Chain: A-Series engines use a timing chain, which typically requires inspection but...
A practical, no-nonsense supermini designed for affordability and ease of use. Competed with vehicles like the Ford Fiesta, Vauxhall Nova, and Volkswagen Polo.
Competitive Analysis
Key Competitors:
Ford Fiesta, Vauxhall Nova, Volkswagen Polo, Peugeot 205, Renault 5
Key Features
Design Philosophy:
Designed by David Bache, featuring a distinctive wedge-shaped profile and innovative interior packaging for its class.
Manual Advantage:
Provides dealership-level repair information, enabling significant cost savings for owners performing their own maintenance and repairs.
Manual Advantage
Target Audience:
Austin Metro owners with basic to advanced mechanical skills, independent repair shops, and enthusiasts.
📋 Manual Details
Coverage Areas
Primary Coverage:
Full Service, Repair, Troubleshooting, Diagnostics
If equipped, operation of automatic gearbox, torque converter, hydraulic control, fluid types and capacities
Driveshaft And Axle:
Front wheel drive axle shafts, CV joints, differential (integrated into transaxle)
Suspension System:
Front suspension (e.g., MacPherson struts), rear suspension (e.g., trailing arms, hydrolastic/hydragas if applicable to specific variants), shock absorbers, springs, bushes
Steering System:
Steering rack, steering column, linkages, power steering (if equipped)
Restraint Systems:
Seat belts (lap and diagonal), seat belt retractors, mounting points
Comprehensive, suitable for professional mechanics and advanced DIY enthusiasts. Covers engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, full electrical system diagnosis.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
File Type:
PDF
Searchability:
Likely text-searchable if created from scanned digital source, or fully searchable if originally digital.
Print Quality
Printability:
Yes, all pages printable.
Binding Type
Binding:
N/A (Digital Format)
Paper Type
Paper Quality:
N/A (Digital Format - for printed output)
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Code General:
A-Series (Various displacements)
Displacement Common:
1.0L (998cc), 1.3L (1275cc)
Performance
Horsepower Typical:
Approx. 46-63 hp (depending on engine and tuning)
Torque Typical:
Approx. 70-95 Nm (depending on engine)
Fuel System
Fuel Delivery 1988:
Primarily Carburetor (e.g., Zenith, SU, Weber) or early Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI) on higher trims/specific markets.
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Petrol (Octane rating dependent on engine specification, typically 95 RON)
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Transmission Type Standard:
4-Speed Manual Transaxle
Optional
Transmission Type Optional:
3-Speed Automatic Transaxle (less common)
Features
Drive Layout:
Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)
Transmission Fluid Spec:
Typically GL-4 Hypoid gear oil (e.g., Castrol EPX 80W/90 or equivalent)
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
Approx. 3,400 mm (133.9 inches)
Width:
Approx. 1,580 mm (62.2 inches)
Height:
Approx. 1,370 mm (53.9 inches)
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approx. 700-800 kg (depending on engine and equipment)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
Crash Test Era Context:
Safety standards were less stringent than modern vehicles; Euro NCAP did not exist in its current form.
Active Features
Active Safety Equipment:
Disc front brakes, drum rear brakes, collapsible steering column.
Passive Features
Passive Safety Equipment:
Seat belts (front), reinforced passenger cell (designed for the era).
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Infotainment System:
Basic AM/FM radio with cassette player (optional).
Driver Assistance
Driver Assistance Features:
None in the modern sense. Focus is on basic mechanical systems.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 6,000 - 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 12,000 - 18,000 miles, depending on plug type.
Timing Belt Chain:
A-Series engines use a timing chain, which typically requires inspection but not regular replacement unless worn.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Spec:
SAE 20W/50 or 10W/40 (API SF/CD or SG/CD specification, consult manual for precise recommendation).
Coolant Spec:
Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze, typically mixed 50/50 with distilled water. Consult manual for specific type.
Older British cars can be prone to minor electrical issues due to wiring age and quality; the manual will help diagnose.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Brand Context:
Austin was a prominent British car manufacturer with a long history dating back to the early 20th century. The Metro was intended to revive the brand's fortunes.
Model Evolution
Model Development:
Launched in 1980 as the Austin Mini Metro, it was Austin Rover Group's first all-new small car design in decades. The 1988 model year represents an updated version within its lifecycle.
Production
Production Start:
1980
Production End:
1997 (under Rover Group)
Manufacturing Location:
Longbridge, Birmingham, England.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Industry Recognition:
While specific awards for the 1988 model are scarce, the Metro was a significant product for British Leyland/Austin Rover Group, aiming to compete effectively in the crucial supermini segment. It was praised for its interior space and handling in period reviews.
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