🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Suzuki Model: Alto Hatch Model Codes: SS40AT, SS40V Year: 1981 Codes Chassis Code Common: SS40 👋 Introduction Market Position Vehicle Segment: Kei car, city car, subcompact hatchback. Target Audience: First-time car buyers, urban commuters, those seeking economical transportation. Competitive Analysis Competitors 1981: Daihatsu Mira, Honda Life, Mitsubishi Minica, Subaru Rex (in Japan). Key Features Design Philosophy: Compact, fuel-efficient, practical, and affordable urban mobility. Platform Basis: Likely based on Suzuki's front-engine, front-wheel-drive platform for small cars of the era. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Primary Coverage: Repair, Service, Maintenance Page Count Total Pages: 255 Manual Type Type: Workshop Manual / Repair Manual / Service Manual Language Language: English Format Format: PDF Compatibility Operating Systems: Windows, macOS 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine: Detailed disassembly, assembly, inspection, and repair of the 550cc engine (likely F5A or similar variant). Transmission Clutch Differential: Covers manual and automatic transmissions, clutch operation, inspection, adjustment, and repair. Differential service and repair. Drive Shafts Propeller Shaft: Inspection, replacement, and maintenance of drive shafts (front) and any applicable propeller shafts (rear-wheel drive variants, if applicable). Brake System: Front and rear brake systems (likely drum brakes or early disc brakes), hydraulic system, adjustment, repair, and replacement of components. Steering Suspension Wheels Tires: Front and rear suspension components, steering system operation, alignment specifications, wheel bearing service, tire pressure recommendations, and wheel replacement. Electrical System: Wiring diagrams, charging system (alternator/generator, battery), starting system (starter motor), ignition system, lighting, gauges, fuses, and electrical component troubleshooting. Body Service: Exterior body panel repair, interior trim removal and installation, door mechanisms, window operation, and basic bodywork procedures. Heating Air Conditioning: HVAC system components, blower motor, heater core, ventilation, and potentially early air conditioning system service (if equipped). Restraint System: Seat belts, their inspection, adjustment, and replacement. Likely no airbags on this early model. Procedures Included Maintenance: Routine checks, fluid changes (oil, coolant, brake fluid), filter replacements, spark plug replacement, lubrication points. Troubleshooting: Diagnostic procedures for common drivability issues, electrical faults, and mechanical problems. Symptom-based troubleshooting guides. Repair: Step-by-step instructions for component removal, disassembly, inspection, repair, reassembly, and installation for virtually all vehicle systems. Specifications Tolerances: Torque specifications for fasteners, critical dimension tolerances for engine components, suspension alignment settings, and electrical resistance values. Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive. Covers everything from basic fluid checks and adjustments to full engine and transmission rebuilds, and in-depth electrical system diagnostics. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Digital Format: PDF Print Quality Printability: Likely printable, suitable for clear viewing and printing of diagrams and text. Binding Type Binding: N/A (Digital download) Paper Type Paper Quality Recommendation: N/A (Digital download), recommend standard paper for printing. ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Code Likely: F5A Displacement Cc: 543 Configuration: Inline 3-cylinder, naturally aspirated (or potentially a very early turbo variant, though less common for SS40). Bore X Stroke Mm: Approx. 65.0 x 68.0 Compression Ratio: Around 8.5:1 to 9.5:1 (typical for the era) Performance Horsepower Ps Approx: 28-35 PS @ 6000-6500 RPM Torque Nm Approx: 38-45 Nm @ 3000-4000 RPM Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Carburetor (likely a single-barrel Keihin or similar). Fuel Type: Unleaded gasoline Cooling System Type: Water-cooled Ignition System Type: Distributor-based ignition system with points and condenser (or early electronic ignition). 🔧 Transmission Standard Type: 4-speed manual transmission Optional Type: 3-speed automatic transmission (denoted by SS40AT) Features Drive Layout: Front-wheel drive (FWD) Gear Ratios: Specific ratios detailed within the manual for both transmission types. Fluid Specifications Manual Transmission Fluid: GL-4 SAE 75W/90 or SAE 80W/90 gear oil (consult manual for exact type). Automatic Transmission Fluid: Dexron II or equivalent automatic transmission fluid (ATF). 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length Mm: Approx. 3,195 mm Width Mm: Approx. 1,395 mm Height Mm: Approx. 1,365 mm Wheelbase Mm: Approx. 2,175 mm Ground Clearance Mm: Approx. 150 mm Weights Curb Weight Kg: Approx. 630-670 kg (depending on trim and transmission) Gross Vehicle Weight Kg Approx: Around 1,000 kg 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings Crash Test Compliance: Pre-dates modern stringent crash safety standards. Focus on basic structural integrity and occupant protection for its era. Active Features Braking System: Front discs or drums, rear drums. Parking brake mechanism. Steering: Rack and pinion steering. Passive Features Seat Belts: Standard lap or three-point seat belts for front occupants. Lap belts for rear (if equipped). Body Structure: Reinforced passenger safety cell for its time. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Basic AM/FM radio, often with a single speaker. Cassette player may have been an option. Dashboard Instruments: Speedometer, fuel gauge, temperature gauge, odometer, indicator lights for oil pressure, battery charging, turn signals, and high beam. Driver Assistance Driver Aids: None (typical for the era). Focus on basic mechanical systems. Connectivity Connectivity Features: N/A 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Engine Oil Change: Every 5,000-7,500 km or 6 months (check manual for specific recommendation). Oil Filter Replacement: With every oil change. Air Filter...
First-time car buyers, urban commuters, those seeking economical transportation.
Competitive Analysis
Competitors 1981:
Daihatsu Mira, Honda Life, Mitsubishi Minica, Subaru Rex (in Japan).
Key Features
Design Philosophy:
Compact, fuel-efficient, practical, and affordable urban mobility.
Platform Basis:
Likely based on Suzuki's front-engine, front-wheel-drive platform for small cars of the era.
📋 Manual Details
Coverage Areas
Primary Coverage:
Repair, Service, Maintenance
Page Count
Total Pages:
255
Manual Type
Type:
Workshop Manual / Repair Manual / Service Manual
Language
Language:
English
Format
Format:
PDF
Compatibility
Operating Systems:
Windows, macOS
📖 Manual Coverage
Systems Covered
Engine:
Detailed disassembly, assembly, inspection, and repair of the 550cc engine (likely F5A or similar variant).
Transmission Clutch Differential:
Covers manual and automatic transmissions, clutch operation, inspection, adjustment, and repair. Differential service and repair.
Drive Shafts Propeller Shaft:
Inspection, replacement, and maintenance of drive shafts (front) and any applicable propeller shafts (rear-wheel drive variants, if applicable).
Brake System:
Front and rear brake systems (likely drum brakes or early disc brakes), hydraulic system, adjustment, repair, and replacement of components.
Steering Suspension Wheels Tires:
Front and rear suspension components, steering system operation, alignment specifications, wheel bearing service, tire pressure recommendations, and wheel replacement.
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, charging system (alternator/generator, battery), starting system (starter motor), ignition system, lighting, gauges, fuses, and electrical component troubleshooting.
Body Service:
Exterior body panel repair, interior trim removal and installation, door mechanisms, window operation, and basic bodywork procedures.
Heating Air Conditioning:
HVAC system components, blower motor, heater core, ventilation, and potentially early air conditioning system service (if equipped).
Restraint System:
Seat belts, their inspection, adjustment, and replacement. Likely no airbags on this early model.
Diagnostic procedures for common drivability issues, electrical faults, and mechanical problems. Symptom-based troubleshooting guides.
Repair:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, disassembly, inspection, repair, reassembly, and installation for virtually all vehicle systems.
Specifications Tolerances:
Torque specifications for fasteners, critical dimension tolerances for engine components, suspension alignment settings, and electrical resistance values.
Technical Depth
Depth:
Comprehensive. Covers everything from basic fluid checks and adjustments to full engine and transmission rebuilds, and in-depth electrical system diagnostics.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
Digital Format:
PDF
Print Quality
Printability:
Likely printable, suitable for clear viewing and printing of diagrams and text.
Binding Type
Binding:
N/A (Digital download)
Paper Type
Paper Quality Recommendation:
N/A (Digital download), recommend standard paper for printing.
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Code Likely:
F5A
Displacement Cc:
543
Configuration:
Inline 3-cylinder, naturally aspirated (or potentially a very early turbo variant, though less common for SS40).
Bore X Stroke Mm:
Approx. 65.0 x 68.0
Compression Ratio:
Around 8.5:1 to 9.5:1 (typical for the era)
Performance
Horsepower Ps Approx:
28-35 PS @ 6000-6500 RPM
Torque Nm Approx:
38-45 Nm @ 3000-4000 RPM
Fuel System
Fuel Delivery:
Carburetor (likely a single-barrel Keihin or similar).
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
Cooling System
Type:
Water-cooled
Ignition System
Type:
Distributor-based ignition system with points and condenser (or early electronic ignition).
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Type:
4-speed manual transmission
Optional
Type:
3-speed automatic transmission (denoted by SS40AT)
Features
Drive Layout:
Front-wheel drive (FWD)
Gear Ratios:
Specific ratios detailed within the manual for both transmission types.
Fluid Specifications
Manual Transmission Fluid:
GL-4 SAE 75W/90 or SAE 80W/90 gear oil (consult manual for exact type).
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron II or equivalent automatic transmission fluid (ATF).
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length Mm:
Approx. 3,195 mm
Width Mm:
Approx. 1,395 mm
Height Mm:
Approx. 1,365 mm
Wheelbase Mm:
Approx. 2,175 mm
Ground Clearance Mm:
Approx. 150 mm
Weights
Curb Weight Kg:
Approx. 630-670 kg (depending on trim and transmission)
Gross Vehicle Weight Kg Approx:
Around 1,000 kg
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
Crash Test Compliance:
Pre-dates modern stringent crash safety standards. Focus on basic structural integrity and occupant protection for its era.
Active Features
Braking System:
Front discs or drums, rear drums. Parking brake mechanism.
Steering:
Rack and pinion steering.
Passive Features
Seat Belts:
Standard lap or three-point seat belts for front occupants. Lap belts for rear (if equipped).
Body Structure:
Reinforced passenger safety cell for its time.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Basic AM/FM radio, often with a single speaker. Cassette player may have been an option.
Dashboard Instruments:
Speedometer, fuel gauge, temperature gauge, odometer, indicator lights for oil pressure, battery charging, turn signals, and high beam.
Driver Assistance
Driver Aids:
None (typical for the era). Focus on basic mechanical systems.
Connectivity
Connectivity Features:
N/A
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Engine Oil Change:
Every 5,000-7,500 km or 6 months (check manual for specific recommendation).
Oil Filter Replacement:
With every oil change.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-20,000 km or as needed based on driving conditions.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 20,000-30,000 km.
Coolant Flush:
Every 2 years or 40,000 km.
Brake Fluid Change:
Every 2 years.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Type Viscosity:
API SF or SG, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 recommended (verify in manual).
Engine Oil Capacity Liters:
Approx. 2.7 - 3.0 liters (with filter).
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze with water (50/50 mix).
Coolant Capacity Liters:
Approx. 3.5 - 4.0 liters.
Known Issues
Carburetor Issues:
Clogging, rough idle, fuel mixture problems due to age and wear.
Ignition System Wear:
Points, condenser, rotor, and distributor cap wear leading to misfires and poor performance.
Rust Corrosion:
Common on older Japanese vehicles, particularly in wheel wells, rocker panels, and underbody.
Suspension Wear:
Bushings, ball joints, and tie rod ends can wear out, leading to loose steering and poor handling.
Brake Component Wear:
Cylinder seals, brake shoes/pads, and drums/rotors can degrade over time.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Manufacturer:
Suzuki Motor Corporation, Japan.
Specialization:
Known for small, lightweight, and economical vehicles, motorcycles, and marine engines.
Model Evolution
First Generation Start:
The Alto nameplate debuted in 1979. The SS40 series represents the second generation of the Alto, introduced around 1981.
Ss40 Significance:
Transition to more modern styling and powertrain options, establishing the Alto as a staple in the Kei car segment.
Production
Production Period Ss40:
Approximately 1981-1984.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Japan.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Industry Awards:
No specific widely publicized awards for this model as a standalone vehicle, but recognized for its economical and practical urban transport capabilities in its market segment.
Ratings
Fuel Economy Rating:
Excellent for its time, designed for high fuel efficiency in urban driving.
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