🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Austin Model: Metro Year: 1990 Generation Generation Designation: Mk3/3.5 👋 Introduction Market Position Target Audience: DIY mechanics, independent repair shops, Austin Metro owners Value Proposition: Empowers owners to perform maintenance and repairs, saving money and understanding their vehicle Competitive Analysis Information Source: Manufacturer-produced content, mirroring dealer service manuals Key Features Ease Of Use: Step-by-step instructions, clear language, and abundant illustrations Completeness: Covers all major systems and procedures for the specified model year 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Primary Coverage: Service, Repair, Troubleshooting, Maintenance Diagnostic Coverage: Full Diagnostic Procedures Page Count Estimated Page Count: Estimated 500-800 pages (based on typical workshop manuals of this era and complexity) Manual Type Manual Type: Workshop Manual / Service and Repair Manual Language Language: English Format Digital Format: PDF Digital Compatibility: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, E-readers Printability: Printable (individual pages or full manual) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine Mechanical: Full disassembly, inspection, assembly, timing, lubrication, cooling Engine Electrical: Ignition system, starting system, charging system, sensors, ECUs Emission Control: Catalytic converter operation, EGR systems, evaporative emission control Fuel System: Fuel injection (SPI/MPI), fuel pump, injectors, pressure regulator, fuel lines Clutch System: Clutch operation, hydraulics, diaphragm, release bearing Manual Transaxle: Gearbox overhaul, differential, shifting mechanisms, lubricant changes Automatic Transaxle: If equipped, operation, maintenance, torque converter, fluid service Driveshaft Axle: CV joints, drive shafts, hub bearings Suspension System: Front and rear suspension, shock absorbers, springs, bushings, alignment Steering System: Steering rack, column, linkages, power steering (if applicable) Brake System: Disc and drum brakes, master cylinder, calipers, wheel cylinders, ABS (if applicable) Body Interior Exterior: Panels, doors, glass, seats, trim, seals, spoilers Body Electrical: Lighting, wipers, horn, power windows, central locking, instrument cluster HVAC: Heating, ventilation, air conditioning systems, blower motor, refrigerant Restraint System: Seat belts, airbags (if equipped) Procedures Included Maintenance Procedures: Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks/changes, spark plug replacement, belt adjustments Repair Procedures: Component replacement, gasket renewal, seal replacement, minor bodywork Troubleshooting Diagnostics: Fault finding, symptom analysis, diagnostic charts, wiring diagrams Assembly Disassembly: Detailed step-by-step instructions for all major components and systems Wiring Schematics: Complete electrical system wiring diagrams for all circuits Technical Depth Depth Of Information: Comprehensive, dealer-level repair and diagnostic information Data Specificity: Vehicle-specific procedures, not generic information Diagnostic Tools: Information on required special tools and equipment 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Type: PDF Text Searchability: Searchable PDF text for quick information retrieval Print Quality Illustration Clarity: Clear, high-resolution diagrams and illustrations Binding Type Binding Type Physical Equivalent: Typically ring-bound or perfect bound for workshop manuals (digital equivalent implies ease of use) Paper Type Paper Type Physical Equivalent: Durable, often coated paper for workshop use (digital implies crisp rendering) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Variants Covered: Likely covers A-Series engines (e.g., 998cc, 1275cc, potentially fuel-injected variants of these) Performance Horsepower Range: Typically 40-60 BHP depending on engine size and tuning Torque Range: Varies by engine size, but generally focused on low-end torque for city driving Fuel System Injection Type: Single Point Injection (SPI) or Multi-Point Injection (MPI) likely covered for 1990 models Carburetion: Some earlier models might have had carburettors, but 1990 likely predominantly fuel injected. 🔧 Transmission Standard Standard Transmission Type: 4-speed or 5-speed Manual Transaxle Optional Optional Transmission Type: Automatic Transaxle (less common but available) Features Transaxle Layout: Front-wheel drive with integrated gearbox and differential 📐 Dimensions Exterior Body Styles Covered: Likely covers Hatchback (3-door and 5-door variants) Weights Curb Weight: Approximately 750-850 kg depending on engine and trim 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings Historical Safety Standards: Met safety standards of its era; advanced safety features were less common Active Features Braking System: Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes; potential for ABS on later/higher trims Passive Features Seatbelts: Standard seat belts Airbags: Airbags were not standard on most 1990 Metros; check specific market/trim 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Basic radio and cassette player likely standard or optional Driver Assistance Driver Aids: Limited; ABS available on select higher trims 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Typically 6,000-8,000 miles or 12 months Spark Plug Replacement: Around 12,000-15,000 miles Timing Belt Replacement: Crucial interval, typically 40,000-60,000 miles (or 4-5 years) for rubber belts Fluid Specifications Engine Oil: API SF/SG rated oil, typically 10W-40 or 15W-50 depending on climate Coolant: Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, mixed 50/50 with distilled water Brake Fluid: DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid Transmission Fluid Manual: GL-4 Gear Oil, SAE 80W/90 Transmission Fluid Automatic: Dexron II or equivalent automatic transmission fluid (ATF) Known Issues Rust Corrosion: Common issue due to age and materials; wheel arches, sills, and floor pans susceptible Hydrolastic Suspension Issues: The interconnected Hydrolastic suspension can lose fluid or pressure over time, affecting ride height and quality (though less common on later models that transitioned to conventional suspension). Carburetor Icing: If fitted, can be prone to icing in cold, humid conditions...
Typically 40-60 BHP depending on engine size and tuning
Torque Range:
Varies by engine size, but generally focused on low-end torque for city driving
Fuel System
Injection Type:
Single Point Injection (SPI) or Multi-Point Injection (MPI) likely covered for 1990 models
Carburetion:
Some earlier models might have had carburettors, but 1990 likely predominantly fuel injected.
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Standard Transmission Type:
4-speed or 5-speed Manual Transaxle
Optional
Optional Transmission Type:
Automatic Transaxle (less common but available)
Features
Transaxle Layout:
Front-wheel drive with integrated gearbox and differential
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Body Styles Covered:
Likely covers Hatchback (3-door and 5-door variants)
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approximately 750-850 kg depending on engine and trim
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
Historical Safety Standards:
Met safety standards of its era; advanced safety features were less common
Active Features
Braking System:
Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes; potential for ABS on later/higher trims
Passive Features
Seatbelts:
Standard seat belts
Airbags:
Airbags were not standard on most 1990 Metros; check specific market/trim
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Basic radio and cassette player likely standard or optional
Driver Assistance
Driver Aids:
Limited; ABS available on select higher trims
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 6,000-8,000 miles or 12 months
Spark Plug Replacement:
Around 12,000-15,000 miles
Timing Belt Replacement:
Crucial interval, typically 40,000-60,000 miles (or 4-5 years) for rubber belts
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil:
API SF/SG rated oil, typically 10W-40 or 15W-50 depending on climate
Coolant:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, mixed 50/50 with distilled water
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid
Transmission Fluid Manual:
GL-4 Gear Oil, SAE 80W/90
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Dexron II or equivalent automatic transmission fluid (ATF)
Known Issues
Rust Corrosion:
Common issue due to age and materials; wheel arches, sills, and floor pans susceptible
Hydrolastic Suspension Issues:
The interconnected Hydrolastic suspension can lose fluid or pressure over time, affecting ride height and quality (though less common on later models that transitioned to conventional suspension).
Carburetor Icing:
If fitted, can be prone to icing in cold, humid conditions
Electrical Gremlins:
Age-related issues with wiring insulation and connections can lead to intermittent electrical faults.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Manufacturer Context:
Part of British Leyland's Rover Group, later British Aerospace
Model Evolution
Generation Details:
The 1990 model falls into the Mk3/3.5, which saw further refinements and engine updates over the original Mini-derived design.
Production
Production Period:
Austin Metro produced from 1980 to 1997 (under various marques)
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Historical Acclaim:
Awarded 'What Car? Car of the Year' in 1983 (early models), celebrated for its space efficiency and handling for its class.
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