🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Suzuki Model: Vitara Year: 1991 Codes Chassis Code: ET/TA Series 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Compact SUV / Off-road Vehicle Target Audience: Enthusiasts, DIY mechanics, owners seeking in-depth repair knowledge Competitive Analysis Competitors: Jeep Cherokee (XJ), Toyota 4Runner, Mitsubishi Montero, Ford Bronco II Key Features Vehicle Appeal: Go-anywhere capability, rugged construction, compact size, affordable price point Manual Value: Empowers owners to maintain and repair their vehicle, saving on dealership costs. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Coverage: Complete Workshop Repair Manual Page Count Page Count: Approximately 1200 pages Manual Type Manual Type: Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual Language Language: English Format Format: Digital (PDF) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine: G16A 1.6L SOHC 8-valve, G16B 1.6L DOHC 16-valve (EFI) Transmission: Manual (5-speed), Automatic (3-speed) Drivetrain: 4WD System (Part-time 4x4), Transfer Case, Drive Axles, CV Joints Suspension: Front (Independent Coil Spring/Shock Absorber), Rear (3-Link Solid Axle with Panhard Rod) Brakes: Front Disc, Rear Drum (with optional Rear Disc for some trims/markets), ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) Steering: Power Steering System Electrical: 12V Electrical System, Battery, Alternator, Starter, Ignition System, Lighting, Gauges, Fuses, Relays Fuel System: Carburetor (for G16A), Fuel Injection (EFI for G16B), Fuel Pump, Fuel Tank Cooling System: Radiator, Fan, Thermostat, Water Pump, Coolant Hoses Exhaust System: Exhaust Manifold, Catalytic Converter, Muffler Body And Chassis: Frame, Body Panels, Doors, Hood, Tailgate, Bumpers, Interior Trim HVAC: Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (if equipped) Restraints: Seat Belts Procedures Included Maintenance: Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Spark Plug Service, Belt Adjustments, Fluid Checks and Replenishments Troubleshooting: Diagnostic Charts, Common Fault Finding, Symptom-Based Diagnosis Repair: Engine Overhaul, Transmission Rebuild, Brake System Repair, Suspension Component Replacement, Electrical Component Diagnosis and Replacement Overhaul: Detailed engine and transmission overhaul procedures Specifications: Torque values, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical schematics Wiring Diagrams: Comprehensive electrical wiring schematics Technical Depth Depth: Factory-level diagnostic and repair procedures Diagnostics: Advanced diagnostic procedures for engine, transmission, and electrical systems Rebuilds: Complete rebuild instructions for major mechanical components 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Format: Searchable PDF Print Quality Quality: High-resolution, clear text and diagrams Binding Type Binding: N/A (Digital) Paper Type Paper: N/A (Digital) Usability Searchability: Full text searchable for quick access to information Navigability: Hyperlinked table of contents and index for easy navigation ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Code: G16A Engine Type: Inline 4-cylinder, SOHC, 8-valve Displacement: 1.6 Liters (1590 cc) Bore X Stroke: 75.0 mm x 84.5 mm Compression Ratio: 9.5:1 Horsepower: 70 HP @ 5000 RPM (approx.) Torque: 84 lb-ft @ 3000 RPM (approx.) Engine Options Optional Engine Code: G16B Optional Engine Optional Engine Type: Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16-valve, Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) Optional Displacement: 1.6 Liters (1590 cc) Optional Horsepower: 95 HP @ 5500 RPM (approx.) Optional Torque: 105 lb-ft @ 3500 RPM (approx.) Fuel System Fuel Delivery G16A: Single Barrel Carburetor Fuel Delivery G16B: Multi-point Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) Fuel Requirements Fuel Type: Unleaded Gasoline (Octane rating as per owner's manual) 🔧 Transmission Standard Type: 5-Speed Manual Transmission Optional Type: 3-Speed Automatic Transmission Features 4Wd System: Part-time 4-wheel drive with selectable 2WD/4WD and Low Range Fluid Specifications Manual Transmission Fluid: API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 (or as specified in manual) Automatic Transmission Fluid: Dexron III (or equivalent, check manual for exact specification) Fluid Capacities Manual Transmission Capacity: Approx. 2.5 Liters Automatic Transmission Capacity: Approx. 4.5 Liters (excluding torque converter) 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: Approx. 3715 mm (3-door) Width: Approx. 1695 mm Height: Approx. 1660 mm (3-door, without roof rack) Wheelbase: Approx. 2030 mm (3-door) Weights Curb Weight: Approx. 1050 - 1150 kg (depending on configuration) Gross Vehicle Weight: Approx. 1600 kg Cargo Cargo Volume: Variable, depends on seating configuration Wheels And Tires Wheel Bolt Pattern: 5 x 139.7 mm Standard Tire Size: 205/75R15 (or similar) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Ratings: Not extensively tested by modern standards; focus on passive safety features. Active Features ABS: Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on rear wheels or all four wheels for some models. 4Wd System: Provides enhanced traction in slippery conditions. Passive Features Seat Belts: Three-point front seat belts, lap belts in rear Body Construction: Body-on-frame construction, designed for durability. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Basic AM/FM radio with cassette player, optional CD player on higher trims. Driver Assistance ABS: Optional Anti-lock Braking System. Connectivity N A: No advanced connectivity features typical of modern vehicles. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Every 3,000 - 5,000 miles or 3-6 months (check manual for exact recommendation based on driving conditions) Engine Oil Filter: Replace at every oil change Air Filter: Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed Spark Plugs: Replace every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (depending on type and engine variant) Coolant Flush: Every 30,000 miles or 2 years Fluid Specifications Engine Oil Type: API SG or SH, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (check manual for climate specific recommendations) Coolant Type:...
Unleaded Gasoline (Octane rating as per owner's manual)
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Type:
5-Speed Manual Transmission
Optional
Type:
3-Speed Automatic Transmission
Features
4Wd System:
Part-time 4-wheel drive with selectable 2WD/4WD and Low Range
Fluid Specifications
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 (or as specified in manual)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron III (or equivalent, check manual for exact specification)
Fluid Capacities
Manual Transmission Capacity:
Approx. 2.5 Liters
Automatic Transmission Capacity:
Approx. 4.5 Liters (excluding torque converter)
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
Approx. 3715 mm (3-door)
Width:
Approx. 1695 mm
Height:
Approx. 1660 mm (3-door, without roof rack)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2030 mm (3-door)
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1050 - 1150 kg (depending on configuration)
Gross Vehicle Weight:
Approx. 1600 kg
Cargo
Cargo Volume:
Variable, depends on seating configuration
Wheels And Tires
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
5 x 139.7 mm
Standard Tire Size:
205/75R15 (or similar)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Ratings:
Not extensively tested by modern standards; focus on passive safety features.
Active Features
ABS:
Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on rear wheels or all four wheels for some models.
4Wd System:
Provides enhanced traction in slippery conditions.
Passive Features
Seat Belts:
Three-point front seat belts, lap belts in rear
Body Construction:
Body-on-frame construction, designed for durability.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Basic AM/FM radio with cassette player, optional CD player on higher trims.
Driver Assistance
ABS:
Optional Anti-lock Braking System.
Connectivity
N A:
No advanced connectivity features typical of modern vehicles.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000 - 5,000 miles or 3-6 months (check manual for exact recommendation based on driving conditions)
Engine Oil Filter:
Replace at every oil change
Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed
Spark Plugs:
Replace every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (depending on type and engine variant)
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 miles or 2 years
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Type:
API SG or SH, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (check manual for climate specific recommendations)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze (50/50 mix with distilled water)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3
Fluid Capacities
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 3.7 Liters (with filter)
Known Issues
Common Problems:
Rust on body and frame, starter motor issues, catalytic converter failure (especially on higher mileage vehicles), clutch wear (manual transmissions), accessory belt slippage.
Engine G16A Carburetor:
Carburetor adjustments and cleaning can be required for optimal performance.
Parts Information
Common Filters:
Oil Filter: Fram PH5721, Wix 51356; Air Filter: Fram CA3167, Wix 42174
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Suzuki Offroad:
Suzuki has a long history of producing capable off-road vehicles, starting with the SJ series (Samurai).
Model Evolution
Vitara Introduction:
The first-generation Vitara (also known as Sidekick or Escudo) was introduced globally in 1988, offering a blend of compact size, SUV styling, and off-road prowess.
1991 Updates:
The 1991 model year typically featured the introduction of the more powerful 1.6L DOHC 16-valve G16B engine with EFI, enhancing performance and fuel efficiency.
Production
Manufacturing Locations:
Japan, Canada (by CAMI Automotive), and other international plants.
Production Years
First Gen Years:
1988-1998
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Offroad Capability:
Widely recognized for its impressive off-road capability relative to its size and price point during its production era.
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