🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Austin Model: Metro Year: 1981 Codes Vin Prefix: SA Generation Generation Identifier: First Generation (ADO 80/81) 👋 Introduction Market Position Target Audience: Austin Metro 1981 owners, DIY mechanics, independent auto service professionals. Value Proposition: Enables informed discussions with technicians, facilitates DIY repairs saving significant costs. Competitive Analysis Differentiation: Vehicle-specific, not generic. Authentic dealer-level repair information. Key Features Content Type: Step-by-step instructions, diagrams, illustrations, wiring schematics, specifications. Manufacturer Origin: Written by the manufacturers (Austin Metro). Ease Of Use Accessibility: Designed for owners with basic mechanical skills, making complex tasks manageable. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas General Information: Included Engine Mechanical: Included Engine Electrical: Included Emission Control System: Included Fuel System: Included Clutch System: Included Manual Transaxle: Included Automatic Transaxle: Included Driveshaft Axle: Included Suspension System: Included Steering System: Included Restraint System: Included Brake System: Included Body Interior Exterior: Included Body Electrical System: Included HVAC System: Included Page Count Estimated Pages: Refer to manual content for exact count, typically hundreds for full workshop manuals. Manual Type Type: Service Repair Workshop Manual Language Language: English Format Digital Format: PDF 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Powertrain: Engine mechanical, engine electrical, fuel, clutch, manual transaxle, automatic transaxle, driveshaft, axle. Chassis: Suspension system, steering system, brake system. Body And Interior: Body (interior and exterior), restraint system, heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC). Electrical: Engine electrical system, body electrical system, wiring schematics. Procedures Included Maintenance: Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, tune-ups. Repair: Step-by-step repair instructions for all major systems. Diagnostics: Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic procedures for various faults. Overhaul: Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, component overhaul procedures. Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive (covering routine maintenance to complete engine/transmission rebuilds). Detail Level: Includes diagrams, illustrations, wiring schematics, and specifications. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Type: PDF Compatibility: All Versions of Windows and Mac Requirements: Adobe PDF Reader Print Quality Printability: Yes, all pages are printable. Readability: Clear and concise text with illustrations. Binding Type Physical Format: Digital (PDF) - No physical binding. Paper Type Physical Format: N/A (Digital format). Download Speed Delivery: Speed Download ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Code: A-Series (e.g., 998cc, 1275cc variants common in early Metros) Engine Type: Inline 4-cylinder, overhead valve (OHV) Performance Horsepower Range: Approx. 40-60 hp depending on engine displacement (e.g., 45 hp for 998cc, 55 hp for 1275cc). Torque Range: Approx. 50-65 lb-ft depending on engine displacement. Fuel System Carburetion: Single SU or Weber carburetor (e.g., SU HS2 or HS4 for 998cc, Weber 40 DCNF or SU HS6 for 1275cc). Fuel Type: Unleaded gasoline (likely 95 RON/91 AKI or higher, depending on market and specific engine tune). 🔧 Transmission Standard Type: 4-speed manual transaxle Optional Type: 3-speed automatic transaxle (less common on early models) Features Drive Layout: Front-wheel drive (FWD) Clutch Type: Hydraulically actuated single dry plate clutch 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: Approx. 3,420 mm (134.6 in) Width: Approx. 1,580 mm (62.2 in) Height: Approx. 1,320 mm (52.0 in) Weights Curb Weight: Approx. 750-800 kg (1650-1760 lbs) depending on specification. 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings Crash Test Results: Limited independent crash test data available for early 1981 models; later models and regulations evolved significantly. Active Features Braking System: Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes. Passive Features Restraint System: Seat belts (typically 3-point front, lap rear as standard). Body Construction: Monocoque (unibody) construction, designed for compact car segment. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Basic AM/FM radio, optional cassette player (period dependent). Driver Assistance Features: Minimal to none; focus on fundamental vehicle operation. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change: Typically every 3,000-6,000 miles (5,000-10,000 km) or 6-12 months, depending on usage and oil type. Air Filter Replacement: Recommended every 6,000-12,000 miles (10,000-20,000 km) or annually. Spark Plug Replacement: Typically every 12,000-20,000 miles (20,000-30,000 km). Fluid Specifications Engine Oil: e.g., SAE 20W-50 or 10W-40 (check specific manual for exact API classification). Coolant: Ethylene glycol based antifreeze mixture (50/50 recommended) with corrosion inhibitors. Brake Fluid: DOT 3 or DOT 4 (refer to manual for specific grade). Transmission Oil Manual: GL4 Gear Oil (e.g., SAE 75W/80 or 80W). Transmission Oil Automatic: Dexron II or equivalent ATF (if equipped). Known Issues Rust: Common concern in older vehicles, particularly wheel arches, sills, and door bottoms. Cooling System: Potential for radiator leaks or thermostat issues. Electrical Connections: Corrosion or wear in wiring connectors, leading to intermittent faults. Carburetor: Tuning and maintenance of SU or Weber carburetors is critical for performance and economy. 📚 Vehicle History Brand Heritage Manufacturer: Austin Rover Group (formed from British Leyland). Model Evolution Introduction Year: 1980 Design Basis: Designed to be a modern, fuel-efficient, and affordable compact car, succeeding older BMC/BL models. Key Milestones 1981: Introduction of the 1275cc engine variant, improved trim levels, potential styling updates. Production Manufacturing Locations: United Kingdom (e.g., Longbridge plant). 🏆 Awards & Recognition Recognitions Industry Accolades: The Austin Metro was highly anticipated and received generally positive...
Comprehensive (covering routine maintenance to complete engine/transmission rebuilds).
Detail Level:
Includes diagrams, illustrations, wiring schematics, and specifications.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
Type:
PDF
Compatibility:
All Versions of Windows and Mac
Requirements:
Adobe PDF Reader
Print Quality
Printability:
Yes, all pages are printable.
Readability:
Clear and concise text with illustrations.
Binding Type
Physical Format:
Digital (PDF) - No physical binding.
Paper Type
Physical Format:
N/A (Digital format).
Download Speed
Delivery:
Speed Download
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Code:
A-Series (e.g., 998cc, 1275cc variants common in early Metros)
Engine Type:
Inline 4-cylinder, overhead valve (OHV)
Performance
Horsepower Range:
Approx. 40-60 hp depending on engine displacement (e.g., 45 hp for 998cc, 55 hp for 1275cc).
Torque Range:
Approx. 50-65 lb-ft depending on engine displacement.
Fuel System
Carburetion:
Single SU or Weber carburetor (e.g., SU HS2 or HS4 for 998cc, Weber 40 DCNF or SU HS6 for 1275cc).
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (likely 95 RON/91 AKI or higher, depending on market and specific engine tune).
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Type:
4-speed manual transaxle
Optional
Type:
3-speed automatic transaxle (less common on early models)
Features
Drive Layout:
Front-wheel drive (FWD)
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically actuated single dry plate clutch
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
Approx. 3,420 mm (134.6 in)
Width:
Approx. 1,580 mm (62.2 in)
Height:
Approx. 1,320 mm (52.0 in)
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approx. 750-800 kg (1650-1760 lbs) depending on specification.
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
Crash Test Results:
Limited independent crash test data available for early 1981 models; later models and regulations evolved significantly.
Active Features
Braking System:
Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes.
Passive Features
Restraint System:
Seat belts (typically 3-point front, lap rear as standard).
Body Construction:
Monocoque (unibody) construction, designed for compact car segment.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Basic AM/FM radio, optional cassette player (period dependent).
Driver Assistance
Features:
Minimal to none; focus on fundamental vehicle operation.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change:
Typically every 3,000-6,000 miles (5,000-10,000 km) or 6-12 months, depending on usage and oil type.
Air Filter Replacement:
Recommended every 6,000-12,000 miles (10,000-20,000 km) or annually.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically every 12,000-20,000 miles (20,000-30,000 km).
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil:
e.g., SAE 20W-50 or 10W-40 (check specific manual for exact API classification).
Coolant:
Ethylene glycol based antifreeze mixture (50/50 recommended) with corrosion inhibitors.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (refer to manual for specific grade).
Transmission Oil Manual:
GL4 Gear Oil (e.g., SAE 75W/80 or 80W).
Transmission Oil Automatic:
Dexron II or equivalent ATF (if equipped).
Known Issues
Rust:
Common concern in older vehicles, particularly wheel arches, sills, and door bottoms.
Cooling System:
Potential for radiator leaks or thermostat issues.
Electrical Connections:
Corrosion or wear in wiring connectors, leading to intermittent faults.
Carburetor:
Tuning and maintenance of SU or Weber carburetors is critical for performance and economy.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Manufacturer:
Austin Rover Group (formed from British Leyland).
Model Evolution
Introduction Year:
1980
Design Basis:
Designed to be a modern, fuel-efficient, and affordable compact car, succeeding older BMC/BL models.
Key Milestones 1981:
Introduction of the 1275cc engine variant, improved trim levels, potential styling updates.
Production
Manufacturing Locations:
United Kingdom (e.g., Longbridge plant).
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Industry Accolades:
The Austin Metro was highly anticipated and received generally positive reviews for its practicality and packaging upon launch, though long-term reliability and performance varied.