🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Opel / Vauxhall Model: Kadett Year: 1988 Codes Chassis Code: Kadett E / Superboss 👋 Introduction Market Position Market Segment: Compact/Small family car, popular in Europe for its practicality and value. Competitive Analysis Competitors: Ford Escort, Volkswagen Golf, Fiat Uno, Peugeot 309, Renault 19. Key Features Model Strengths: Spacious interior for its class, good fuel economy, comfortable ride, strong sales across Europe. Manual Purpose Target Audience: Professional technicians and experienced DIY mechanics. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Coverage: Full service, repair, and maintenance for Opel/Vauxhall Kadett 1988 models. Page Count Page Count: Undisclosed (typical for digital manuals, varies with content density) Manual Type Type: Repair Service Manual / Workshop Manual Language Language: English Format Format: PDF Download 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine Systems: Engine mechanical (assembly, disassembly, timing), fuel system (carburetor/injection, fuel pump, lines), ignition system, cooling system, exhaust system, lubrication system. Transmission Systems: Manual transmission, automatic transmission (if applicable to 1988 models), clutch system, driveshafts, differentials. Brake Systems: Front and rear brakes (disc/drum), hydraulic system, parking brake, ABS (if equipped). Electrical Systems: Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system, lighting system, instrumentation, wiring diagrams, fuses and relays, engine control unit (ECU), body electronics. Suspension And Steering: Front and rear suspension (struts, shocks, springs, bushings), steering system (rack and pinion, power steering if equipped), wheel alignment. Body And Chassis: Body structure, panels, doors, windows, interior trim, bumpers, underbody, chassis components. HVAC System: Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (if equipped). Procedures Included Maintenance Procedures: Routine maintenance tasks (oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks), tune-up procedures, inspections. Repair Procedures: Step-by-step instructions for component disassembly, repair, reassembly, and adjustment for all major systems. Troubleshooting: Diagnostic flowcharts and common issue resolution guidance for mechanical and electrical problems. Technical Specifications: Torque values, clearances, timing settings, fluid capacities, electrical specifications. Diagrams And Illustrations: Detailed diagrams, exploded views, and photographs to aid in understanding complex procedures and component identification. Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY mechanics with basic electrical and mechanical knowledge. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Format: PDF Print Quality Printability: Full Printable Binding Type Binding: Digital (no physical binding) Paper Type Paper Type: N/A (Digital Format) Digital Features Zoom Capability: Zoom IN/OUT enabled Searchability: Assumed searchable text within PDF (common for quality manuals) Delivery Method Delivery: Instant Download Software Requirements Reader Requirement: Adobe PDF Reader Unzipping Requirement: WinZip (or equivalent archiving software) Compatibility Operating Systems: Compatible with all versions of Windows & Mac ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Options: Likely includes a range of 4-cylinder OHC (Overhead Camshaft) petrol engines, such as 1.3L, 1.4L, 1.6L, and potentially a 1.8L or 2.0L for performance variants (like the GSI or Superboss). Performance Typical Hp Range: 55 hp (1.3L) to 130 hp (Kadett GSI/Superboss). Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Carburetor (earlier models) and Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI) for later 1988 models, especially performance variants. Engine Codes Example Engine Codes: C14SE (1.4i), C16SE (1.6i), C18XE (1.8i GSI), C20XE (2.0i GSI/Superboss). Cooling System Coolant Type: Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze (e.g., G11 specification or equivalent). Lubrication System Engine Oil Grade: Typically API SG or SH, ACEA A2-96, viscosity 10W-40 or 15W-40 depending on climate (refer to manual for exact specification). 🔧 Transmission Standard Standard Transmission: 5-speed manual transmission. Optional Optional Transmission: 3-speed or 4-speed automatic transmission (availability varies by engine and market). Features Clutch Type: Dry single-plate diaphragm spring clutch. Fluid Specs Manual Transmission Fluid: API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 gear oil. Automatic Transmission Fluid: Dexron III or equivalent automatic transmission fluid. 📐 Dimensions Exterior Body Styles: 3-door hatchback, 5-door hatchback, estate/wagon (Caravan), saloon/sedan (Belmont). Typical Length: Approx. 4000-4200 mm (depending on body style). Typical Width: Approx. 1600-1700 mm. Typical Height: Approx. 1350-1450 mm. Weights Curb Weight: Approx. 950-1150 kg (depending on engine and equipment). 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings Crash Test Performance: Euro NCAP ratings were not standard for this era. Safety features typical for the late 1980s. Active Features Braking System: Front ventilated discs, rear drums standard. Some higher trims might have rear discs or ABS as an option. Passive Features Seatbelts: Standard front seatbelts; rear seatbelts were often optional or lap belts in some markets. Chassis Design: Reinforced safety cell structure, crumple zones. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Factory fitted radio/cassette player, often with basic speakers. Aftermarket options were common. Driver Assistance ABS Availability: Optional on higher trims and performance models; not standard. Connectivity Connectivity Features: Minimal by modern standards. Basic electrical systems for ignition, lighting, and accessories. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Typically every 7,500 to 10,000 miles (12,000 to 15,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first. Air Filter Replacement: Every 15,000 to 20,000 miles (24,000 to 32,000 km) or as needed based on driving conditions. Spark Plug Replacement: Every 20,000 to 30,000 miles (32,000 to 48,000 km), depending on spark plug type....
Front and rear brakes (disc/drum), hydraulic system, parking brake, ABS (if equipped).
Electrical Systems:
Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system, lighting system, instrumentation, wiring diagrams, fuses and relays, engine control unit (ECU), body electronics.
Suspension And Steering:
Front and rear suspension (struts, shocks, springs, bushings), steering system (rack and pinion, power steering if equipped), wheel alignment.
Detailed diagrams, exploded views, and photographs to aid in understanding complex procedures and component identification.
Technical Depth
Depth:
Comprehensive, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY mechanics with basic electrical and mechanical knowledge.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
File Format:
PDF
Print Quality
Printability:
Full Printable
Binding Type
Binding:
Digital (no physical binding)
Paper Type
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital Format)
Digital Features
Zoom Capability:
Zoom IN/OUT enabled
Searchability:
Assumed searchable text within PDF (common for quality manuals)
Delivery Method
Delivery:
Instant Download
Software Requirements
Reader Requirement:
Adobe PDF Reader
Unzipping Requirement:
WinZip (or equivalent archiving software)
Compatibility
Operating Systems:
Compatible with all versions of Windows & Mac
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Options:
Likely includes a range of 4-cylinder OHC (Overhead Camshaft) petrol engines, such as 1.3L, 1.4L, 1.6L, and potentially a 1.8L or 2.0L for performance variants (like the GSI or Superboss).
Performance
Typical Hp Range:
55 hp (1.3L) to 130 hp (Kadett GSI/Superboss).
Fuel System
Fuel Delivery:
Carburetor (earlier models) and Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI) for later 1988 models, especially performance variants.
Approx. 950-1150 kg (depending on engine and equipment).
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
Crash Test Performance:
Euro NCAP ratings were not standard for this era. Safety features typical for the late 1980s.
Active Features
Braking System:
Front ventilated discs, rear drums standard. Some higher trims might have rear discs or ABS as an option.
Passive Features
Seatbelts:
Standard front seatbelts; rear seatbelts were often optional or lap belts in some markets.
Chassis Design:
Reinforced safety cell structure, crumple zones.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Factory fitted radio/cassette player, often with basic speakers. Aftermarket options were common.
Driver Assistance
ABS Availability:
Optional on higher trims and performance models; not standard.
Connectivity
Connectivity Features:
Minimal by modern standards. Basic electrical systems for ignition, lighting, and accessories.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 7,500 to 10,000 miles (12,000 to 15,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 to 20,000 miles (24,000 to 32,000 km) or as needed based on driving conditions.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 20,000 to 30,000 miles (32,000 to 48,000 km), depending on spark plug type.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Crucial interval, typically 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 4-5 years for interference engines (e.g., C16SE, C18XE, C20XE). Check specific engine for exact interval.
Fluid Specifications
Coolant Capacity:
Approximately 5.0 - 6.0 liters (depending on engine and radiator size).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Known Issues
Common Problems:
Rust on wheel arches, sills, and strut towers; aging electrical connectors leading to intermittent faults; wear in suspension bushings; potential carburetor or fuel injection issues; timing belt failure on interference engines if not replaced.
Performance Engine Quirks:
C20XE engines (especially with Motronic management) can be sensitive to maintenance and fuel quality.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Opel History:
Opel, founded in 1862, became a major European automotive manufacturer, known for producing reliable and accessible vehicles. Acquired by General Motors in 1929.
Model Evolution
Kadett E Development:
The Kadett E (introduced in 1984) was a significant redesign, featuring aerodynamic styling influenced by the Fiat Uno, and offered in a wide range of body styles and engine options. It was also sold under the Vauxhall marque in the UK and Chevrolet in South America.
Production
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily manufactured in Germany (Rüsselsheim), UK (Luton for Vauxhall), and other GM plants across Europe.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
European Car Of The Year:
The Kadett E was awarded 'European Car of the Year' for 1984.
Ratings
Consumer Reviews:
Generally well-regarded for its value, practicality, and driving dynamics, particularly in performance guises like the GSI.