Description

Daihatsu Charade 1987 Workshop Manual

If you have ever tried to rebuild a Daihatsu Charade transmission using a Chilton’s, you know the pain. Torque values guessed, wiring diagrams photocopied from a 1986 photocopy, and steps that skip the critical order of input shaft disassembly. This 1987 Workshop Manual from Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd. is the only document that gives you the factory procedure. 533 pages of what the engineers intended. Not a reprint. Not a compilation. The actual manual published in April 1987. You need page 4 to see how they diagram every fastener — non-reusable parts marked with a cross, tightening torque right on the schematic. That saves you from pulling a bearing retainer that was meant to be replaced.

533 Pages of Factory Procedures

Eleven sections cover the entire chassis: clutch, manual transmission, automatic transmission, front and rear suspension, steering, brakes, body, body electrical, and an appendix with SST (Special Service Tools), service specifications, and tightening torque for main components. The page count is not padded with generic theory — every page has real step-by-step removal, disassembly, inspection, and assembly instructions. The appendix alone gives you the wiring diagram and torque tables. That’s the kind of spec you need from a factory manual.

Section 3: Manual Transmission – Disassembly and Assembly

The Transmission section is where this manual earns its keep. It starts with a sectional view, then walks you through removal of the manual transmission assembly, installation, and full disassembly of the housing, case cover, input shaft, output shaft, 5th gear, differential case, and control linkage. Grease application points and bonding procedure are spelled out — not left to interpretation. For an older car like the Charade, having the shift lever removal and inspection steps in Section 3 means you are not guessing which circlip goes where. Compare that to a generic aftermarket manual that tells you to “remove the transmission” without mentioning the special tool for the shift rod. For earlier models, see the Daihatsu Charade 1978 Technical Manual.

Torque Specs and Service Specifications in the Appendix

Section 11, the appendix, lists “Tightening Torque for Main Components” and “Service Specifications” — both with values in ft-lb (the manual shows kg-m with ft-lb conversions). You want the charge pressure for the automatic transmission? Not in a generic book — it’s right there in the specifications table. The same appendix includes the full wiring diagram, so you do not have to flip between three different sources. If you are working on the engine side, grab the Daihatsu CB-23, CB-61, CB-80 1987 Workshop Manual for the Type CB and CL engines. This chassis manual covers everything else. Page 4 of the manual shows how they identify tightening torque on the schematic diagrams — a practice that should be standard but is missing in most aftermarket documents.

Does the Manual Cover Automatic Transmission Diagnostics?

Yes. Section 4 is dedicated to the automatic transmission. It includes general information, specifications, basic checks, adjustments, tests, unit inspection, troubleshooting, fluid change, removal and installation, full disassembly, inspection and repair of each part (forward clutch, direct clutch, valve body), and assembly. The troubleshooting section is procedure-based, not a vague list of symptoms. You follow the test sequence — stall test, time lag test, hydraulic pressure test — and then the manual tells you what to replace. That is the difference between fixing it right and throwing parts at it. Refer to Manual Transmission basics if you need a refresher on manual gearbox theory before diving into the Charade’s specific unit.

Jacking Points and Safety Stands: Page 3

Section 1 devotes a full page to jacking points and supporting points on safety stands, plus two-post lift points. The manual is adamant about using the correct lift points to avoid crushing the floor pan. That is the kind of safety information that a backyard mechanic needs. Under the body section, Section 9, you get alignment adjustments for doors, sunroof, bumpers, and body dimensions. If you are replacing a quarter window glass or adjusting the hatchback door, the manual gives you the clearance specs. For the electrical system, Section 10 covers wiring harnesses, fuses, lamps, combination meter, wiper/washer, remote door mirror, power windows, heater, radio, and headlamp cleaner. Factory wiring diagrams are not generic — they match the actual harness colors. DAIHATSU CHARADE 1987 Workshop Manual is the only one you should trust. Additionally, Manual Transmission external resources can supplement your understanding, but the factory manual is the final authority.

What year and models does this manual cover?

1987 Daihatsu Charade chassis, including all trim levels.

Does the manual include wiring diagrams?

Yes. Section 10 covers the body electrical system with full wiring harness diagrams, fuse layouts, and component locations. The appendix also includes a separate wiring diagram section. Note that engine-specific wiring is in the companion engine manual — this one focuses on chassis electrical like lamps, combination meter, wipers, central door lock, and power windows. You get the factory schematics, not aftermarket redraws. If you are troubleshooting a headlamp cleaner or rear wiper, the procedure gives you test points and connector views. Use a digital multimeter, not a test light, to avoid damaging the control unit. The manual also includes the location of every ground point — something aftermarket manuals always leave out. That alone can save you a day of chasing shorts and blown fuses.

This 533-page factory document is the same one used by Daihatsu dealerships in 1987. It will never tell you to “remove the steering wheel” without mentioning the puller part number. It will never guess a torque value. If you are rebuilding a Charade chassis — whether it’s the manual transmission, brakes, steering, or body electrical — you need this manual on your bench. Access the Factory Manual and keep it open next to the car. You will thank yourself when the bolt comes off at the exact spec.