Best Service Manual - 96 Sidekick 1.8L 5sp

[Hutchers]

Hello,

1st timer here. I just purchased a 96 Sidekick 1.8L 5sp with 112,000 miles.
This is my 1st Suzuki. I will probably being doing a headgasket on it and servicing the whole vehicle as this will be an extra vehicle. I will be using it around town and some light off road..... for now.

I've read the Haynes manual does not have the 1.8. The link on this site to the 96 shop manual does not have the 1.8 either. Any suggestions or links to something that will be helpful? I'm not a mechanic but like to do my own work when I have time.

So I've read getting some parts will be difficult since the vehicle is fairly rare. Any suggestion on parts that breakdown on a regular basis that I should grab when available?

Thank you!

[xxx]

there is not one. (The store rags are weak)
the factory made the 1.6 manual
and this tiny PATHETIC supplement. (new DTCs in book are good, and added to my DTc PAGE)

the main manual for 96 is in the sticky above just read it or DL it.

SEARCH 1.8 ON MY SEARCH PAGE, LOTS THERE. (ENGINE)
and one history page
1.8 liter Suzuki Sidekick SPORT Secrets

this car is like the birds nest, where mama kicked it out. early.
the stores that sell parts, love to sell parts for this that will never fit.
no problem we can direct you but, is a crazy car to buy parts.

suzuki does sell parts, and does know what it is...

[Hutchers]

Thanks XXX,

So getting parts will always be a challenge I take it? Is the 1.8L a good rig or do I get it running and dump it? Should I just take on the challenge of keeping it on the road. My son just moved to Australia, I suppose I can have him chase down parts for me since Suzuki is closing shop in the US.

[Bex]

The Sport has no factory service manual for itself, other than a Sport Supplement, as there are some differences between the Sport and the regular Sidekick. The1996 SidekickTracker factory service manual is free to download at Acks FAQS:
Ack's FAQ Site Map
The site also includes the wiring diagram for the Sport, which should be helpful to you as well, in combination with xxx's info above.

[fordem]

Getting parts will always be a challenge, and your son is unlikely to be able to assist as the 1.8 Sidekick Sport was a North America market only vehicle (US/Canada/PuertoRico)

Personally I'd keep it - maybe swap in a 2.0 from a 99~03 Tracker/Vitara, which is a very similar engine - but that's just me.

[xxx]

or parts off the 1.8 Esteem.