New Jimny Owner

Hi all

Just bought my first UK Jimny, it's an 03 plate, soft top o2 badged, blue over silver in colour. Actually it's for my son, a definite project car, it has a long MOT but a few things need tidying up cosmetically. Engine so far seems to run really nicely.

I'd like to try and figure out what generation it is, the wiki picture that is closest indicates 3rd Gen, but that seems too recent. If I can figure out the generation, hopefully I can find a workshop manual

Importantly, there was no owners handbook with the car, so I have no clue about the fuses in the vehicle. I do know that there is a small panel of fuses (13 in total) just above the accelerator pedal. The information I found so far shows that this box is much larger with more than 20 fuses in it.
The bonnet release cable is broken, I have a new one to fit but (a) need to work out how to release the bonnet and (b) determine where it goes through the bulkhead into the cabin.

Changed the rear roof yesterday, but looking for some tips on how to remove the original front targa, so I can refit a new piece over the front seats. It looks as if the previous owner simply screwed the front targa fabric into the body, I've not been brave enough yet to try to remove it, especially given the current weather!!!

So if anyone has any suggestions as to suitable online resources for beginners with these cars and things I really need to look at mechanically, I'd really welcome their shared knowledge and wisdom.

Welcome to the forum. You definitely have a gen3, they ran from 98 to 18. You have a soft top which means that it was Spanish built and therefore potentially has some minor variation to the Japanese built hard tops which are more common. I don't have the specific knowledge of the exact differences having never had a soft top but there are many very informative people on here who have and are likely to be able to help.

Hi and welcome along.
You can get via Ebay a workshop manual on CD for not much money, Not going to link to one as not 100% sure if the seller(s) are breaking any copyright laws, but they do exist.
The Wiki at the top of the page is full of useful information and plenty of you tube videos covering the common issues. At some point you will be replacing the kingpin bearings - welcome to the kingpin club!
Of course this forum is a great place to ask any questions, someone will have been there, done that.

The good new is mechanically they are very reliable, but if its unknow then a full service is always a good idea as a start, parts are not that expensive and its a DIY job if you have basic tools.

Sorry cant help with the roof question as mines a hardtop, but someone will be along.

Have fun

Mike

I'm not sure how far back this facility goes but for my Gen4 Jimny I could download the owner's manual from the Suzuki website by inputting the VIN number. I think this will be on the log book as well as under the bonnet.