Positioning:
The Fiat Coupe (Type 175) was positioned as a stylish, performance-oriented sports coupe, designed to compete in a segment that often featured more mainstream brands but offered a distinct Italian flair and character.
Competitors:
Competed against vehicles like the Toyota MR2, Honda Prelude, Nissan 300ZX, and arguably the Ford Probe and Mazda MX-6 in certain markets, offering a more angular design and often a powerful turbo option.
Design Philosophy:
Characterized by its highly distinctive and polarizing 'faceted' exterior design penned by Chris Bangle. Interior featured a driver-focused cockpit and a unique, integrated center console design.
Performance Variants:
Offered with both naturally aspirated and turbocharged versions of Fiat's Lampredi twin-cam inline-four engines, with the 20-valve Turbo being the performance flagship.
Engine Mechanical:
Engine overhaul, cylinder head, valve train, pistons, connecting rods, crankshaft, lubrication system, cooling system, fuel delivery, exhaust system, engine management systems.
Engine Management:
Ignition system, fuel injection system (MPI/Turbo variants), sensor diagnostics, ECU troubleshooting, emissions control.
Transmission Manual:
Clutch system, gearbox overhaul, gear selection mechanism, driveshafts, differential.
Transmission Automatic:
Automatic transmission service (if applicable to specific 1994 models), hydraulic controls, torque converter, transmission control module (TCM).
Suspension And Steering:
Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, bushings, steering rack, power steering system, wheel alignment specifications.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems (disc brakes), hydraulic system, ABS (if equipped), brake fluid specifications, bleeding procedures, caliper and rotor service.
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, component testing, battery, alternator, starter motor, lighting systems, power windows, central locking, dashboard indicators, fuses and relays.
Body And Interior:
Exterior panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, glass replacement, interior trim, dashboard, seating systems, HVAC system.
Body Electrical:
Body control modules (BCM), lighting, wipers, horn, security systems, power accessories.
Maintenance Schedules:
Scheduled maintenance intervals for oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, belt inspections, spark plug replacement, and brake servicing.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts, common fault finding for engine, transmission, electrical, and chassis systems.
Repair Procedures:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for component removal, disassembly, repair, reassembly, and installation for all major vehicle systems.
Technical Specifications:
Torque specifications for all fasteners, clearances, alignment angles, fluid capacities, and electrical specifications.
Diagnostics:
OBD-I (On-Board Diagnostics) code reading, sensor data interpretation, and common diagnostic tests.
Depth Of Coverage:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance and routine service to in-depth component overhaul and complex diagnostics.
Engine Code Na:
836A3.000 (2.0L 16V)
Engine Code Turbo:
836A4.000 (2.0L 16V Turbo)
Horsepower Na:
139 hp (103 kW) @ 6000 rpm
Torque Na:
178 Nm (131 lb-ft) @ 4500 rpm
Displacement Turbo:
1995 cc
Horsepower Turbo:
220 hp (162 kW) @ 6000 rpm
Torque Turbo:
304 Nm (224 lb-ft) @ 3500 rpm
Fuel Delivery Na:
Bosch Motronic M2.10 electronic fuel injection
Fuel Delivery Turbo:
Bosch Motronic M2.10 with turbocharger (Garrett T25) and intercooler
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (95 RON recommended for NA, 98 RON for Turbo)
Crash Test Data:
Limited official Euro NCAP or NHTSA ratings for this era. However, equipped with standard safety features for its time.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available as an option or standard on higher trims.
Traction Control:
Traction Control System (TCS) available on some higher-performance models, particularly the Turbo.
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags were standard or optional depending on market and trim.
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners for front occupants.
Chassis Design:
Designed with a rigid chassis for its class, incorporating crumple zones.
Audio System:
Factory fitted Clarion or Blaupunkt radio/cassette player with optional CD changer preparation.
Dashboard Instruments:
Comprehensive analog gauges including speedometer, tachometer, fuel level, coolant temperature, oil pressure (on some models), and turbo boost gauge (on Turbo models).
Cruise Control:
Available as an option on some models.
Wiring Harness Complexity:
The manual provides detailed wiring diagrams essential for diagnosing and repairing the vehicle's electrical systems, which can be complex.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 10,000 km (6,000 miles) or 12 months, whichever comes first.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 60,000 km (37,000 miles) or 4 years. Crucial for the 16V engines.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000 km (18,000 miles) for standard plugs, 60,000 km for iridium plugs.
Engine Oil Specification:
API SG/SH or ACEA A2-96/A3-98, viscosity SAE 10W-40 or 15W-50 (depending on climate). For Turbo, 5W-40 fully synthetic is recommended.
Coolant Specification:
Ethylene glycol-based coolant, typically a 50/50 mix with deionized water. Mopar OAT or IAT compatible coolant (e.g., Paraflu UP).
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 4 brake fluid.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 synthetic gear oil.
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Dexron III or equivalent automatic transmission fluid (ATF).
Engine Component Wear:
Turbo models can experience turbocharger wear if not maintained properly. Camshaft wear on high-mileage naturally aspirated engines.
Electrical Gremlins:
Common for older Italian cars; issues can arise with wiring harnesses, sensors, and intermittent power to accessories due to age and corrosion.
Suspension Bushings:
Rubber suspension bushings can degrade over time, leading to noise and handling degradation.
Rust:
Susceptible to rust, particularly around wheel arches, sills, and the underside, depending on climate and care.
Climate Control Hoses:
HVAC system hoses can degrade and leak.
Fiat Performance Legacy:
Fiat has a long history in motorsport and performance cars, notably with models like the Fiat Dino, X1/9, and Ritmo Abarth, building a reputation for sporty compact cars.
Design Origin:
Developed by Fiat's Advanced Styling Centre, with exterior design by Chris Bangle and interior by David Wilkie. Built on a modified Fiat Tipo platform.
Production Run:
Produced from 1995 to 2000.
Manufacturing Location:
Turin, Italy
Total Production Numbers:
Approximately 45,000 units worldwide.
