🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Fiat

Model:

Coupé

Year:

1997

Body Style:

2-door coupe

Generation:

First Generation (Type 175)

Chassis Code:

Type 175

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

Sporty compact coupe designed as a stylish and performance-oriented alternative in its segment, often competing with vehicles like the Ford Probe, Mitsubishi Eclipse, and Toyota Celica.

Competitive Analysis:

The Fiat Coupé offered a distinctive Italian design, a range of potent turbocharged engines, and a focus on driving dynamics. It stood out for its polarizing 'faceted' design penned by Pininfarina and its more driver-centric approach compared to some mainstream rivals.

Key Features:

Unique Pininfarina design, performance-oriented turbocharged engines, front-wheel drive, sporty handling, comfortable interior for its class.

Design Philosophy:

A blend of Italian flair and performance engineering, creating a unique and memorable aesthetic with a focus on driver engagement.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas:

Engine, Transmission, Drivetrain, Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Electrical System, Body, Interior, HVAC, Emissions Control, Troubleshooting, Specifications, Maintenance

Page Count:

Approximately 1000+ pages (typical for comprehensive factory service manuals)

Manual Type:

Factory Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (PDF)

Version Control:

Likely based on original Fiat factory documentation, potentially updated with technical service bulletins (TSBs) if available in the source.

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered:

Engine mechanical, Engine management (ECU), Fuel injection, Ignition system, Exhaust system, Cooling system, Lubrication system, Clutch, Manual Transmission (MTA), Automatic Transmission (optional), Power steering, Front suspension, Rear suspension, Brake system (ABS), Parking brake, Electrical components, Lighting, Instruments and controls, Body panels, Doors, Windows, Seats, HVAC system, Air conditioning, Emission controls, Diagnostic procedures, Wiring diagrams, Component testing, Specifications

Procedures Included:

Routine maintenance, Scheduled maintenance, Engine overhaul, Transmission repair, Clutch replacement, Brake system servicing, Suspension alignment, Steering system repair, Electrical troubleshooting, Body panel repair, Interior component replacement, HVAC system diagnosis and repair, Emission control system testing, Diagnostic trouble code (DTC) interpretation, Component replacement, Reassembly procedures, Torque specifications, Lubrication procedures

Technical Depth:

Comprehensive; covers everything from basic fluid changes and inspections to full engine and transmission rebuilds, advanced electrical diagnostics, and bodywork procedures.

Troubleshooting:

Detailed symptom-based troubleshooting guides, diagnostic flowcharts, and common problem resolution for all major systems.

Diagnostic Tools:

Covers the use of basic hand tools, specialized Fiat diagnostic tools (e.g., for ECU access), and multimeter for electrical testing.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

Searchable PDF

Print Quality:

High-resolution, suitable for printing individual pages or the entire manual

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

Content Accuracy:

Factory-derived data, ensuring high accuracy for all procedures, specifications, and component information.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Primary Engine:

2.0L 16V Turbocharged Inline-4 (1998cc)

Engine Codes:

175A1.000, 175A1.002 (for 16V Turbo), other variants exist for naturally aspirated and later 5-cylinder models

Horsepower:

190 hp @ 5750 rpm (2.0 16V Turbo)

Torque:

250 Nm (184 lb-ft) @ 3000 rpm (2.0 16V Turbo)

Fuel System:

Electronic Fuel Injection (MPI)

Engine Management:

Bosch Motronic (specific version varies)

Induction:

Turbocharged, Intercooled

Compression Ratio:

8.5:1 (2.0 16V Turbo)

Bore X Stroke:

87.5 mm x 83.4 mm (2.0 16V Turbo)

Displacement Cc:

1998 cc

Turbocharger Details:

Garrett T25 or similar unit (specific model to be confirmed in manual), with wastegate and intercooler.

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

5-speed Manual Transmission

Optional Transmission:

4-speed Automatic Transmission (less common, often paired with naturally aspirated engines)

Transmission Features:

Front-Wheel Drive (FWD), Limited Slip Differential (LSD) available on performance variants

Gear Ratios:

Specific ratios detailed in the manual (e.g., 1st: 3.454, 2nd: 2.059, 3rd: 1.423, 4th: 1.067, 5th: 0.868, Final Drive: 3.733 for 2.0 Turbo)

Clutch Type:

Hydraulically actuated, dry single-plate clutch

📐 Dimensions

Length:

4250 mm (167.3 in)

Width:

1760 mm (69.3 in)

Height:

1360 mm (53.5 in)

Wheelbase:

2540 mm (99.9 in)

Front Track:

1484 mm (58.4 in)

Rear Track:

1468 mm (57.8 in)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 1300-1400 kg (2866-3086 lbs) depending on engine and equipment

Trunk Volume:

Approx. 295 liters (10.4 cu ft)

Seating Capacity:

4-seater (2+2 configuration)

🛡️ Safety Features

Euroncap Rating:

Not explicitly rated by Euro NCAP in its initial form, later models received varying results. Information for 1997 models is scarce.

Active Features:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) standard on most models, powerful disc brakes (front ventilated), power steering

Passive Features:

Driver and passenger airbags, crumple zones, reinforced safety cell, 3-point seat belts, seat belt pre-tensioners

Braking System:

Front: Ventilated discs; Rear: Solid discs. ABS typically standard.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Basic AM/FM/Cassette or CD player, often with external amplifier and speaker system. Optional premium sound systems available.

Driver Assistance:

Primarily ABS. Other advanced electronic driver aids were not common for this era and model.

Connectivity:

Limited to basic audio input. No integrated Bluetooth, USB, or smartphone connectivity.

Headlights:

Halogen headlights with integrated fog lamps in some models. Manual includes wiring diagrams for all lighting circuits.

Instrument Cluster:

Features tachometer, speedometer, fuel gauge, coolant temperature gauge, and various warning lights. Includes troubleshooting for instrument cluster functions.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 15,000 km (9,300 miles) or 1 year, whichever comes first (check manual for specific conditions and oil type)

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 60,000 km (37,000 miles) for standard plugs, longer for platinum/iridium (refer to manual)

Timing Belt Replacement:

Every 80,000 km (50,000 miles) or 5 years (critical on turbo models, refer to manual for exact interval and procedure)

Engine Oil Specification:

API SJ or ACEA A3/B3, viscosity 10W-40 or 5W-40 (check manual for precise requirements based on climate and engine type)

Coolant Type:

Ethylene Glycol-based antifreeze coolant, typically pink or red (e.g., Paraflu UP)

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4

Transmission Fluid Type:

Manual: SAE 75W-90 API GL-4 synthetic gear oil. Automatic: ATF Dexron III (check manual for specifics).

Known Issues:

Turbocharger wear/failure, intercooler leaks, timing belt failure (if not replaced on schedule), electrical gremlins, suspension bushing wear, rust in common areas (wheel arches, sills), clutch master cylinder leaks.

Oil Filter Part Number:

Example: Mann-Filter W712/38, Fram PH3569 or equivalent (verify with specific engine variant)

Air Filter Part Number:

Example: Mann-Filter C24140 or equivalent (verify with specific engine variant)

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approx. 4.5 liters (4.8 US quarts) with filter change (verify in manual)

Torque Specifications:

Comprehensive torque values provided for all critical fasteners (e.g., cylinder head bolts, wheel lug nuts, suspension components).

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Fiat has a long history of producing stylish and often innovative cars, including iconic sports cars and coupes. The Coupé aimed to tap into this heritage.

Model Evolution:

The Fiat Coupé (Type 175) was introduced in 1993 and produced until 2000. It underwent minor styling refreshes and engine updates, including the introduction of the 5-cylinder engine in later years. The 1997 model falls within the early to mid-production run.

Production Location:

Turin, Italy

Production Years:

1993-2000

Design Influence:

The distinctive 'faceted' exterior design was a collaboration between Pininfarina and Fiat Centro Stile.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions:

Generally not a recipient of major 'Car of the Year' type awards, but praised by automotive journalists for its distinctive styling and performance in its class.