Vehicle Segment:
Subcompact car, city car.
Target Audience:
Urban dwellers, first-time car buyers, those seeking economical and practical transportation.
Key Competitors:
Mini (Austin/Morris), Volkswagen Golf/Polo, Renault 5, Peugeot 104.
Design Philosophy:
Compact dimensions, front-wheel drive, transverse engine layout for maximum interior space efficiency.
Practicality:
Emphasis on usability, maneuverability, and fuel economy.
Innovation At Time:
Pioneering the transverse engine, front-wheel-drive layout in a small FIAT, influencing many subsequent compact cars.
Coverage List:
• Introduction
• Instrument Cluster
• Entertainment Systems
• Climate Controls
• Lights
• Driver Controls
• Locks and Security
• Seating and Safety Restraints
• Driving
• Customer Assistance
• Reporting safety defects(U.S.only)
• Cleaning
• Maintenance and Specifications
• Engine compartment
• Engine oil
• Battery
• Fuel information
• Airfilter(s)
• Part numbers
• Refill capacities
• Lubricant specifications
• Accessories
Operating Systems:
All Versions of Windows & Mac
Software:
Adobe PDF Reader
Printability:
All pages printable
Visual Aids:
Tons of pictures and diagrams
Cost Savings:
Save Money $$ By doing your own repairs!
Ease Of Use:
Very easy to follow, step-by-step instructions for any skill level
Benefit:
No shipping cost or waiting
Accepted Methods:
All Major Credit/Debit Cards, PayPal
Overview:
Comprehensive coverage of all major vehicle systems and operations.
Dashboard And Controls:
Instrument cluster functions, driver controls layout, and operation of climate control and entertainment systems.
Lighting:
Operation and function of all exterior and interior lights.
Locks And Security:
Operation of door locks, security features, and key management.
Safety Features:
Seating adjustments, seat belt operation and adjustment, and general safety restraint information.
Driving Operations:
Guidance on proper driving techniques, vehicle operation, and road behavior.
Customer Support:
Information on customer assistance and procedures for reporting safety defects (specifically for U.S. market).
Cleaning And Care:
Detailed instructions for cleaning and maintaining the interior and exterior of the vehicle.
Maintenance Routine:
Essential routine maintenance tasks and schedules.
Engine Compartment Layout:
Identification and function of components within the engine compartment.
Lubrication And Fluids:
Engine oil type, specifications, and refill capacities; lubricant specifications for various components.
Fuel And Air Systems:
Information regarding fuel type, fuel system operation, and air filter specifications and replacement.
Electrical System:
Battery type, maintenance, and basic electrical system overview.
Part Identification:
Reference to part numbers for common components and fluids.
Accessories:
Information pertaining to optional accessories for the vehicle.
Maintenance Tasks:
Checking and topping up essential fluids (oil, coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer fluid), tire pressure checks, basic cleaning procedures.
Troubleshooting Basic:
Guidance on identifying and rectifying common issues related to dashboard indicators, lights, and basic operation.
Safety Checks:
Procedures for checking seat belts, and understanding the function of safety restraints.
Fluid Refills:
Step-by-step instructions for refilling engine oil, windshield washer fluid, and potentially other essential fluids based on capacities provided.
Component Identification:
Visual guides for identifying components in the engine bay and dashboard.
Depth Level:
Owner-oriented, focusing on user operation, basic maintenance, and understanding vehicle features.
Diagnostics:
Limited to driver-level understanding of warning lights and basic operational anomalies.
Repair Scope:
Primarily focused on user-maintainable items and operational guidance, not in-depth mechanical repairs or overhauls.
File Type:
Portable Document Format (PDF)
Searchability:
Likely text-searchable if created from a digital source, enhancing usability.
Resolution:
Dependent on original source; typically good for clarity of text and diagrams.
Binding Format:
Not Applicable (Digital PDF)
Paper Quality:
Not Applicable (Digital PDF)
Engine Family:
FIAT 100 Series (derived from Fiat 600/850 engines)
Displacement Early Models:
903 cc (0.9 L)
Displacement Later Models:
1049 cc (1.0 L), 1293 cc (1.3 L - e.g., 127 Sport)
Horsepower 903Cc:
Approx. 45-47 hp (DIN)
Horsepower 1049Cc:
Approx. 50-55 hp (DIN)
Torque Curve Characteristics:
Designed for low-end torque suitable for urban driving.
Carburetion:
Single-barrel downdraft carburetor (e.g., Solex, Weber) for standard models.
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (early models might have been designed for leaded, requiring adjustments or lower octane unleaded)
Configuration:
Inline 4-cylinder, water-cooled, overhead valve (OHV).
Cooling System:
Pressurized, water-cooled with fan.
Crash Test History:
Limited official crash test data available by modern standards; designed to earlier safety regulations.
Braking System:
Front: Disc brakes. Rear: Drum brakes. (Early models may have all-around drums).
Suspension:
Front: Independent, MacPherson struts. Rear: Leaf springs or independent trailing arms (depending on revision).
Seat Restraints:
Seat belts (likely lap belts in front for early models, 3-point belts later/optional).
Body Structure:
Reinforced passenger cell with crumple zones (basic for its era).
Audio System:
Basic AM radio or optional FM radio. Speaker placement typically in dashboard or front door cards.
User Interface:
Simple analogue controls for volume, tuning, and station selection.
Features:
None by modern standards. Focus is on manual driver control and basic vehicle operation.
Features:
No connectivity features.
Oil Change:
Typically every 5,000-7,500 km (3,000-4,500 miles) or annually, depending on usage and oil quality.
Filter Change:
Oil filter: with every oil change. Air filter: typically every 10,000-15,000 km (6,000-9,000 miles).
Spark Plugs:
Inspection/replacement every 15,000-20,000 km (9,000-12,000 miles).
Timing Belt Chain:
These engines typically use a timing chain, which is generally designed for the life of the engine, but may require tensioner adjustment or replacement if noisy.
Engine Oil:
API SG or earlier. Viscosity likely 10W-40 or 15W-40, depending on climate. (Consult specific manual for exact grades).
Coolant:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze/coolant mixture. (Capacity typically around 4-5 liters).
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Transmission Fluid:
GL-4 gear oil, typically SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90.
Rust Corrosion:
Common for vehicles of this era, particularly around wheel arches, sills, and door bottoms.
Electrical Gremlins:
Older wiring harnesses and connections can degrade, leading to intermittent electrical issues.
Carburetor Tuning:
Carburetors can become gummed up or require periodic adjustment for optimal performance and fuel economy.
Suspension Wear:
Bushings, ball joints, and shock absorbers can wear over time, affecting ride and handling.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 3.5 liters (3.7 US quarts) with filter change (varies slightly by engine).
Oil Filter Example:
Could be equivalent to Fram PH2870A, Mann W712/2, or similar for the 903cc engine. Specific part numbers would be in the manual.
Air Filter Example:
Varies by specific engine and carburetor. Examples might include equivalents to Mann C2424 or Crosland 8027.
Manufacturer:
FIAT (Fabbrica Italiana Automobili Torino).
Key Revisions:
Facelifts and mechanical updates occurred throughout its production run, including revised engine options, styling tweaks, and interior upgrades. Generations are often loosely referred to as Series 1, 2, and 3.
Production Period:
1971-1987.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Italy, but also produced under license in various countries (e.g., Spain as SEAT 127, Poland as Polski Fiat 127).
Sales Success:
Extremely popular and sold in high numbers across Europe and other international markets.