🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Fiat

Model:

Punto

Year:

1998

Platform:

Project 176

Body Style:

3-door hatchback, 5-door hatchback

Chassis Code:

176

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Supermini / Subcompact

Positioning Statement:

The Fiat Punto (Type 176) was designed to offer a spacious, comfortable, and economical option in the crowded European supermini segment, competing with the likes of the Ford Fiesta, Opel/Vauxhall Corsa, Renault Clio, and Volkswagen Polo.

Key Competitors 1998:

Ford Fiesta Mk4/Mk5, Opel/Vauxhall Corsa B, Renault Clio Mk2, Volkswagen Polo Mk3

Design Philosophy:

Emphasis on interior space, comfort, and innovative design features for its class.

Powertrain Options Overview:

A range of efficient petrol engines and a capable diesel option.

Manual Advantage:

Provides factory-level diagnostic and repair procedures, enabling informed DIY maintenance and professional servicing.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Markets:

Europe

Intended Audience:

Professional Technicians, DIY Mechanics

Estimated Pages:

Varies based on specific engine/options, typically 500+

Type:

Repair Service Manual, Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF (Digital Download)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine Mechanical, Fuel System, Ignition System, Cooling System, Exhaust System, Engine Management (ECU)

Drivetrain:

Manual Transmission, Clutch System, Driveshafts, Final Drive

Chassis:

Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering System, Braking System (Front Discs, Rear Drums/Discs depending on variant)

Electrical:

Lighting System, Instrumentation, Power Accessories, Wiper/Washer System, Battery & Charging System, Engine Control Wiring Harness, Body Control Modules

Body And Interior:

Body Panels, Doors, Windows, Seats, Interior Trim, HVAC System

Maintenance:

Routine Maintenance, Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Spark Plug Replacement, Belt Tensioning

Disassembly Assembly:

Complete component disassembly and reassembly procedures for all major systems.

Repair:

Detailed step-by-step repair instructions for common and complex faults.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic procedures, fault code interpretation (if applicable), and corrective actions.

Specifications:

Torque values, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical resistance values.

Depth:

Comprehensive: Covers basic maintenance to full engine/transmission rebuilds and advanced electrical diagnostics.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF

Searchable:

Typically Yes (depending on PDF creation)

Printability:

Full Printable

Zoom Functionality:

YES (Zoom IN/OUT)

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Software Requirements:

Adobe PDF Reader, WinZip (or equivalent decompression software)

Operating System Compatibility:

All Versions of Windows & Mac

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Codes:

176B2.000 (1.2L 8v), 176A7.000 (1.2L 16v), 182B2.000 (1.4L 16v), 176B3.000 (1.6L 16v), 176D4.000 (1.7L TD)

Displacement 1 2 8V:

1242 cc

Bore X Stroke 1 2 8V:

70.8 mm x 78.9 mm

Compression Ratio 1 2 8V:

9.8:1

Horsepower 1 2 8V:

73 PS (72 hp; 54 kW) at 6000 rpm

Torque 1 2 8V:

106 Nm (78 lb-ft) at 2750 rpm

Displacement 1 2 16V:

1242 cc

Horsepower 1 2 16V:

86 PS (85 hp; 63 kW) at 6500 rpm

Torque 1 2 16V:

118 Nm (87 lb-ft) at 4500 rpm

Displacement 1 4 16V:

1372 cc

Horsepower 1 4 16V:

95 PS (94 hp; 70 kW) at 6300 rpm

Torque 1 4 16V:

124 Nm (91 lb-ft) at 4300 rpm

Displacement 1 7 Td:

1698 cc

Horsepower 1 7 Td:

60 PS (59 hp; 44 kW) at 4500 rpm

Torque 1 7 Td:

110 Nm (81 lb-ft) at 2500 rpm

Fuel Delivery Petrol:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Petrol (RON 95 recommended), Diesel

Ignition System:

Electronic Ignition System

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-speed Manual Transmission

Automatic Transmission:

Yes, 3-speed automatic (less common)

Clutch Type:

Hydraulically operated dry single plate clutch

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 3760 mm (148.0 in)

Width:

Approx. 1630 mm (64.2 in)

Height:

Approx. 1440 mm (56.7 in)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 2450 mm (96.5 in)

Curb Weight Approx:

900-1050 kg (1984-2315 lbs) depending on engine and specification

Boot Capacity:

Approx. 275 liters (9.7 cu ft), expandable with rear seats folded.

🛡️ Safety Features

Euro Ncap Rating:

3 Stars (for late models with optional airbags)

ABS:

Optional on some models

Traction Control:

Rarely equipped

Airbags:

Driver's airbag standard on later models, passenger airbag optional.

Seatbelts:

Pre-tensioning front seatbelts

Chassis Safety Features:

Collapsible steering column, reinforced safety cell.

💡 Technology Features

Radio System:

Basic AM/FM radio with cassette player, optional CD player on higher trims.

Speakers:

Typically 2 or 4 speakers.

Cruise Control:

Rarely equipped, not a common feature for this segment at the time.

Connectivity Options:

None in the modern sense (no Bluetooth, USB, etc.).

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 10,000 - 15,000 km or 12 months, whichever comes first (refer to manual for exact recommendation based on engine).

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 20,000 - 30,000 km

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 40,000 - 60,000 km (depending on type: standard vs. platinum/iridium)

Timing Belt Replacement:

Crucial: Every 60,000 - 80,000 km or 5 years, whichever comes first. Failure leads to severe engine damage.

Engine Oil Viscosity:

API SG/SH/SJ, ACEA A2/A3. Viscosity: 10W-40 or 15W-40 (check manual for specific temperature ranges and API/ACEA approvals).

Engine Oil Capacity 1 2L:

Approx. 3.5 liters

Coolant Type:

Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze/coolant, typically blue or green. Fiat specification FIN 9.000.041.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4

Transmission Fluid Type:

GL-4 SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 gear oil (check manual for exact specification)

Suspension Wear:

Worn anti-roll bar bushes, ball joints, and shock absorbers are common.

Electrical Faults:

Minor electrical gremlins, especially with window regulators and central locking, can occur.

Cooling System:

Thermostat failures and radiator leaks can lead to overheating.

Exhaust System:

Corrosion and exhaust pipe hangers can fail.

Engine Management:

Sensor failures (e.g., lambda sensor, coolant temperature sensor) can affect performance and fuel economy.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Focus:

Fiat has a long history of producing small, affordable, and practical cars for the European market.

Generation:

First Generation Punto (Type 176), launched in 1993 as the replacement for the Fiat Uno.

Facelift:

A significant facelift occurred in 1997, introducing revised styling, improved interior materials, and updated engines, which this 1998 manual covers.

Production Years:

1993-1999 (for Type 176 generation)

Manufacturing Location:

Italy (primarily Mirafiori, Turin and Termini Imerese)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

European Car Of The Year:

No, but the second generation Punto (Grande Punto) won European Car of the Year in 2006.