🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Fiat

Model:

Tempra

Model Years Covered:

1988-1996

👋 Introduction

Market Segment:

Compact family car, competing in the European automotive market.

Key Competitors:

Ford Escort, Volkswagen Golf, Opel Astra, Peugeot 306, Renault 19.

Design Philosophy:

Modern design with emphasis on interior space and practicality, available as a sedan and estate (station wagon).

Powertrain Options:

Offered a range of efficient petrol and diesel engines known for their robustness.

📋 Manual Details

Engine:

Yes

Transmission:

Yes

Brakes:

Yes

Suspension:

Yes

Electrical System:

Yes

Bodywork:

Yes

Fuel System:

Yes

Cooling System:

Yes

Exhaust System:

Yes

Climate Control:

Yes

Troubleshooting:

Yes

Maintenance:

Yes

Specifications:

Yes

Rigging Information:

Yes

Power Unit:

Yes

Lower Unit:

Yes

Bracket Unit:

Yes

Index:

Yes

Appendix:

Yes

Page Count:

Not Specified (electronic document)

Manual Type:

Service Repair Factory Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

File Format:

PDF

Compatibility:

Compatible with all versions of Windows & Mac

Reader Requirement:

Requires Adobe PDF Reader

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable PDF allowing for quick access to specific topics.

Zoom Capability:

High zoom capability on computer for clear viewing of diagrams and text.

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Variants:

Covers petrol and diesel engines used in the Fiat Tempra from 1988-1996, likely including 1.4, 1.6, 1.8, 2.0 litre petrol and 1.9 litre diesel variants.

Transmission Types:

Details on manual and automatic transmissions, including clutch, gearbox, driveshafts, and differential maintenance and repair.

Braking System:

Comprehensive coverage of front and rear brake systems, including disc and drum brakes, hydraulic systems, ABS (if equipped), and parking brake.

Suspension Steering:

Information on front and rear suspension components (struts, shock absorbers, control arms, springs), steering rack, power steering system, and wheel alignment.

Electrical Diagnostics:

Detailed wiring diagrams, fuse and relay layouts, diagnosis of electrical faults, starter motor, alternator, battery, lighting, and dashboard instrumentation.

Fuel Injection Carburetion:

Procedures for maintenance and repair of fuel injection systems (e.g., Bosch L-Jetronic, Motronic) or carburettors (depending on engine variant), fuel pump, injectors, and sensors.

Engine Management:

Covers the engine control unit (ECU), ignition system, and emission control systems for optimal engine performance and emissions compliance.

Body And Interior:

Information on body panel repair, door mechanisms, interior trim removal and installation, seat adjustments, and glass replacement.

Routine Maintenance:

Detailed step-by-step guides for oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug changes, coolant flushes, and other scheduled maintenance tasks.

Troubleshooting Guides:

Systematic approach to diagnosing and resolving common and complex vehicle problems, often with symptom-based troubleshooting charts.

Engine Overhaul:

Instructions for engine disassembly, component inspection, rebuilding, and reassembly, including torque specifications for critical fasteners.

Transmission Repair:

Procedures for repairing manual and automatic transmissions, including clutch replacement, gear synchronization, and torque converter servicing.

Brake System Service:

Guidance on brake pad and shoe replacement, rotor resurfacing or replacement, brake fluid bleeding, and caliper/wheel cylinder overhaul.

Electrical Component Replacement:

Instructions for replacing components such as alternators, starters, fuel pumps, sensors, and lighting units.

Body Panel Repair:

Techniques for dent removal, panel straightening, rust repair, and repainting preparation.

Diagnostic Procedures:

Step-by-step diagnostic routines for identifying the root cause of malfunctions.

Depth Of Coverage:

Comprehensive, covering from basic preventative maintenance to in-depth component repair and overhaul.

Diagnostic Capabilities:

Enables identification of issues through descriptive text, diagrams, and troubleshooting charts, supporting both visual inspection and more advanced diagnostic steps.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Options:

Likely includes Fiat's FIRE (Fully Integrated Robotized Engine) family for smaller displacements (e.g., 1.4, 1.6) and possibly more powerful 1.8 and 2.0 litre Lampredi-designed engines, as well as a 1.9 litre naturally aspirated diesel engine.

Typical Power Range:

Petrol engines typically ranged from approximately 70 hp to 137 hp, while the diesel variant would be around 60-70 hp.

Torque Characteristics:

Torque figures varied with engine size, with larger engines providing better low-end grunt suitable for family car duties.

Fuel Delivery:

Primarily multi-point fuel injection for petrol engines, and indirect injection for the diesel engine. Older models or specific variants might have utilized carburetion.

Ignition System:

Electronic ignition, with distributor or distributorless systems depending on the specific engine and year.

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

Typically a 5-speed manual transmission.

Optional Transmission:

An automatic transmission was often available as an option on higher-specification models.

Clutch Type:

Hydraulically operated single dry-plate clutch.

📐 Dimensions

Body Styles:

4-door Sedan and 5-door Estate (Station Wagon).

Wheelbase:

Approximately 2540 mm (100 inches).

Length Sedan:

Approximately 4390 mm (172.8 inches).

Length Estate:

Approximately 4490 mm (176.8 inches).

Curb Weight Range:

Varies significantly by engine and equipment, typically from 1050 kg to 1300 kg (approx. 2315 - 2866 lbs).

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Results:

Euro NCAP ratings were not widely published for vehicles of this era in the same way as modern standards. However, the Tempra was designed with safety in mind for its time.

Braking System:

Standard front disc brakes, rear drum brakes. ABS was available on higher trims or as an option.

Seatbelts:

Front and rear seatbelts, with pre-tensioners potentially available on later models or higher trims.

Airbags:

Driver's side airbag became increasingly common through the production run, especially on later models or higher trims. Passenger airbags were rare.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory-fitted radio cassette player, often with basic AM/FM tuning. Upgrades to CD players were common in the later part of the production run.

Speakers:

Typically front door speakers and rear parcel shelf speakers.

Cruise Control:

Available as an option on some higher-spec models, particularly those with larger engines.

Anti Lock Brakes:

ABS was an optional feature, not standard across all models and years.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 10,000 - 15,000 km or 12 months, depending on driving conditions and oil specification. Check manual for exact intervals.

Timing Belt Replacement:

Critical interval for petrol engines, often around 80,000 - 100,000 km or 5 years. Failure can cause catastrophic engine damage. Diesel engines might have different intervals or use timing chains.

Coolant Flush:

Recommended every 2-3 years or as per manual recommendations to maintain cooling system efficiency and prevent corrosion.

Engine Oil Type:

Varies by engine, but commonly SAE 10W-40 or 15W-40 API SG/SH or ACEA A2/B2. Always consult manual for exact specification.

Coolant Type:

Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Check manual for specific Fiat coolant type.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid, depending on the system's requirements. Should be flushed and replaced periodically.

Transmission Fluid Manual:

GL-4 gear oil, typically SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90. Capacity varies.

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid) Type T-III or equivalent. Capacity varies.

Rust Corrosion:

Common issue in older vehicles, particularly in areas prone to road salt. Check wheel arches, sills, and floor pans.

Electrical Gremlins:

Like many cars of this era, electrical systems can develop intermittent faults due to aging wiring or connectors.

Suspension Wear:

Worn suspension components (bushings, ball joints, shock absorbers) can lead to poor handling and premature tire wear.

Cooling System Leaks:

Radiator, hoses, and water pump can develop leaks over time.

📚 Vehicle History

Fiat History:

Fiat has a long and storied history in automotive manufacturing, known for innovation and mass production of affordable and practical vehicles.

Tempra Development:

The Tempra was developed as the successor to the Fiat Regata and was based on the Tipo platform, sharing many mechanical components.

Styling:

Styled by Centro Stile Fiat, the Tempra featured a more conventional saloon and estate body compared to the hatchback Tipo.

Production Period:

1988-1996

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily manufactured in Italy, with potential for assembly in other Fiat facilities or under license in different countries.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

European Car Of The Year:

The Fiat Tempra's sibling, the Fiat Tipo, won the European Car of the Year award in 1989. The Tempra shared its platform and many mechanicals with the Tipo.