Target Audience:
DIY enthusiasts, independent repair shops, automotive students, Ford Fiesta MK3/MK4 owners seeking detailed repair information
Value Proposition:
Provides a cost-effective alternative to professional mechanic services, empowering owners with the knowledge to perform maintenance and repairs, saving money and ensuring quality of work.
Diagnostic Capability:
Includes comprehensive troubleshooting guides and wiring diagrams for accurate diagnosis of electrical and mechanical faults.
Repair Scope:
Covers everything from routine maintenance and fluid changes to major component overhauls and bodywork repairs.
Accessibility:
Instant download availability, accessible on multiple devices (computers, tablets).
Powertrain:
Engine, Transmission, Drivetrain, Fuel System, Exhaust System, Cooling System, Emission Control System, Engine Control System
Chassis:
Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering System, Brake System, Wheels & Tires, Axles
Electrical:
Full Electrical System Schematics, Wiring Diagrams, Lighting, Ignition System, Battery, Charging System, Starting System, Body Electronics, Instrumentation
Body:
Chassis & Body, Exterior Components, Interior Components, Restraint System (Airbags, Seatbelts), Doors, Glass, Bumpers, Body Panels
Maintenance:
General Maintenance, Periodic Lubrication, Fluid Checks & Changes, Filter Replacements, Spark Plug Service, Belt Inspection & Replacement
Repair:
Engine Overhaul, Transmission Repair, Brake Caliper Rebuild, Suspension Component Replacement, Steering Rack Replacement, Cooling System Component Repair, Fuel System Component Repair, Electrical Component Diagnosis & Replacement
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts, fault finding procedures for common issues, electrical symptom diagnosis
Depth:
Complete rebuild procedures, detailed diagnostic strategies, component-specific repair instructions, torque specifications, clearances, and adjustments
Engine Options:
1.0L (OHV CVH), 1.1L (CVH), 1.3L (CVH/Zetec-S), 1.4L (Zetec), 1.6L (CVH/Zetec/Zetec-S), 1.8L Diesel (Endura-D)
Valvetrain:
OHV (for older CVH variants) or DOHC (for Zetec/Zetec-S variants)
Typical Horsepower Range:
50 HP (1.1L) to 105 HP (1.8L Zetec-S)
Typical Torque Range:
80 Nm (1.1L) to 160 Nm (1.8L Zetec-S)
Fuel Delivery:
Carburetor (older/base models) or Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) (most 1996 models)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (Petrol)
ECM Type:
EEC-IV or EEC-V (depending on engine and market)
Standard Transmission:
5-Speed Manual
Optional Transmission:
4-Speed Automatic (less common on base models)
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically actuated dry single-plate clutch
Manual Transmission Fluid Type:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 (check specific manual for exact viscosity and capacity)
Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:
Mercon (check specific manual for exact viscosity and capacity)
Body Styles:
3-door Hatchback, 5-door Hatchback, (sometimes Van/Panel Van variants in commercial markets)
Wheelbase Mm:
~2440 mm (varies slightly by generation/variant)
Overall Length Mm:
~3750 mm (varies slightly by generation/variant)
Curb Weight Kg:
800 - 1100 kg (depending on engine, equipment, and body style)
Euro Ncap Rating:
3 Stars (for equivalent models tested at the time, exact 1996 rating may vary)
Braking System:
Front: Ventilated Disc Brakes; Rear: Drum Brakes (ABS optional on higher trims/later models)
Restraint System:
Driver airbag (standard on many), passenger airbag (optional/later models), 3-point front seatbelts, 2-point rear seatbelts (or 3-point on later models)
Body Structure:
Reinforced safety cell, crumple zones
Audio System:
Factory fitted radio/cassette player (optional CD player on higher trims).
Dashboard Features:
Analogue speedometer, tachometer (optional), fuel gauge, temperature gauge, warning lights.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was an optional feature, typically on higher trim levels or later models.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 10,000-15,000 km or 12 months (whichever comes first), using specified oil grade.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 60,000-100,000 km or 4-5 years (critical for interference engines; specific interval depends on engine variant and manual recommendations).
Engine Oil Type:
API SG/SH, ACEA A2-96, SAE 5W-30, 10W-40, or 15W-40 (check specific engine manual for exact grade and capacity).
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze/coolant (e.g., Ford Super Plus Premium coolant or equivalent), typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Power Steering Fluid Type:
Ford Specification WSS-M2C195-A or equivalent (check manual for exact type).
Common Faults:
Ignition coil failure, alternator issues, exhaust manifold cracks, minor coolant leaks (especially from heater matrix), wear on suspension bushes, window regulator failures, central locking issues (on models equipped).
Rust Prone Areas:
Wheel arches, sills, rear quarter panels, chassis outriggers, door bottoms.
Ford Heritage:
Ford has a long history of producing reliable and affordable small cars, with the Fiesta being a cornerstone of its European operations since its introduction in 1976.
Fiesta Evolution:
The 1996 model year represents the latter half of the third generation (MK3), which was introduced in 1989 and received a significant facelift (often referred to as MK3.5 or MK4 in some markets) around 1995/1996, improving styling, interior, and mechanicals.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Dagenham (UK), Valencia (Spain), and Cologne (Germany) for the European market.
