Vehicle Market Segment:
Compact family car, positioned as a practical and affordable European hatchback.
Key Competitors Of Era:
Volkswagen Golf, Ford Escort, Opel/Vauxhall Astra, Renault 19, Peugeot 309.
Vehicle Design Philosophy:
Emphasis on practicality, spaciousness, and modern design for its time, often featuring advanced (for the era) safety features and a well-appointed interior.
Diy Repair Benefit 1:
Facilitates cost savings by enabling home maintenance and repairs.
Diy Repair Benefit 2:
Empowers owners with the knowledge to understand and maintain their vehicle.
Diy Repair Benefit 3:
Provides detailed, step-by-step instructions and diagrams for complex procedures.
Engine Systems:
Engine mechanicals, lubrication, cooling, fuel delivery, intake, exhaust, ignition, emissions control
Transmission Systems:
Clutch operation, gearbox (manual), driveshafts, differentials
Braking Systems:
Hydraulic circuits, components (master cylinder, calipers, drums, lines), parking brake, ABS (if applicable)
Suspension Systems:
Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, wheel bearings
Steering Systems:
Steering rack, column, linkages, power steering system (if applicable)
Body And Chassis:
Body shell structure, panels, doors, latches, hinges, glass, interior trim, underbody protection
Electrical Systems:
Complete electrical system, battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrumentation, auxiliary components, body electrical systems
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed wiring schematics for all major systems
Maintenance Procedures:
Scheduled maintenance (oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks), lubrication, component inspections
Repair Procedures:
Component removal, installation, overhaul, and adjustment for all covered systems
Diagnostic Procedures:
Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, component testing procedures
Technical Detail Level:
Extensive, covering everything from basic fluid checks to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed torque specifications and special tool requirements.
File Compatibility:
Compatible with all versions of Windows & Mac
Reader Requirement:
Requires Adobe PDF Reader
Digital Print Quality:
High resolution, suitable for printing individual sections or the entire manual.
Binding Type For Downloaded Manual:
N/A (Digital Download)
Paper Type For Downloaded Manual:
N/A (Digital Download)
Engine Variants Likely Covered:
Fiat Tipo offered a range of gasoline and diesel engines. Common gasoline engines included 1.1L (1108cc), 1.4L (1372cc), 1.6L (1585cc), 1.8L (1779cc - often twin-cam), and 2.0L (1995cc - twin-cam). Diesel variants included 1.7L and 1.9L naturally aspirated and turbodiesel. The manual likely covers the most prevalent variants for the specified years.
Typical Horsepower Range:
55 hp to 115 hp, depending on engine displacement and type (naturally aspirated gasoline, diesel, turbo gasoline).
Typical Torque Range:
80 Nm to 170 Nm.
Fuel Delivery Systems:
Carbureted (early models or lower trims) and Fuel Injection (Multi-point Fuel Injection - MPI, or single-point injection - SPI).
Engine Block Material:
Cast Iron
Cylinder Head Material:
Aluminum Alloy
Ignition System Type:
Electronic ignition (distributorless or distributor-based depending on engine variant and year).
Standard Transmission Type:
5-speed Manual Transaxle
Optional Transmission Type:
3-speed Automatic Transaxle (available on some engine variants).
Transmission Fluid Type:
Manual: GL-4 75W-90 or 80W-90 gear oil. Automatic: ATF Dexron II (specific Fiat part number would be detailed in manual).
Vehicle Body Styles:
5-door hatchback. (Later generations/variants included 3-door hatchback, sedan, wagon, coupe - but manual covers 1988-1992, primarily the original hatchback).
Wheelbase Typical:
Approximately 2540 mm (99.9 inches).
Length Typical:
Approximately 4050 mm (159.4 inches).
Width Typical:
Approximately 1700 mm (66.9 inches).
Curb Weight Range:
Approximately 1000 kg to 1200 kg (2200 lbs to 2650 lbs), depending on engine and equipment.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Specific GVWR would be detailed by VIN and configuration, but typically around 1600-1800 kg.
Crash Test Results Era Context:
Euro NCAP did not exist in its current form during the early Fiat Tipo production. Safety ratings of the era were less standardized. However, the Tipo was generally considered a safe design for its time, with a robust structure and often available with features like ABS and airbags in later iterations or higher trims.
Available Active Safety Features:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), typically on higher trims or as an option from mid-production onwards.
Available Passive Safety Features:
Seat belts (front and rear), collapsible steering column, reinforced passenger cell, optional driver and passenger airbags (later models).
Front Brake Type:
Ventilated Disc Brakes
Rear Brake Type:
Drum Brakes (or Disc Brakes on higher performance models).
Infotainment System Era:
Basic for its time. Typically consisted of an AM/FM radio with cassette player, possibly with manual or electric aerial. Speaker configuration would be 2 or 4.
Driver Assistance Features Available:
Limited. Primarily mechanical systems like power steering (on some models/trims) and ABS (as mentioned under safety). No electronic stability control, traction control, or advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS).
Connectivity Features Available:
None. Connectivity was limited to basic accessory power outlets for charging devices or powering external accessories.
Dashboard Instrument Cluster:
Includes speedometer, tachometer (on higher trims/engine variants), fuel gauge, coolant temperature gauge, odometer, trip meter, warning lights for oil pressure, battery charge, brake system, engine check, etc.
Engine Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000 km (6,000 miles) or 12 months, whichever comes first. Specific interval depends on driving conditions and oil type.
Air Filter Replacement Interval:
Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles) or as needed based on inspection. Diesel engines may require more frequent checks.
Spark Plug Replacement Interval:
Typically 20,000 km to 40,000 km (12,000 to 24,000 miles) for standard spark plugs, longer for platinum or iridium plugs (if fitted).
Engine Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze. Specific Fiat coolant type or equivalent (e.g., Fiat Paraflu UP) is recommended. Mixture ratio of 50% coolant to 50% distilled water.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Power Steering Fluid Type:
ATF Dexron II or specified Fiat hydraulic fluid.
Engine Oil Viscosity Common:
10W-40, 15W-40 for naturally aspirated petrol/diesel. 5W-30 or 5W-40 for turbocharged or colder climates might be specified.
Common Reliability Concerns:
Early models sometimes experienced electrical gremlins, rust on body panels (especially wheel arches and sills), and potential issues with the cooling system (thermostat, hoses). Clutch wear and gearbox synchromesh wear can occur with high mileage. Some engine variants (e.g., the 1.8L twin-cam) can be sensitive to oil quality and maintenance.
Common Maintenance Tasks:
Regular timing belt replacement (critical for interference engines), checking and topping up coolant, inspecting exhaust system for corrosion, checking brake fluid level and condition.
Fiat Historical Context:
Fiat, an Italian manufacturer founded in 1899, has a long history of producing mass-market, innovative, and often stylish vehicles. The Tipo was part of Fiat's strategy to re-establish its presence in the compact car segment in the late 1980s.
Fiat Tipo Development Goals:
Designed to be a modern, spacious, and aerodynamic hatchback, it utilized Fiat's new Type 4 platform, shared with other contemporary Fiat Group and PSA vehicles. The design aimed for efficiency and comfort.
Production Years For Generation:
1988-1995 (across all variants, with this manual specifically covering 1988-1992).
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Italy, but also produced in other Fiat facilities across Europe.
European Car Of The Year Recognition:
The Fiat Tipo (and its platform-mates like the Fiat Tempra, Lancia Dedra, Alfa Romeo 155) were highly regarded for their modern design and engineering. While not a specific 'Car of the Year' winner for the Tipo itself, the platform contributed to Fiat's reputation for innovation in the late 80s and early 90s.
