Market Segment:
Compact family car (Tipo) and compact family estate/sedan (Tempra), positioned as affordable and practical European vehicles during their production run.
Key Competitors:
Ford Escort/Orion, Volkswagen Golf/Vento, Opel/Vauxhall Astra/Belmont, Peugeot 309/405, Renault 19.
Vehicle Strengths:
Spacious interiors for their class, good ride comfort, generally robust engineering, wide range of engine options. The Tempra offered a practical estate variant.
Target Audience:
DIY mechanics, independent workshops, classic car enthusiasts, and owners seeking to maintain or repair their Fiat Tipo or Tempra.
Benefits:
Empowers owners to perform maintenance and repairs, reducing reliance on expensive dealership services. Provides in-depth knowledge for accurate diagnostics and repairs.
Engine:
Engine mechanicals (including disassembly, inspection, assembly), engine management systems, fuel injection, ignition, cooling, lubrication, exhaust systems
Transmission:
Manual and automatic transmission overhaul, clutch system, gear shift mechanisms, driveline components (axles, CV joints)
Brakes:
Brake system diagnosis and repair (including hydraulic components, ABS if applicable), parking brake
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension systems, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, wheel alignment specifications
Steering:
Steering gear, power steering system diagnosis and repair, steering column, tie rods
Electrical:
Complete electrical system diagnosis, wiring diagrams, lighting, instruments, starting and charging system, battery, fuses, relays, power windows, central locking
Bodywork:
Body panel repair, interior trim removal and installation, doors, hood, trunk, glass replacement, underbody protection
Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning:
HVAC system diagnosis, fan motor, blower, heater core, air conditioning refrigerant circuits (if equipped)
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance tasks, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, belt inspections and replacement, spark plug service
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common problems, fault finding based on symptoms, error code interpretation (if applicable)
Repair:
Step-by-step instructions for component replacement and repair across all major vehicle systems
Rebuilding:
Detailed procedures for engine, transmission, and other major component rebuilds
Refurbishing:
Instructions for restoring various vehicle components and systems to good working order
Restoration:
Guidance for bringing a vehicle back to its original or improved condition
Depth Level:
Comprehensive: Covers basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures and specifications.
Engine Families:
Fiat's FIRE (Fully Integrated Robotized Engine) and Lampredi family engines. Common variants include 1.1L, 1.4L, 1.6L, 1.8L, 2.0L gasoline, and various diesel engines (e.g., 1.7L, 1.9L naturally aspirated and turbodiesel).
Horsepower Range:
Typically ranging from 55 hp (1.1L FIRE) to 137 hp (2.0L 16V variants).
Torque Range:
Varies significantly by engine, e.g., 1.6L engines producing around 124 Nm.
Injection Types:
Carbureted (early models, particularly 1.1L and 1.4L) and multi-point fuel injection (MPI) for later and larger displacement engines.
Ignition Type:
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) or traditional distributor-based systems depending on engine variant.
ECU Types:
ECU (Engine Control Unit) specific to engine variant, managing fuel injection and ignition timing.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based coolant, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Refer to manual for specific Fiat-approved coolant.
Oil Viscosity:
Commonly SAE 10W-40 or 10W-30 for gasoline engines, SAE 15W-40 for diesel. Check manual for specific recommendations based on climate.
Transmission Type:
5-speed manual transmission.
Transmission Type:
3-speed or 4-speed automatic transmission (depending on market and engine).
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically operated dry single-plate clutch.
Manual Gearbox Oil:
API GL-4 gear oil, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90. Capacity approx. 2.0-2.5 liters.
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid) meeting Fiat specifications (e.g., Dexron II or equivalent). Capacity approx. 4.0-5.0 liters.
Length:
Tipo Hatchback: ~4030 mm, Tipo Sedan/Tempra Sedan: ~4370 mm, Tempra Estate: ~4370 mm (dimensions vary slightly by body style).
Boot Capacity Litres:
Tipo Hatchback: ~350 L, Tempra Sedan: ~510 L, Tempra Estate: ~480-1480 L (with rear seats folded).
Curb Weight Kg:
Approx. 1050-1250 kg, depending on engine and body style.
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
4x98 mm
Typical Tire Sizes:
175/70 R14, 185/60 R14, 195/50 R15 (depending on trim and option).
Euro Ncap Rating:
Not rated under modern Euro NCAP protocols as it predates their widespread adoption. Likely modest by today's standards.
ABS:
Optional on some models, standard on higher trims or later production.
Traction Control:
Rarely available on these models.
Airbags:
Driver airbag became available as an option and later standard on many models during its production run. Passenger airbag was rare.
Seatbelts:
Standard front and rear seatbelts, with pre-tensioners on front belts in later models.
Audio System:
Factory fitted radio-recorders (cassette player), optional CD players on later or higher trims. Basic speaker setup.
Dashboard Features:
Analog gauges (speedometer, tachometer, fuel, temp), various warning lights, often a basic trip computer on higher trims.
Cruise Control:
Rarely fitted, typically only on top-tier, larger-engined models for export markets.
Parking Sensors:
Not available during this era.
Bluetooth Connectivity:
Not available.
Power Windows:
Available as an option, often front only. Rear power windows were less common.
Central Locking:
Available as an option, often linked to front doors or all doors depending on specification.
Oil Change Interval Km:
Typically every 10,000-15,000 km or 12 months, whichever comes first. Consult manual for exact recommendation.
Timing Belt Replacement Km:
Crucial maintenance item. Intervals vary by engine, often 60,000-80,000 km or 4-5 years. Interference engines require replacement to avoid severe damage.
Coolant Capacity Litres:
Approx. 5.0-6.5 liters, depending on engine and radiator size.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid (ensure specific recommendation from manual).
Common Problems:
Rust (especially on sills, wheel arches, and rear hatch/boot), aging suspension bushings, potential for carburettor issues (if equipped), aging electrical components (e.g., dashboard warning lights, window motors), timing belt failures on interference engines if not replaced on schedule.
Typical Repairs:
Replacement of suspension components (shocks, ball joints, tie rods), brake pad and disc replacement, exhaust system repair, timing belt and water pump replacement, minor bodywork repairs.
Fiat Legacy:
Fiat has a long history of producing practical and affordable family cars in Europe, known for engineering innovation and value.
Tipo Origin:
The Tipo (Type) project was a significant development for Fiat, aiming to be a modern, front-wheel-drive hatchback and sedan range. It was designed with advanced automation in production.
Tempra Development:
The Tempra was the sedan and station wagon version of the Tipo platform, offering greater practicality and luggage space.
Production Period:
1988-1996 (with facelifts occurring during this period).
Assembly Locations:
Primarily Italy, with potential for licensed production in other countries.
European Car Of The Year:
The Fiat Tipo was awarded the European Car of the Year in 1989.
Other Accolades:
Praised for its innovative use of galvanized steel for corrosion resistance and modern design for its time.
Reliability Reputation:
Mixed. While the core mechanicals can be robust, aging components and susceptibility to rust are common reliability concerns for owners today.
