🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Fiat

Model:

124 Spider

Year:

1986

Chassis Code:

FA1

Engine Code Family:

Fiat Twin Cam (Lampredi)

👋 Introduction

Market Segment:

Compact sports convertible, successor to the original Fiat 124 Sport Spider.

Target Audience:

Owners and enthusiasts of the 1986 Fiat 124 Spider seeking to perform maintenance and repairs.

Competitors Era:

Mazda Miata (MX-5) (though later), Alfa Romeo Spider, Triumph TR7, Datsun 240Z/260Z (though larger).

Design Philosophy:

Lightweight, rear-wheel-drive Italian sports car with emphasis on driving pleasure.

Utility:

Provides dealer-level repair information for the DIY mechanic and owner.

Ease Of Use:

Designed to be simple to use with clear instructions and diagrams.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Comprehensive repair and service procedures for the 1986 Fiat 124 Spider.

Secondary Coverage:

Electrical diagrams, torque specifications, fluid capacities, and maintenance schedules.

Estimated Pages:

Likely over 500 pages, typical for a comprehensive factory service manual of this era.

Type:

Factory Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine disassembly, assembly, inspection, rebuild procedures for various displacement variants.

Engine Management:

Fuel injection (Bosch L-Jetronic for many 1986 models), ignition system, emission controls.

Transmission:

Manual transmission disassembly, assembly, adjustments, and repair.

Clutch:

Clutch system service, replacement, hydraulic components.

Drivetrain:

Drive shaft, universal joints, rear axle, differential, bearings.

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension components, alignment specifications, shock absorbers, springs.

Steering:

Steering gear, linkages, power steering system (if equipped), column.

Brakes:

Front and rear brake systems (disc/drum configurations), hydraulic lines, master cylinder, calipers, wheel cylinders.

Electrical:

Comprehensive wiring diagrams, component testing, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrumentation, accessories.

Body:

Body panel removal/installation, interior trim, convertible top mechanism, glass, locks, body seals.

Accessories:

Heater, ventilation, radio, power windows (if equipped), other accessories.

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, fluid checks and top-offs, lubrication.

Major Repairs:

Engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, suspension component replacement, brake system repairs.

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting guides for common issues, diagnostic charts, component testing procedures.

Timing Belt:

Specific helper/guide for timing belt replacement, critical for the Lampredi twin-cam engine.

Electrical Troubleshooting:

Step-by-step diagnostic procedures using wiring diagrams for electrical faults.

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds.

Detail Level:

Detailed step-by-step instructions with supporting diagrams and illustrations.

Diagnostic Capabilities:

Includes information for diagnosing and repairing common wear items and system failures.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Software Requirements:

Adobe PDF Reader, WinZip

Compatibility:

All versions of Windows & Mac

Features:

Zoom in/out functionality

Printability:

Assumed printable from PDF reader.

Binding:

Digital (PDF) - No physical binding.

Paper:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Fiat DOHC (Twin Cam) 'Lampredi' engine

Displacement:

Typically 1995 cc (2.0 Liters) for North American 1986 models, though other displacements existed in other markets/years.

Bore X Stroke:

84 mm x 90 mm (for 1995 cc)

Compression Ratio:

Approximately 8.5:1 to 9.0:1 depending on variant.

Horsepower:

Around 105-115 hp (SAE net) for the 2.0L, depending on specific tuning and market regulations.

Torque:

Approximately 130-140 lb-ft (SAE net).

Fuel Delivery:

Bosch L-Jetronic electronic fuel injection for most 1986 models.

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (Premium recommended)

Ignition Type:

Electronic ignition with distributor.

Coolant Type:

Ethylene glycol-based coolant (e.g., 50/50 mix with distilled water). Specific Fiat recommendation would be in manual.

🔧 Transmission

Type:

5-speed manual transmission.

Type:

Rarely, an automatic transmission might have been an option in some markets, but manual was standard for the sporty image.

Drive Layout:

Rear-wheel drive (RWD).

Manual Transmission Fluid:

API GL-4 gear oil, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90. Specific Fiat part number or equivalent recommended in manual.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 3940 mm (155.1 inches)

Width:

Approx. 1620 mm (63.8 inches)

Height:

Approx. 1230 mm (48.4 inches)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 2260 mm (89.0 inches)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 980 - 1050 kg (2160 - 2315 lbs), depending on equipment.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

GVWR information would be specific to market and trim, typically around 1300 kg.

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Ratings:

No standardized ratings like modern NHTSA or Euro NCAP existed in 1986. Focus on passive safety of the era.

Brakes:

Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes.

Steering:

Recirculating ball steering system.

Seatbelts:

Standard three-point seatbelts.

Body Structure:

Unitary body construction with integrated safety cage elements for a convertible.

Windshield:

Laminated safety glass windshield.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Typically an aftermarket or basic factory radio with AM/FM, possibly cassette.

Driver Aids:

No modern driver assistance systems. Basic instrumental cluster.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

Typically every 5,000 - 7,500 km (3,000 - 5,000 miles) or 6 months, depending on driving conditions. Manual will specify.

Timing Belt Replacement:

Critical interval, typically 60,000 - 80,000 km (40,000 - 50,000 miles) or 4-5 years due to interference engine design. Manual will confirm.

Spark Plugs:

Check and gap every 20,000 km (12,000 miles), replace every 40,000 km (25,000 miles). Refer to manual for specific types.

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approximately 4.5 - 5.0 liters (4.8 - 5.3 US quarts) with filter. Specific API rating recommended in manual (e.g., API SF or SG).

Coolant Capacity:

Approx. 6.0 - 6.5 liters (6.3 - 6.9 US quarts).

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid. Replace every 2 years to prevent moisture absorption.

Rust:

Common issue for vehicles of this era, particularly around wheel arches, sills, and floor pans.

Electrical Gremlins:

Aging wiring harnesses and connectors can lead to intermittent electrical problems.

Carburetor Issues:

If equipped with carburetors (less common for 1986 FI models), tuning and synchronization can be critical.

Convertible Top:

Wear and tear on the soft top mechanism and seals.

Timing Belt Failure:

Critical to adhere to replacement intervals due to the interference nature of the engine.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Legacy:

Fiat has a long history of producing sporty and stylish cars, including notable roadsters.

First Generation:

Introduced in 1966 as the Fiat 124 Sport Spider.

Late Model Updates:

The 1986 model represents a later iteration of the classic design, often badged as Pininfarina Spider Azzurra or similar in some markets after Fiat ceased direct sales in the US for a period.

Production Period:

1966-1985 (for the original Fiat 124 Spider, with slight variations and rebadging extending into the late 80s).

Manufacturing Location:

Turin, Italy.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Historic Acclaim:

The Fiat 124 Spider is widely recognized as a classic Italian sports car and a significant model for Fiat.

Contemporary Reviews:

Praised for its styling, handling, and affordability in its class during its production run.

Certification:

N/A in modern sense, but represents adherence to FIA homologation standards for some rally variants.