Segment:
Compact sports car / roadster
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts, owners, independent mechanics
Competitors:
Mazda RX-7, Toyota MR2, Datsun 240Z/260Z/280Z (though slightly larger)
Vehicle Appeal:
Affordable rear-wheel-drive sports car, classic Italian styling, lightweight, fun to drive
Manual Value Proposition:
Essential resource for owners seeking to maintain, repair, and restore their classic Fiat 124 Spider, replicating dealer-level expertise.
Primary Coverage:
Comprehensive Workshop Service and Repair
Secondary Coverage:
Maintenance, Diagnostics, Electrical Diagrams, Torque Settings, Fluid Capacities
Estimated Page Count:
Not Specified (Refer to official Fiat documentation for precise count)
Type:
Factory Service Repair Manual (Workshop Manual)
Engine Mechanical:
Engine overhaul, tuning, lubrication, cooling, fuel system (carburetor), emissions control, timing belt replacement
Drivetrain:
Clutch operation and adjustment, transmission (manual), drive shaft, rear axle (differential, bearings)
Brakes:
Hydraulic system, disc and drum brake service, parking brake
Steering:
Steering gear, steering column, linkage
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, alignment
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, charging system, ignition system, lighting, instruments, accessories
Body:
Body panel repair, doors, windows, convertible top mechanism, interior trim
Accessories:
Heater, ventilation, wipers, washer system, radio installation (general)
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides for common issues, symptom-based diagnostics
Repair:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and overhaul
Adjustments:
Carburetor adjustment, clutch adjustment, ignition timing, brake adjustment
Technical Data Reference:
Torque specifications, fluid capacities, electrical specifications, measurements
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering basic to advanced repair and rebuild procedures
Engine Type:
Inline-4 Cylinder, DOHC
Displacement:
1995 cc (2.0 Liters)
Engine Code:
132 Dual Overhead Cam (DOHC)
Fuel System:
Bosch L-Jetronic Fuel Injection (US-spec models)
Bore X Stroke:
84 mm x 90 mm
Compression Ratio:
8.8:1 (typical for US-spec)
Horsepower:
102 hp @ 5500 rpm (US-spec)
Torque:
17.0 kgm (123 lb-ft) @ 3000 rpm (US-spec)
Injection Type:
Bosch L-Jetronic
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Timing Belt Replacement Helper
Belt Material:
Reinforced rubber composite
Replacement Interval:
Refer to manual (typically 40,000-60,000 miles or 4-5 years)
Type:
3-Speed Automatic (less common, availability varies by market)
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically actuated single dry plate clutch
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 gear oil (confirm in manual)
Length:
Approx. 3955 mm (155.7 inches)
Width:
Approx. 1600 mm (63.0 inches)
Height:
Approx. 1220 mm (48.0 inches)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2240 mm (88.2 inches)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1050 kg (2315 lbs)
Crash Test Data:
Era-appropriate safety standards, limited data available by modern standards.
Braking System:
Front: Ventilated Disc Brakes; Rear: Drum Brakes
Seat Belts:
Standard 3-point seat belts
Rollover Protection:
Integrated roll bar behind seats
Oil Change:
Refer to manual (typically 3,000-5,000 miles or 6 months)
Spark Plug Replacement:
Refer to manual (typically 15,000-20,000 miles)
Brake Fluid Change:
Refer to manual (typically 12-24 months)
Engine Oil Type:
API SG/SF SAE 20W-50 or 15W-40 (confirm in manual)
Coolant:
Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze (50/50 mix with distilled water)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (confirm in manual)
Common Problems:
Rust (especially around wheel arches, sills, and convertible top frame), carburetor tuning (if not FI), aging rubber components (hoses, belts), electrical gremlins
Timing Belt Failure Consequences:
Non-interference engine, but belt failure will stop the engine from running.
Manufacturer:
Fiat Auto S.p.A.
Design Origin:
Pininfarina design, based on Fiat 124 sedan platform.
Production Period:
1966-1982 (Italy), 1983-1985 (Pininfarina SpA in Italy, sold as Pininfarina Spider)
Third Generation Updates:
Introduced 1978, featured updated styling and drivetrain, 1985 model is the final iteration under the Fiat nameplate before rebranding.
Manufacturing Location:
Italy