Positioning:
A practical and affordable family hatchback from Fiat, known for its spacious interior and good value for money.
Competitors:
Ford Escort, Volkswagen Golf, Opel/Vauxhall Astra, Peugeot 309
Design:
Modern, wedge-shaped styling for its era, praised for aerodynamics.
Interior:
Unusually spacious cabin and a large boot for its class.
Engineering:
Shared platform with Lancia Dedra and Alfa Romeo 155 (Type 3 platform).
Model Years:
1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995
Estimated Pages:
Extensive (Exact number not specified, but described as 'complete' and 'packed with all information')
Type:
Workshop Service Repair Manual
Format:
PDF (Digital Download)
Powertrain:
Engine mechanicals, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, cooling system
Drivetrain:
Transmission (manual and automatic where applicable), clutch, driveshafts, differential
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, braking system, wheels and tires
Electrical:
Charging system, starting system, lighting, instruments, dashboard, power accessories, wiring diagrams
Body:
Body structure, exterior panels, doors, windows, interior trim, body hardware
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication, inspections
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures, symptom-based troubleshooting, common problems and solutions
Repair:
Component removal and installation, detailed repair steps for all major systems
Overhaul:
Complete engine rebuild, transmission overhaul, suspension component refurbishment
Specifications:
Torque values, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical specifications
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to complete disassembly and rebuild)
Engine Options:
Various FIRE (Fully Integrated Robotised Engine) and Lampredi-designed engines, including 1.1L, 1.4L, 1.6L, 1.7D, 1.9D, 2.0L (including 16v versions for performance models)
Engine Code Examples:
159A4.000 (1.4L FIRE), 836A3.000 (2.0L 16v)
Horsepower Range:
Approx. 58 hp (1.1L) to 137 hp (2.0L 16v)
Torque Range:
Approx. 90 Nm (1.1L) to 180 Nm (2.0L 16v)
Injection Type:
Carburetor (early models) and Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI) (later models and performance variants)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Petrol (Octane rating as specified in manual, typically 95 RON), Diesel
Emission Control:
Catalytic converter (depending on market and model year)
Type:
5-speed Manual Transmission
Type:
3-speed or 4-speed Automatic Transmission (availability varied by engine and market)
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically operated single dry plate clutch
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 (refer to manual for exact specification and capacity)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Type ATF DEXRON II or equivalent (refer to manual for exact specification and capacity)
Body Styles:
3-door hatchback, 5-door hatchback
Length:
Approx. 4040 mm (159.1 in)
Width:
Approx. 1690 mm (66.5 in)
Height:
Approx. 1440 mm (56.7 in)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2540 mm (99.9 in)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 950 - 1150 kg (depending on engine and equipment)
Gross Vehicle Weight:
Varies by model (refer to vehicle placard or manual)
Crash Test Performance:
Euro NCAP ratings not available for this period, but generally considered safe for its class and time.
Brakes Front:
Ventilated Disc Brakes
Brakes Rear:
Drum Brakes (Disc brakes on some higher-performance models)
ABS:
Optional on some models, standard on performance variants
Airbags:
Driver's airbag available as an option on later models, not standard on early models.
Seatbelts:
Front and rear seatbelts; pretensioners on front seatbelts on later models.
Body Structure:
Reinforced safety cage, crumple zones
Audio System:
Factory fitted radio/cassette player, with optional CD player on higher trims.
Instrument Cluster:
Analog gauges for speedometer, tachometer (on some models), fuel level, coolant temperature; warning lights.
Cruise Control:
Not commonly available, potentially an aftermarket option.
Power Steering:
Available on most models, improving maneuverability.
Connectivity Features:
Basic connectivity, no advanced digital features by modern standards.
Oil Change:
Every 10,000 km or 12 months (whichever comes first, depending on engine and oil type; refer to manual)
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 20,000 km or 24 months (depending on driving conditions; refer to manual)
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000 - 40,000 km (depending on plug type and engine; refer to manual)
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 60,000 - 80,000 km or 5 years (critical for interference engines; refer to manual for specific engine)
Engine Oil Type:
API SG/SH, ACEA A2/A3, viscosity typically 10W-40 or 15W-40 (refer to manual for specific engine requirement and capacity)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based coolant, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water (e.g., Paraflu UP or equivalent)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (refer to manual for exact specification and capacity)
Common Problems:
Rust on wheel arches and sills, occasional electrical gremlins, wear on suspension components, potential for head gasket failure on older/hard-driven engines.
Specific Component Wear:
Clutch slave/master cylinders, exhaust system components, engine mounts.
Fiat Heritage:
Fiat has a long history of producing affordable and practical vehicles for the European market since the early 20th century.
Tipo Development:
Developed as a successor to the Fiat Ritmo/Strada, aiming for a modern design and improved engineering.
Platform Sharing:
The Tipo shared its Type Three platform with the Lancia Dedra and the Alfa Romeo 155, contributing to cost savings and development efficiency.
Production Period:
1988-1995 (Original Tipo generation)
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Italy
Car Of The Year:
Fiat Tipo was not a 'Car of the Year' winner, but its predecessor, the Fiat Uno, won the 'European Car of the Year' award in 1984.
Sales Performance:
Successful in its market segment, contributing significantly to Fiat's sales figures in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
