🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Fiat

Model:

Tempra

Year:

1988

First Generation Start Year:

1990

Production Period:

1990-1996

Chassis Code:

Tipo-based (internal designation likely different but related to Tipo platform)

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The Fiat Tempra was positioned as a compact family car, designed to offer practicality and value. It competed in a segment with vehicles like the Ford Escort, Volkswagen Golf, and Opel Astra.

Key Competitors:

Ford Escort, Volkswagen Golf Mk3, Opel Astra Mk1, Peugeot 306, Renault 19

Design Philosophy:

Built on the FIAT Type Three platform, shared with the Alfa Romeo 155 and Lancia Dedra. It offered a modern, aerodynamic design for its time, with a focus on interior space and comfort.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

All Service and Repair

Secondary Coverage:

Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Diagnostics, Electrical Diagrams

Estimated Page Count:

Variable (typical service manuals for this era can range from 500 to 1500+ pages depending on engine variants and detail)

Type:

Service Manual / Workshop Manual / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine Service/Repair, Transmission Service/Repair

Chassis:

Brake System, Suspension, Steering, Axle

Electrical:

Wiring Diagram, Electrical System, Engine Control System

Body And Comfort:

Chassis/Body, Restraint System, Cooling System, Fuel Injection/Fuel System, Emission System

Maintenance:

General Maintenance, Periodic Lubrication, Fluid Changes, Filter Replacements

Repair And Rebuild:

Disassembly, Reassembly, Component Repair, Engine Rebuilds, Transmission Overhauls

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting Guides, Fault Finding Procedures, Diagnostic Codes (if applicable to era)

Depth:

Comprehensive; covers from basic maintenance to in-depth mechanical and electrical repairs. Suitable for DIY enthusiasts and professional technicians.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF

Software Requirements:

Adobe PDF Reader, WinZip (or equivalent decompression utility)

Quality:

Digital (High-resolution scans of original manuals, ensuring clarity of diagrams and text)

Binding:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Operating Systems:

All versions of Windows & Mac

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Family:

Fiat 'FIRE' (Fully Integrated Robotized Engine) and 'Tipo' series engines

Displacement Range:

1.4L to 2.0L (typical for the model range)

Power Output Range:

Approximately 70-115 hp (depending on engine variant)

Torque Output Range:

Approximately 110-170 Nm (depending on engine variant)

Injection Type:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI) or Single-point Fuel Injection (SPI) for base models, potentially carbureted on very early or specific market variants.

Ems Type:

Engine Control Module (ECM) with sensor inputs for fuel, ignition, and emissions control.

🔧 Transmission

Type:

5-speed Manual Transmission

Type:

4-speed Automatic Transmission (likely sourced from ZF or Aisin for some variants)

Clutch Type:

Hydraulic clutch actuation

📐 Dimensions

Body Styles:

4-door Sedan and 5-door Estate (Station Wagon)

Length:

Sedan: ~4310 mm, Estate: ~4370 mm (approximate, variations exist)

Width:

~1700 mm (approximate)

Height:

~1430 mm (Sedan), ~1470 mm (Estate) (approximate)

Curb Weight Range:

1100-1250 kg (depending on engine and body style)

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Results:

Euro NCAP testing was not prevalent in its initial launch year (1988 for some markets). Later models may have undergone testing, but specific 1988 Tempra data is scarce. Likely designed to meet contemporary European safety standards of the late 1980s.

Braking System:

Front ventilated discs, rear solid discs (standard on most models). ABS was an optional feature on higher trims.

Seat Belts:

Three-point seatbelts in the front, likely two or three-point belts in the rear depending on seat position. Pretensioners may have been optional.

Airbags:

Driver airbag was a rare option in 1988 for this segment and likely not standard on the Tempra.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory-fitted radio cassette player, often with basic AM/FM reception. Speaker configuration typically 2 or 4 speakers.

Dashboard:

Analogue gauges for speedometer, tachometer (on some models), fuel level, and engine temperature. Warning lights for various systems.

Cruise Control:

Optional on higher trim levels or later production models.

Features:

Limited by era; primarily focused on basic automotive functions. No integrated smartphone connectivity or advanced telematics.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

Typically every 7,500 to 10,000 miles or annually (refer to manual for specific engine oil type and interval).

Timing Belt:

Crucial for interference engines. Interval typically 60,000 to 80,000 miles or 4-5 years. Replacement is critical to prevent catastrophic engine damage.

Engine Oil:

API SF/SG rated oil, viscosity typically 10W-40 or 15W-40 (check manual for exact specification based on temperature).

Coolant:

Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Specific Fiat coolant types may be recommended.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4, depending on original specification.

Transmission Fluid Manual:

API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 gear oil.

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

Dexron III or equivalent ATF fluid (check manual for precise type).

Common Problems:

Rust and corrosion on body panels and undercarriage, particularly in areas with salt usage. Electrical gremlins can occur with age, affecting sensors, lights, and central locking. Suspension wear is common. Timing belt failures on interference engines can be catastrophic if not replaced proactively.

📚 Vehicle History

Manufacturer:

Fiat is an Italian multinational automotive manufacturer founded in 1899, known for a wide range of passenger cars, commercial vehicles, and industrial equipment.

Development Basis:

The Tempra was developed as the sedan and estate version of the Fiat Tipo hatchback, designed to provide a more conventional body style to broaden Fiat's appeal in the family car market.

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily manufactured in Italy, with potential for assembly in other Fiat production facilities globally.

Production Years:

1990-1996

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Euro Car Of The Year:

The Fiat Tipo (from which the Tempra is derived) won the 'European Car of the Year' award in 1989. While not directly for the Tempra, it indicates the platform's quality and innovation for its time.

Consumer Reports:

Specific ratings for the 1988 Tempra are unlikely, as it was only introduced in 1990 in many markets. Early reviews often cited its spacious interior and comfortable ride, but also noted potential reliability issues common in Italian cars of the era.