🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Fiat

Model:

Marea

Year:

1998

Platform:

Fiat Tipo/Croma platform

Body Style Codes:

185 (Marea Hatchback), 185L (Marea Weekend/Station Wagon)

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

A mid-size family car positioned between the Bravo/Brava hatchback and the larger Alfa Romeo 164. It offered practicality and a spacious interior, particularly the Marea Weekend wagon.

Competitors:

Ford Mondeo, Opel Vectra/Vauxhall Cavalier, Volkswagen Passat, Peugeot 406, Renault Laguna, Citroën Xantia.

Features:

Offered in both hatchback and estate (Weekend) body styles, available with a range of petrol and diesel engines, known for comfortable ride and spaciousness.

Body Styles:

Offered as a 5-door hatchback and a 5-door estate (Marea Weekend), providing versatility for different user needs.

📋 Manual Details

Countries Of Sale:

Primarily Europe, South America

Trim Levels:

All Marea and Marea Weekend trim levels

Estimated Pages:

Likely exceeds 1000 pages (typical for comprehensive factory manuals)

Type:

Factory Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Digital Format:

PDF

Features:

Searchable PDF, enabling quick access to specific information. Zoomable illustrations and diagrams.

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine, Fuel System, Emission Control, Cooling, Lubrication, Ignition, Starting, Charging, Transmission (Manual and Automatic), Clutch, Drivetrain (Propeller Shaft, Driveshaft, Differential, Axles)

Chassis:

Suspension (Front and Rear), Steering (Column, Power Steering), Wheels, Tires, Brakes (Control, Service, Parking Brake)

Electrical:

General Electrical, Lighting, Instruments and Displays, Meter/Audio/Visual, Horn, Wiper and Washer, Door Locks, Power Windows, Air Conditioning, Supplementary Restraint System (SRS), Seat Belts, Engine Immobilizer, Cruise Control, Multiplex/CAN Communication

Body:

Body Exterior, Body Interior, Engine Hood, Doors, Glass, Mirrors, Instrument Panel, Seats

Security:

Engine immobilizer system, central locking, alarm system (if fitted).

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, inspections

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, error code interpretation

Repair:

Step-by-step repair instructions for all covered systems, component removal and installation

Specifications:

Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical parameters, performance data

Air Conditioning Service:

Refrigerant handling, system charging, component replacement (compressor, condenser, evaporator).

Supplementary Restraint System:

Airbag system diagnostics, component replacement (airbag modules, sensors, control unit), pre-tensioner servicing.

Engine Management Diagnostics:

ECU fault code reading, sensor testing (MAP, MAF, Lambda, Crankshaft Position), actuator testing (injectors, ignition coils).

Brake System Overhaul:

Disc and drum brake servicing, caliper and wheel cylinder rebuilding, brake line replacement, ABS system troubleshooting.

Suspension And Steering Repair:

Replacement of shock absorbers, springs, control arms, ball joints, tie rod ends, power steering pump and rack.

Interior Trim Removal:

Detailed instructions for removing door panels, dashboard components, seats, and headliner for access to wiring and components.

Wiring Schematics:

Complete, high-detail wiring diagrams for all electrical systems, essential for troubleshooting electrical faults.

Depth:

Comprehensive: from basic maintenance to complex engine and transmission overhauls, full electrical system diagnostics and repair.

Engine Rebuild:

Includes specifications and procedures for engine internal component replacement, cylinder head overhaul, and full engine assembly.

📊 Manual Specifications

Compatibility:

Windows Vista (32/64-bit), XP, ME, 98, NT, 2000, macOS; requires Adobe PDF Reader

Printability:

All pages are printable, with ability to enlarge images for detailed viewing

Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF format)

Paper:

N/A (Digital PDF format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Options:

Likely includes 1.4, 1.6, 1.8, 2.0L petrol engines (e.g., Fire, Lampredi, Twin Spark variants) and 1.9L JTD/TD diesel engines. Specific engine codes (e.g., 182A4.000 for 1.4L, 182A1.000 for 1.6L, 182A2.000 for 1.8L, 175A1.000 for 1.9 TD, 192A1.000 for 1.9 JTD) are detailed in the manual.

Power Output Range:

Petrol engines typically ranged from 75 PS (1.4) to 155 PS (2.0 20v). Diesel engines ranged from 75 PS (1.9 TD) to 110 PS (1.9 JTD).

Fuel Injection:

Electronic Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI) for most petrol engines, Common Rail Direct Injection (CRDI) for JTD diesel variants, Indirect Injection for earlier TD diesels.

Engine Variations:

Detailed coverage of engines such as the 1.4 FIRE (1372cc), 1.6 16v (1581cc), 1.8 16v (1747cc), 2.0 16v (1995cc), 2.0 20v (1998cc), and 1.9 TD/JTD (1910cc) diesel variants.

🔧 Transmission

Manual Transmission:

Likely 5-speed manual transmissions, with specific model variants (e.g., C510, C513) detailed in the manual.

Automatic Transmission:

Optional 4-speed automatic transmission available on some engine variants, typically a Jatco unit.

Clutch:

Hydraulically actuated clutch system.

📐 Dimensions

Length Hatchback:

Approx. 4410 mm

Length Weekend:

Approx. 4485 mm

Width:

Approx. 1740 mm

Height:

Approx. 1470 mm (Hatchback), 1495 mm (Weekend)

Boot Capacity Hatchback:

Approx. 430 liters

Boot Capacity Weekend:

Approx. 520 liters (expandable to over 1600 liters with rear seats folded)

Curb Weight Range:

Approx. 1200 kg - 1450 kg depending on engine and configuration.

🛡️ Safety Features

Euro Ncap Score:

Euro NCAP tests for the Marea platform indicated moderate safety, with 2.5 stars for adult occupant protection in early tests.

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on higher trim levels.

Traction Control:

Traction Control System (ASR) was an optional feature on some models.

Airbags:

Driver and passenger front airbags standard on most models, side airbags optional on some.

Seatbelts:

Pre-tensioned seatbelts with load limiters.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory fitted radio/cassette player or CD player, with basic speaker systems. Manual covers wiring and component replacement.

Cruise Control:

Optional cruise control system, with diagnostic and repair procedures detailed.

Multiplex Communication:

Early implementation of multiplex wiring systems for various functions, requiring specialized diagnostic tools for troubleshooting, which the manual should cover.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 15,000 km or 1 year, whichever comes first, using synthetic or semi-synthetic oil as specified.

Timing Belt Replacement:

Crucial: 60,000 km or 5 years for most petrol engines, 80,000 km for JTD diesel engines. Failure to replace can cause severe engine damage.

Engine Oil Type:

API SG/SH or ACEA A2/A3, viscosity grades like 10W-40 or 5W-40 depending on climate (refer to manual for exact specs per engine).

Coolant Type:

Paraflu Up (or equivalent silicate-free OAT coolant), a 50/50 mix with distilled water.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4

Transmission Fluid Manual:

API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 (e.g., Tutela Technosynthese ZC 75W-80).

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

ATF Dexron II/III equivalent (e.g., Tutela ATF 3).

Power Steering Fluid:

Specific hydraulic fluid (e.g., Tutela PSF), refer to manual for exact type.

Common Failures:

Suspension wear (bushings, ball joints), electrical gremlins (especially with aging wiring and multiplex systems), exhaust system corrosion, radiator leaks, turbocharger issues on diesel models, clutch wear. Timing belt failure is critical.

Interior Wear:

Dashboard plastic quality can degrade over time; seat fabric can wear.

📚 Vehicle History

Fiat Passenger Cars:

Fiat has a long history in producing family cars, known for their innovative design and practicality, with the Marea building on the legacy of models like the Fiat Regata and Croma.

Marea Launch:

Launched in 1995 as a successor to the Fiat Croma and Fiat Tempra, it was part of Fiat's strategy to revitalize its model range in the mid-size segment. It shared its platform with the Fiat Bravo/Brava and the Alfa Romeo 155.

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily manufactured in Italy (e.g., Rivalta, Mirafiori plants) and later in other Fiat facilities globally, including Brazil.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Industry Awards:

While not a major award winner, the Marea was a strong contender in its segment for practicality and value, especially the Marea Weekend for its load-carrying capabilities.