🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Fiat

Model:

Coupé

Year:

1996

Market:

Global (with regional variations)

Chassis Code:

Type 175

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

The Fiat Coupé (Type 175) was positioned as a sporty, front-wheel-drive coupe offering distinctive styling and strong performance, particularly with its turbo engines, aimed at enthusiasts seeking an alternative to more mainstream coupes.

Competitive Analysis:

Competed against vehicles like the Ford Puma, Hyundai Coupe (Tiburon), Toyota Celica, and some variants of the Mitsubishi Eclipse and Nissan 240SX in its segment. Its aggressive styling and potent turbo engines set it apart.

Key Features:

Unique Pininfarina-designed 'folded paper' exterior styling, powerful turbocharged engines (especially the 20-valve variants), sophisticated multi-link rear suspension, driver-focused interior.

Performance Focus:

The manual caters to owners and technicians focused on maintaining and repairing the performance aspects of the Fiat Coupé, especially the turbocharged variants.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas:

All mechanical and electrical systems, bodywork, interior, specifications, troubleshooting, and diagnostics for the 1996 Fiat Coupé.

Page Count:

Estimated 800+ pages (comprehensive factory manual)

Manual Type:

Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (ZIP archive containing PDF documents)

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered:

Engine (16v Turbo, 20v Turbo, naturally aspirated), Transmission (5-speed manual, optional 6-speed manual), Drivetrain, Suspension (front MacPherson, rear multilink), Braking System (ABS, vented discs front, solid discs rear), Steering System (power assisted rack and pinion), Fuel System (injection), Ignition System, Cooling System, Lubrication System, Exhaust System, Electrical System (ECU, sensors, actuators, wiring diagrams), Climate Control, Body & Chassis, Interior Trim, Body Panels, Safety Systems (Airbags, Seatbelts), Diagnostic Procedures.

Electrical Diagrams Coverage:

Comprehensive wiring diagrams for all major electrical circuits, including engine management, lighting, instrumentation, power windows, central locking, and comfort systems.

Bodywork And Chassis:

Detailed information on body panel removal/installation, chassis structure, collision repair guidelines, door mechanisms, glass replacement, and rust prevention measures.

Procedures Included:

Routine maintenance (oil changes, filter replacements, tune-ups), scheduled maintenance, troubleshooting guides, diagnostic procedures for all systems, component removal and installation, major component overhauls (engine rebuild, transmission rebuild), brake system service, suspension component replacement, electrical system repairs, body panel alignment and repair, air conditioning service, emissions system service, torque specifications for all fasteners.

Diagnostic Procedures Coverage:

Detailed diagnostic flowcharts and step-by-step troubleshooting for common issues related to engine performance, electrical faults, braking, and suspension.

Engine Rebuild Procedures:

Detailed steps for engine disassembly, inspection of internal components (pistons, rings, bearings, valves), cylinder head work, and reassembly with specified torque values and clearances.

Technical Depth:

In-depth technical information, including detailed exploded views, step-by-step repair instructions, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), electrical schematics, component testing procedures, specifications, tolerances, and alignment data. Suitable for professional technicians and experienced DIY mechanics.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF (Portable Document Format) - often multiple PDFs within the archive for different sections.

Searchable Text:

Likely searchable if the PDFs are OCR'd, but original scans may not be. Manual quality depends on the source of the digital file.

Print Quality:

High-resolution scans/digital originals, suitable for printing individual pages or the entire manual.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital format)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Primary Engine:

16V Turbo (1747cc, 4-cylinder, DOHC)

Naturally Aspirated Engine:

2.0L 16V (1995cc, 4-cylinder, DOHC)

16V Turbo Hp:

190 PS (187 bhp; 139 kW) at 5750 rpm

16V Turbo Torque:

280 Nm (207 lb-ft) at 3500 rpm

20V Turbo Engine:

20V Turbo (1998cc, 5-cylinder, DOHC, 20 valves)

20V Turbo Hp:

220 PS (217 bhp; 162 kW) at 6250 rpm

20V Turbo Torque:

310 Nm (229 lb-ft) at 2750 rpm

20V Plus Turbo Engine:

20V Plus Turbo (1998cc, 5-cylinder, DOHC, 20 valves)

20V Plus Turbo Hp:

245 PS (241 bhp; 180 kW) at 6250 rpm (Later models, often referred to as 'Plus')

20V Plus Turbo Torque:

340 Nm (251 lb-ft) at 2750 rpm (Later models, often referred to as 'Plus')

Na 20 Hp:

139 PS (137 bhp; 102 kW) at 6000 rpm

Na 20 Torque:

180 Nm (133 lb-ft) at 4500 rpm

Fuel System:

Electronic Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI), Turbocharged with Intercooler.

Turbocharger Details:

Garrett T25 or similar turbocharger used on 16V Turbo; larger KKK or Garrett on 20V Turbo. Intercooler system management.

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

5-speed Manual

Optional Transmission:

6-speed Manual (on some later 20V Turbo models)

Transmission Features:

Front-wheel drive (FWD) with a limited-slip differential (LSD) often equipped on higher performance variants.

Clutch Type:

Hydraulically operated single dry plate clutch. Manual specifies replacement intervals and procedures.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

4,250 mm (167.3 in)

Width:

1,760 mm (69.3 in)

Height:

1,370 mm (53.9 in)

Wheelbase:

2,600 mm (102.4 in)

Front Overhang:

Approx. 870 mm

Rear Overhang:

Approx. 780 mm

Trunk Volume:

Approx. 295 liters (10.4 cu ft)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 1,300 - 1,450 kg (2,866 - 3,197 lb) depending on engine and specification

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approx. 1,800-1,950 kg (4,000-4,300 lb) depending on configuration.

🛡️ Safety Features

Safety Ratings:

No specific official NCAP ratings available for the 1996 model year as per modern standards. However, features like airbags and ABS were available.

Active Features:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Traction Control (on some models).

Brake System Details:

Front: Ventilated discs (e.g., 284mm on Turbo models). Rear: Solid discs (e.g., 240mm). ABS system components (sensors, pump, modulator) described.

Passive Features:

Driver and Passenger Airbags, Crumple Zones, Reinforced Safety Cell, Three-Point Seatbelts.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment Features:

Basic factory radio/cassette player, often with CD changer preparation. Manual climate control systems. Analog gauges with trip computer on some models.

Gauge Cluster Functions:

Includes speedometer, tachometer, fuel level, coolant temperature, oil pressure (on some models), boost gauge (on turbo models), and warning lights for various systems.

Driver Assistance Features:

ABS, power steering. Limited electronic driver aids compared to modern vehicles.

Connectivity Features:

No factory Bluetooth or USB connectivity. Auxiliary input may be available on later head units.

🔧 Maintenance

Service Intervals:

Oil change: Every 10,000-15,000 km (6,000-9,000 miles) or annually. Timing belt: Critical, typically every 60,000-80,000 km (37,000-50,000 miles) or 5 years. Spark plugs: Varies by engine, typically 40,000-60,000 km. Coolant flush: Every 2-3 years. Brake fluid: Every 2 years. Transmission fluid: Every 60,000-100,000 km.

Spark Plug Type:

Champion REA5MC or NGK BPR6ES-11, depending on engine. Gap typically 0.8-1.1mm.

Engine Oil:

API SG/SH, ACEA A2/A3. Viscosity typically 10W-40 or 5W-40, consult manual for specific turbo variants. Capacity: Approx. 4.5-5.0 liters (with filter).

Coolant:

Ethylene glycol based antifreeze. Capacity: Approx. 7.5-8.5 liters.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 4.

Transmission Fluid Manual:

API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90. Capacity: Approx. 2.0-2.5 liters.

Known Issues:

Turbocharger reliability can vary; intercooler pipe leaks are common. Timing belt tensioner and water pump failure can be catastrophic if not maintained. Rear suspension bushing wear can affect handling. Electrical gremlins can occur with age, particularly related to sensors and wiring looms. Rust can be an issue on sills, wheel arches, and around windows if not protected.

Common Maintenance Tasks:

Regular inspection and replacement of engine mounts, exhaust system components, and suspension arms due to wear and tear.

Oil Filter Example:

Mann Filter W712/34, Mahle OC256, Purflux LS346 (verify specific to engine variant).

Air Filter Example:

Mann Filter C33131, Mahle LX148 (verify specific to engine variant).

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Fiat, an Italian automotive manufacturer, has a long history dating back to 1899, known for innovation in engineering and design across a wide range of vehicles.

Model Evolution:

The Fiat Coupé was designed by Pininfarina and debuted at the 1993 Brussels Motor Show. It was based on the Fiat Tipo platform. The 1996 model year saw the introduction of the more powerful 20-valve turbo engine, significantly enhancing its performance credentials. Subsequent updates included the 20V Plus model with increased power.

Production Years:

1993-2000

Manufacturing Location:

Turin, Italy (assembly by Pininfarina)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions:

While not a recipient of major automotive awards in the traditional sense, the Fiat Coupé gained a cult following among enthusiasts for its aggressive styling and performance, particularly the turbo models. It was often praised for its value proposition in the performance coupe market.