Market Segment:
Subcompact car, economy segment.
Key Competitors:
Ford Fiesta, Volkswagen Polo, Opel/Vauxhall Corsa, Renault Clio, Peugeot 206.
Vehicle Strengths:
Compact dimensions, fuel efficiency, agile handling, affordable pricing, practical interior for its size.
Target Audience:
Professional technicians and do-it-yourself mechanics with basic electrical and mechanical knowledge.
Diy Suitability:
Adequate data for majority of DIY mechanics, guiding through step-by-step procedures.
Engine Systems:
Engine mechanical (all variants), fuel injection, ignition, cooling, lubrication, emissions control, engine management (ECU diagnosis).
Drivetrain Systems:
Clutch, manual transmission, automatic transmission (if applicable), drive shafts, CV joints, differential.
Chassis Systems:
Suspension (front and rear), steering, brakes (hydraulic, ABS), wheels, tires.
Electrical Systems:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrumentation, infotainment, power windows, central locking, airbags, ECU diagnostics and wiring diagrams.
Body And Interior:
Body panel removal and installation, interior trim, seats, HVAC system, body sealing, exterior trim.
Maintenance Procedures:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, belt inspections and replacement, spark plug replacement.
Repair Procedures:
Component disassembly, inspection, repair, assembly, and reinstallation for all major vehicle systems.
Diagnostic Procedures:
Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) interpretation, specific component testing procedures.
Special Procedures:
Engine timing, brake bleeding, clutch adjustment, airbag system service precautions, ECU programming (if applicable).
Depth Of Coverage:
Comprehensive, covering from basic maintenance to advanced diagnostics and complete component overhauls. Suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIYers.
Engine Code Examples:
176B2.000, 182B2.000, 176A7.000
Engine Displacement Range:
1.1L, 1.2L, 1.4L, 1.6L (8V and 16V variants)
Engine Type:
Inline 4-cylinder, naturally aspirated (petrol), some diesel variants available in certain markets.
Horsepower Range:
Approx. 55 hp (1.1L) to 103 hp (1.6L 16V Sport)
Torque Range:
Approx. 86 Nm (1.1L) to 144 Nm (1.6L 16V Sport)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point fuel injection (MPI)
Ignition Type:
Electronic ignition, distributorless ignition system (DIS) on many variants.
Emission Standard:
Euro 2/3 compliant depending on engine and market.
ECU Manufacturer Examples:
Magneti Marelli, Bosch (ECU types and specific models vary by engine and market).
Euro Ncap Rating Examples:
3.5/4 stars for frontal impact (depending on specific model and equipment in early tests).
Active Safety Options:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) (optional on some trims).
Passive Safety Features:
Driver airbag, passenger airbag (optional/standard depending on trim), seatbelt pretensioners, reinforced safety cell.
Infotainment Features:
Basic radio/cassette player or CD player, optional upgraded sound system, manual climate control or optional air conditioning.
Driver Assistance Systems:
Limited by modern standards; primary assistance features were ABS and optional EBD.
Connectivity Options:
Typically basic; auxiliary input for aftermarket head units might be available.
Oil Change Interval Km:
Typically 15,000 km or 1 year, whichever comes first (check manual for specific engine variant).
Timing Belt Replacement Km:
Often around 100,000 km or 5 years, crucial for engine longevity.
Engine Oil Type:
API SG or SH, ACEA A1/B1 or A2/B2, SAE 10W-40 or 15W-40 (refer to manual for specific engine oil viscosity and specifications).
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol based coolant, typically orange or pink (long-life type, e.g., Paraflu UP).
Transmission Fluid Type Manual:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90.
Common Wear Items:
Suspension components (bushings, ball joints), exhaust system, clutch wear, catalytic converter, minor electrical gremlins, door lock actuators.
Potential Problems:
Rust on sills and wheel arches, heater control flap issues, occasional ABS sensor faults.
Brand History Summary:
Fiat, an Italian manufacturer, has a long history in producing small, affordable, and practical cars for the European market.
Punto Generation Transition:
The 1999 model represents the second generation of the Fiat Punto, succeeding the original Punto (Type 176) launched in 1993. This generation brought updated styling, improved safety, and new engine options.
Production Period:
Second generation (Type 176/176E) produced from 1999 to 2006 (with a facelift in 2003).
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Italy, but also potentially plants in other European countries.
