🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Fiat

Model:

Tempra

Years Covered:

1988-1996

Platform Code:

Type 159

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The Fiat Tempra was positioned as a compact family car, competing in a segment that included models like the Volkswagen Golf, Ford Escort, and Opel/Vauxhall Astra. It offered a practical and comfortable alternative within the European market.

Competitors:

Key competitors included the Ford Escort, Volkswagen Golf Mk3, Opel/Vauxhall Astra Mk3, Renault 19, Peugeot 306, and Citroën ZX. The Tempra aimed to differentiate through its interior space and practicality, particularly the estate variant.

Design Philosophy:

Designed by Italdesign Giugiaro, the Tempra featured a clean, aerodynamic, and modern design for its time. It was available as a four-door sedan and a five-door station wagon (Tempra SW), emphasizing practicality and comfort.

Unique Selling Points:

Notable features included its spacious interior, particularly the estate version, a robust chassis, and a range of efficient petrol and diesel engines. Some later models incorporated advanced features for the era, such as ABS and airbags.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Full Service Repair

Estimated Pages:

Varies by specific edition, but comprehensive manuals typically range from 500 to 1500+ pages for this era and complexity.

Type:

Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Digital Format:

PDF

Delivery Method:

Instant Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine teardown, rebuild, component specifications, timing belt replacement, cylinder head service, piston and connecting rod assembly, crankshaft and bearing service.

Engine Fuel System:

Fuel injection systems (Bosch Motronic, Weber Marelli), fuel pump, injectors, throttle body, fuel pressure regulator, emissions control systems (catalytic converter, EGR).

Engine Ignition System:

Spark plugs, ignition coils, distributor (if applicable), ECU control, timing adjustments.

Cooling System:

Radiator, coolant hoses, thermostat, water pump, fan clutch/electric fan, coolant types and capacities.

Lubrication System:

Oil pump, oil filter, oil pan, oil viscosity specifications, oil change intervals.

Transmission Manual:

Clutch operation, gearbox removal and installation, gear selection mechanism, internal components, fluid specifications.

Transmission Automatic:

Automatic transmission removal and installation, internal components, hydraulic control, torque converter, fluid types and service procedures.

Drivetrain:

Front-wheel drive system, CV joints, drive axles, differential (integrated with transmission).

Suspension Front:

MacPherson strut system, control arms, ball joints, anti-roll bar, spring and shock absorber replacement, alignment specifications.

Suspension Rear:

Torsion beam axle or independent rear suspension (depending on variant), shock absorbers, trailing arms, alignment specifications.

Steering System:

Power steering system (if equipped), steering rack, tie rod ends, steering column, fluid specifications.

Brake System:

Front disc brakes, rear drum or disc brakes (depending on trim), brake fluid type and bleeding procedures, master cylinder, brake lines, parking brake.

Electrical System Charging:

Alternator, battery specifications, starter motor, charging system diagnostics.

Electrical System Lighting:

Headlights, taillights, interior lighting, bulb types, wiring diagrams.

Electrical System Accessories:

Power windows, power locks, central locking, wipers, horn, radio, climate control system components.

Body And Trim:

Exterior body panels, doors, hood, trunk lid, bumpers, interior trim components, seat removal.

Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning HVAC:

Heater core, blower motor, A/C system components (compressor, condenser, evaporator), refrigerant types, service procedures.

Routine Maintenance:

Oil and filter changes, air filter replacement, spark plug replacement, fluid level checks and top-offs, brake inspection.

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting guides for common symptoms, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) interpretation (OBD-I typically), component testing procedures.

Repair Procedures:

Step-by-step instructions for engine component replacement, transmission service, suspension and brake repairs, electrical system fixes.

Rebuilding Procedures:

Detailed instructions for engine and transmission rebuilds, including torque specifications and assembly sequences.

Restoration:

Guidance on bodywork, paint preparation, interior refurbishment, and mechanical overhaul for restoring a vehicle.

Electrical Troubleshooting:

Detailed wiring diagrams, component location charts, diagnostic flowcharts for electrical issues.

Technical Specifications:

Torque values, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical system resistance values, engine timing data.

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering basic maintenance to advanced engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed electrical diagnostics.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Printability:

Full Printable - All pages can be printed individually or as a complete document.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Download) - Can be printed and bound by the user.

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Download) - User can choose paper type upon printing.

Reader Software:

Adobe Acrobat Reader or compatible PDF viewer.

Archive Software:

WinRAR or compatible archive utility for initial extraction.

Operating Systems:

Compatible with all versions of Windows and macOS.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Options:

The Fiat Tempra was offered with a variety of petrol and diesel engines throughout its production run. Common petrol engines included 1.4L, 1.6L, 1.8L, and 2.0L inline-four engines (e.g., FIRE, Lampredi series). Diesel options typically included 1.7L and 1.9L naturally aspirated and turbocharged diesel engines.

Power Range:

Horsepower typically ranged from approximately 70 hp for base models to over 100 hp for the more powerful 2.0L variants and turbocharged diesels. Specific output varied by engine code and year.

Injection Type:

Primarily fuel injection systems, including Bosch Motronic and Weber Marelli electronic fuel injection (EFI) depending on the engine and model year. Carbureted versions were less common in later years or specific markets.

Common Codes:

Examples include the Fiat 159 series engines (e.g., 159A.000 1.6L), 175 series (e.g., 175A1.000 1.8L DOHC), and various diesel engine codes like the 160A.000 (1.7D).

🔧 Transmission

Manual Transmission:

A 5-speed manual transmission was standard on most Tempra models.

Automatic Transmission:

A 4-speed automatic transmission was available as an option on select engine variants, particularly those with larger displacement engines like the 1.8L and 2.0L.

Clutch Type:

Typically a dry, single-plate clutch with hydraulic actuation.

📐 Dimensions

Length Sedan:

Approximately 4,170 mm (164.2 in)

Length Sw:

Approximately 4,175 mm (164.4 in)

Width:

Approximately 1,700 mm (66.9 in)

Height:

Approximately 1,420 mm (55.9 in)

Wheelbase:

Approximately 2,540 mm (99.0 in)

Trunk Volume Sedan:

Approximately 440 liters (15.5 cu ft)

Trunk Volume Sw:

Significantly larger than the sedan, with rear seats folded down typically exceeding 1,300 liters (45.9 cu ft).

Curb Weight:

Curb weight varied by engine and body style, generally ranging from 1,050 kg to 1,250 kg (2,315 lbs to 2,756 lbs).

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Results:

Euro NCAP was not established during the early years of the Tempra. Later models might have had tests conducted by national automotive organizations, but comprehensive official ratings are not widely documented for this generation.

Braking Safety:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was available as an option on higher trims and later models.

Airbags:

Driver-side airbag became available on later models, with passenger airbags being rarer or optional in specific markets.

Seatbelts:

Front and rear seatbelts, with pre-tensioners available on some later models.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory fitted radios were typically AM/FM with cassette players. Speaker configurations varied by trim level. Options for CD players were rare during the initial production years.

ABS:

Available as an option on higher-spec models, becoming more common in the later years of production.

Airbags:

Driver's airbag became an option during the facelift and became more widespread in the latter half of the 1990s. Passenger airbags were very uncommon.

Early Systems:

Connectivity was basic, primarily limited to optional central locking systems and power accessories. No integrated Bluetooth or advanced communication systems were available.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

Typically every 10,000-15,000 km (6,000-9,000 miles) or annually, whichever comes first, depending on driving conditions and oil specification.

Timing Belt:

Crucial maintenance item. Replacement interval is typically around 80,000-120,000 km (50,000-75,000 miles) or every 5-7 years. Failure can cause severe engine damage.

Spark Plugs:

Intervals vary by spark plug type (copper, platinum, iridium), generally ranging from 30,000 km to 100,000 km.

Engine Oil:

Commonly API SG or higher, with viscosity grades like 10W-40 or 15W-40, depending on ambient temperature. Consult manual for specific engine requirements.

Coolant:

Ethylene glycol-based coolant, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Specific type and color may vary; refer to manual for Fiat-approved coolant.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid, depending on the system's requirements. Change every 2-3 years to prevent moisture absorption.

Transmission Fluid Manual:

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

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

ATF Dexron II or equivalent, depending on the specific automatic transmission fitted. Consult manual for exact type and capacity.

Common Problems:

Electrical gremlins (especially intermittent issues), corrosion on body panels and subframes (particularly in humid climates), aging suspension components (bushings, ball joints), timing belt failure if not replaced on schedule, thermostat housing leaks.

📚 Vehicle History

Fiat Legacy:

Fiat has a long history of producing popular compact and family cars in Europe, dating back to models like the Fiat 600, Fiat 500, and Fiat 128. The Tempra built upon this heritage.

Platform Development:

The Tempra was based on the Fiat Type Two platform, which also underpinned other Fiat Group vehicles like the Alfa Romeo 155 and Lancia Dedra. It succeeded the Fiat Regata.

Production Years:

1990-1996

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily manufactured in Italy, but also produced in other Fiat facilities globally, including Turkey and Brazil (as the Fiat Tempra).

Market Reception:

The Tempra enjoyed moderate sales success in Europe, particularly due to its practicality and competitive pricing. It was seen as a solid, if not particularly exciting, offering in its class.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Industry Acclaim:

While not a recipient of major 'Car of the Year' awards in its segment, the Fiat Tempra was recognized for its practicality and value proposition in the compact car market of its era.