🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Fiat

Model:

Tempra

Year:

1996

Generation Code:

Type 159

Platform Code:

Tipo 2 Platform

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

The Fiat Tempra was positioned as a family car in the compact-to-midsize segment, competing with vehicles like the Ford Escort, Volkswagen Golf, and Opel Astra. This manual targets owners and independent repair shops seeking to maintain and repair this specific model.

Competitive Analysis:

The Tempra offered a practical and spacious interior, with a focus on comfort and versatility. Its strong points included a wide range of engine options and good value for money. This manual directly addresses the need for detailed technical information to keep these cars in optimal running condition, a factor crucial for the used car market.

Key Features:

Comprehensive coverage of all mechanical and electrical systems, detailed diagnostic procedures, clear step-by-step instructions, high-quality illustrations, wiring diagrams, troubleshooting guides, and maintenance schedules. Designed for both professionals and DIY mechanics.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas:

Full Service Repair, Maintenance, Diagnostics, Troubleshooting, Electrical Systems, Wiring Diagrams, Refurbishment, Restoration

Page Count:

Detailed (Specific number not provided in product info, but described as comprehensive)

Manual Type:

Full Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered:

Engine mechanicals, fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, lubrication system, exhaust system, transmission (manual/automatic), drivetrain, suspension (front/rear), steering, brakes (front/rear), electrical system (ECU, sensors, actuators, lighting, power accessories), HVAC system, body and chassis, interior components, body control modules.

Procedures Included:

Routine maintenance (oil changes, fluid checks, filter replacements), component removal and installation, engine rebuilding, transmission repair, brake system overhaul, suspension component replacement, steering system servicing, electrical diagnostics, wiring harness repair, troubleshooting common faults, performance tuning (basic adjustments), bodywork repair guidance.

Technical Depth:

Comprehensive, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts. Includes detailed diagnostic procedures, specifications, torque values, and step-by-step repair instructions with accompanying illustrations.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF (Adobe Acrobat compatible)

Print Quality:

Full Printable, high-resolution images and text

Binding Type:

Digital Download (No physical binding)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Primary Engine:

1.6L (1581 cc) 8-valve SOHC FIRE engine (likely, as common for the Tempra in this year range). Other possibilities include 1.4L, 1.8L, 2.0L and diesel variants. Specific engine variants would be detailed within the manual.

Typical Horsepower Range:

Varies by engine; typically 75-115 hp for petrol variants.

Fuel System:

Multi-point fuel injection (MPI) or potentially carburetor on older/base models. Specific system details (e.g., Bosch, Weber) would be covered.

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

5-speed manual transmission (Type C510 or similar).

Optional Transmission:

4-speed automatic transmission (e.g., ZF 3HP22 or similar variants depending on market and engine).

Transmission Features:

Clutch type (single dry plate), gearbox oil specifications, differential type (open), and overhaul procedures for both manual and automatic transmissions.

📐 Dimensions

Exterior Dimensions:

Detailed dimensions (length, width, height, wheelbase) would be provided in the manual, specific to saloon and estate body styles. Approximately 4.23m (saloon) to 4.46m (estate) in length.

Interior Dimensions:

Information on cabin space, seating capacity (5 passengers), and ergonomics.

Cargo Capacity:

Significant cargo space, particularly for the estate version (SW). Detailed volume figures would be in the manual.

Curb Weight:

Approx. 1100-1300 kg, depending on engine and body style. Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) would also be specified.

🛡️ Safety Features

Safety Ratings:

Euro NCAP ratings were not typically available or as comprehensive for vehicles of this era. The manual would detail passive safety features present, such as seatbelt pre-tensioners (if equipped) and crumple zones.

Active Safety Features:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) often available as an option or standard on higher trims. Power assisted steering.

Passive Safety Features:

Front airbags (driver and passenger, often optional), three-point seatbelts with pre-tensioners (driver's side often standard), reinforced passenger cell, side impact protection beams.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Basic. Typically a car radio with cassette player or CD player (optional). Simple analog gauges for speed, RPM, fuel, and temperature. Manual would cover radio removal/installation and speaker upgrades.

Driver Assistance Features:

Limited by era. ABS (optional/standard), power steering. No advanced electronic driver aids like traction control or stability control were common.

Connectivity Features:

N/A in modern sense. Provisions for phone antennae on some models. Manual would cover wiring for optional accessories.

🔧 Maintenance

Typical Service Intervals:

Oil change: every 10,000-15,000 km or 12 months. Air filter: every 20,000-40,000 km. Spark plugs: every 40,000-60,000 km. Timing belt: critical, typically 60,000-80,000 km or 5 years (depending on engine variant and belt type). Brake fluid: every 2 years. Coolant: every 2-4 years.

Engine Oil Specifications:

API SG/SH or ACEA A2/A3. Viscosity grades typically 10W-40, 15W-40, or 5W-40 depending on climate. Manual would specify exact grades.

Common Issues:

Rusting (especially wheel arches, sills, rear panel), aging electrical connectors and wiring, cooling system component failures (radiator, hoses), fuel pump issues, exhaust system deterioration, interior trim wear. The manual would provide detailed diagnostics for these and more.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Fiat has a long history of producing practical and affordable family cars, often characterized by innovative engineering and accessible pricing. The Tempra continued this legacy, building on the success of its predecessors like the Fiat Ritmo and Fiat Tipo.

Model Evolution:

Launched in 1990, the Tempra was based on the Fiat Tipo platform, sharing many mechanical components. It was available as a four-door saloon and a five-door station wagon (Tempra SW). A minor facelift occurred around 1993, with subtle styling and equipment revisions. The 1996 model represents a later iteration of this generation.

Production Period:

1990-1997. Production spanned across various Fiat plants globally, including Italy and Turkey.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions:

The Fiat Tipo platform, on which the Tempra is based, won the 'European Car of the Year' award in 1989. This highlights the platform's underlying engineering quality.

Consumer Ratings:

Varied widely by market and specific model year/engine. Generally considered a practical and affordable car, though build quality perceptions could be mixed compared to some German competitors.

Certifications:

Compliant with relevant European safety and emissions standards for the year of manufacture.