Market Positioning:
The Fiat Tempra was positioned as a family car offering a balance of comfort, space, and practicality in the compact to mid-size sedan and estate segments. It competed with vehicles from Ford (Escort/Orion, Sierra), Volkswagen (Golf, Passat), Peugeot (309, 405), and Opel/Vauxhall (Kadett, Vectra).
Competitive Advantages:
The Tempra offered a spacious interior for its class, a comfortable ride, and a range of engine options. Its estate (station wagon) variant was particularly popular for its cargo capacity. The manual provides the necessary depth for owners to maintain these strengths.
Manual Key Features:
Comprehensive coverage of all major vehicle systems, detailed step-by-step repair procedures, clear troubleshooting guides, and extensive wiring diagrams.
Engine Service:
Comprehensive diagnosis, repair, overhaul, and tune-up procedures for all engine variants.
Transmission Service:
Detailed repair and overhaul for manual and automatic transmissions, including clutch service, gearbox assembly, and torque converter diagnostics.
Brake System:
Inspection, repair, and replacement of all brake components including discs, pads, calipers, lines, master cylinder, and ABS systems (if equipped).
Electrical System:
Complete wiring diagrams, troubleshooting for electrical faults, component testing, and repair of lighting, ignition, starting, charging, and accessory circuits.
Suspension And Steering:
Repair and adjustment of front and rear suspension components (struts, shocks, springs, control arms, bushings) and steering system (rack and pinion, power steering).
Cooling System:
Maintenance, diagnosis, and repair of radiator, water pump, thermostat, hoses, and cooling fan systems.
Fuel Injection And Fuel System:
Diagnosis and repair of fuel pump, injectors, fuel lines, fuel filter, and engine management systems related to fuel delivery.
Emission Control System:
Service and troubleshooting for emissions control components, including catalytic converter, EGR system, and oxygen sensors.
Chassis And Body:
Information on body panel repair, chassis lubrication, structural components, and door/window mechanisms.
Restraint System:
Information on seat belt mechanisms and SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) components and diagnostics.
Axle And Drivetrain:
Service and repair of front-wheel drive components, including CV joints, driveshafts, and differential.
Maintenance And Tune Up:
Detailed procedures for routine maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, and engine tuning.
Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic procedures for identifying and resolving common vehicle problems.
Engine Repair And Overhaul:
Step-by-step instructions for engine disassembly, assembly, and major component repair (e.g., cylinder head, pistons, crankshaft).
Transmission Repair And Overhaul:
Detailed guides for rebuilding manual and automatic transmissions.
Brake System Repair:
Instructions for replacing brake pads, rotors, calipers, and bleeding brake lines.
Electrical Troubleshooting And Repair:
Guidance on diagnosing and repairing electrical issues using wiring diagrams.
Suspension And Steering Repair:
Procedures for replacing worn suspension components and servicing the steering system.
Body And Chassis Repair:
Instructions for minor bodywork, rust repair, and chassis component replacement.
Lubrication Schedule:
Detailed periodic lubrication requirements for various vehicle components.
Depth Of Information:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls and advanced electrical system diagnostics.
Body Styles:
4-door Sedan and 5-door Station Wagon (Estate).
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2640 mm (103.9 inches)
Length:
Sedan: approx. 4340 mm (170.9 inches); Wagon: approx. 4460 mm (175.6 inches)
Width:
Approx. 1700 mm (66.9 inches)
Height:
Approx. 1430 mm (56.3 inches) for sedan, 1460 mm (57.5 inches) for wagon
Cargo Volume Wagon:
Approximately 510 liters (18 cu ft) with rear seats up, expandable to over 1400 liters (49 cu ft) with seats folded.
Curb Weight:
Ranged from approximately 1050 kg to 1300 kg depending on engine and body style.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 7,500 - 10,000 miles (12,000 - 15,000 km) or annually, depending on driving conditions and oil type used. Refer to manual for specific engine recommendations.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Crucial for interference engines. Recommended replacement every 60,000 - 90,000 miles (100,000 - 150,000 km) or 5-7 years. Manual will specify exact intervals and procedures.
Engine Oil Specifications:
API SG/SH or ACEA A2/A3, viscosity typically SAE 10W-40 or 15W-40. Check manual for specific engine and climate recommendations. Capacity around 4-5 liters.
Coolant Specifications:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze. Typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Specific Fiat recommendations should be followed. Capacity around 6-7 liters.
Brake Fluid Specifications:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 glycol-based brake fluid. Replace every 2 years to maintain performance and prevent moisture absorption.
Transmission Fluid Specifications Manual:
Gear oil, e.g., API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90. Capacity around 2-2.5 liters.
Transmission Fluid Specifications Automatic:
ATF DEXRON II or equivalent. Capacity around 5-6 liters for a drain and refill.
Common Problems:
Rust (especially on wheel arches, sills, and tailgate on wagons), electrical gremlins (especially minor lights and sensors), aging suspension bushings, potential head gasket issues on high-mileage engines, clutch wear.
Timing Belt Failure Consequences:
On interference engines, timing belt failure leads to severe internal engine damage (bent valves, damaged pistons).
Fiat Heritage:
Fiat, an Italian manufacturer, has a long history of producing practical and innovative vehicles for the mass market, often emphasizing value and accessible technology.
Tempra Evolution:
The Tempra was launched as a successor to the Fiat Regata and was part of Fiat's strategic move to modernize its lineup. It was based on the Fiat Tipo platform, sharing many mechanical components. Facelifts occurred during its production run, with minor styling and equipment updates.
Production Period:
1990-1996 (European production). It was also produced in Turkey and Brazil under license.
Manufacturing Locations:
Italy (Cassino plant), Turkey (Tofaş), Brazil.
