🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Fiat

Model:

Tipo

Year:

1991

Chassis Codes:

Tipo 149

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The Fiat Tipo was a popular compact family car in Europe, known for its practical design and good value. This manual targets owners and independent workshops seeking to maintain and repair this vehicle efficiently.

Competitors:

Competed with vehicles like the Volkswagen Golf, Ford Escort, Opel/Vauxhall Astra, and Peugeot 309 in its segment.

Manual Benefits:

Empowers owners to perform DIY repairs, saving costs and ensuring quality work. Provides in-depth knowledge for confident maintenance and emergency repairs. Convenient access on digital devices.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Focus:

All Service and Repair

Scope:

Comprehensive mechanical, electrical, and bodywork repair and maintenance

Estimated Page Count:

Variable, but comprehensive (typically 500-1000+ pages for full service manuals)

Type:

Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Service:

Full service, repair, troubleshooting, including disassembly/reassembly, diagnostics, and component testing for all 1991 Tipo engine variants.

Transmission Service:

Detailed procedures for manual and automatic transmissions, including clutch service, gearbox repair, fluid changes, and troubleshooting.

Brake System:

Comprehensive coverage of disc and drum brakes, ABS (if applicable), hydraulic systems, component replacement, and bleeding procedures.

Electrical System:

Detailed wiring diagrams, component testing, troubleshooting of electrical faults, lighting, ignition, charging system, and accessories.

Suspension And Steering:

Repair and adjustment of front and rear suspension, steering rack, power steering system, wheel alignment, and component replacement.

Cooling System:

Radiator, thermostat, water pump, hoses, fan operation, coolant types, and troubleshooting overheating issues.

Fuel System:

Fuel injection systems (e.g., Bosch L-Jetronic, Motronic), fuel pump, injectors, fuel filter replacement, and fuel pressure testing.

Emission Control:

Catalytic converter, EGR system, oxygen sensors, and emission control related diagnostics and repairs.

Chassis And Body:

Body panel repair, rust prevention, door mechanisms, interior trim removal, glass replacement, and underbody components.

Restraint System:

Seat belts, airbags (if equipped), and related safety component information.

Maintenance:

Periodic maintenance tasks, lubrication schedules, fluid level checks, filter replacements, and tune-up procedures.

Troubleshooting:

Systematic diagnostic procedures for common and complex issues, fault codes (if applicable), and symptom-based troubleshooting guides.

Repair:

Step-by-step instructions for component removal, repair, replacement, and reassembly.

Refurbishment Renovation:

Guidance on restoring worn components and systems, and general renovation advice.

Depth:

Advanced diagnostics and detailed component-level repair, suitable for both DIY enthusiasts and professional technicians.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF

Software Requirements:

Adobe PDF Reader, WinZip (for potential archive extraction)

Compatibility:

All versions of Windows & Mac operating systems

Quality:

Digital download, quality depends on source scan but typically high for professional manuals.

Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Paper:

N/A (Digital PDF)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Options 1991:

Likely included 1.1L (FIRE), 1.4L, 1.6L petrol engines, and possibly 1.7L and 1.9L diesel engines. Specific variants depend on market and trim.

Power Output Range:

Approx. 55-100 hp, depending on engine displacement and fuel system (carbureted or fuel-injected).

Fuel Delivery:

Could be carbureted or fuel-injected (single-point or multi-point) depending on engine variant. The manual will detail specific systems.

Common Engine Codes:

Varies by engine type (e.g., FIRE engines, Lampredi designed engines). Manual will provide specific codes and identification.

ECM Type:

Depending on engine, could utilize Bosch L-Jetronic, Motronic, or other established engine control modules.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

Likely a 5-speed manual transmission was standard on many variants.

Transmission Type Optional:

A 3-speed or 4-speed automatic transmission was likely available as an option on some models.

Clutch Type:

Hydraulically actuated single dry plate clutch.

Gear Ratios:

Manual will provide specific gear ratios for each transmission option and differential.

Manual Transmission Fluid:

Typically API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 gear oil. Manual will specify exact type and capacity.

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Typically ATF Dexron-II or equivalent. Manual will specify exact type and capacity.

📐 Dimensions

Body Styles:

Primarily offered as a 3-door and 5-door hatchback. A 4-door sedan variant was also part of the Tipo family.

Curb Weight Range:

Approximately 950 - 1150 kg, depending on engine and equipment.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Will be specified in the manual based on payload and configuration.

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Data:

Euro NCAP ratings were not prevalent in the early 90s; historical safety performance data will be covered within the manual if available, focusing on structural integrity and passive safety.

Active Safety Features:

Brake system (ABS may have been optional on higher trims), power-assisted steering (optional).

Passive Safety Features:

Seat belts, reinforced safety cage, crumple zones. Airbags were generally not standard in 1991 for this class.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Basic AM/FM radio with cassette player was common. Speaker configuration and head unit options will be detailed in the manual.

Assistance Features:

Limited by 1991 standards. ABS was an optional feature on some models. No advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) were available.

Connectivity Features:

N/A for this era. Primarily mechanical and basic electrical systems.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically 7,500 - 15,000 km or 6-12 months. Manual will provide precise interval based on engine and driving conditions.

Timing Belt Interval:

Critical maintenance item. Typically recommended every 60,000 - 100,000 km or 4-6 years, depending on engine. Manual will specify for each engine variant.

Engine Oil Specification:

Likely API SG/SH or ACEA A2/A3, viscosity grade SAE 10W-40 or 15W-40. Manual will confirm exact specification and capacity.

Coolant Specification:

Ethylene glycol based antifreeze/coolant, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Manual will specify type and capacity.

Brake Fluid Specification:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid. Manual will specify type and replacement interval.

Common Problems:

Potential issues can include rust on bodywork (especially wheel arches and sills), electrical gremlins, suspension wear (bushings, ball joints), and carburetor or injection system issues depending on the engine.

Timing Belt Failure:

Critical to adhere to replacement intervals; failure can cause severe engine damage (interference engines).

📚 Vehicle History

Fiat Heritage:

Fiat has a long history of producing affordable and practical cars for the masses, with a focus on innovative engineering for their time.

Tipo Development:

The Tipo was launched in 1988 as a replacement for the Fiat Ritmo/Strada. It was designed to be modern, aerodynamic, and spacious for its class, utilizing advanced materials and design principles for the era.

Production Period:

1988-1995. The 1991 model falls within the initial production run of the first generation.

Manufacturing Sites:

Primarily produced in Italy, with potential production in other Fiat plants across Europe.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car Of The Year Contributions:

The Fiat Tipo platform also formed the basis for other successful Fiat Group vehicles and shared components with them, contributing to its overall development and refinement.