
Fluid levels (if included) are monitored by LEDs f, o and 
p, indicating the levels of the fluid reservoirs. 
A red LED illuminates at the position on the check panel 
corresponding to a side door or a hatchback/tailgate 
that is not properly closed. 
SIDE AND TAIL LIGHTS 
When the side and tail lights are turned on, the check 
panel monitors the light bulbs, fuses and circuits. 
• LED g monitors the front side lights. 
• LED i monitors the tail lights. 
If one of the two fuses protecting the following bulbs 
blows, LEDs g, i, and m illuminate. 
NUMBER PLATE LIGHTS 
• LED m indicates when one or both of the number 
plate light bulbs have burnt out. 
REAR FOG LIGHTS 
• When the fog-guard lights are turned on, LED h 
monitors the light bulbs. 
• When the fuse blows or a circuit malfunction occurs, 
LED h illuminates, but not the panel indicator. 
STOP LIGHTS 
If one or both stop lights burn out, the fuse blows or a 
circuit malfunction occurs, LED I or n illuminates when 
braking. 
• LED n monitors the left stop light. 
• LED I monitors the right stop light. 
If both bulbs burn out at the same time or brake pedal 
switch malfunction occurs, both LEDs I and n 
illuminate. 
ENGINE OIL LEVEL 
• LED f illuminates when the engine oil level is low (key 
at MAR,engine not running). 
The oil level monitoring system does not operate when 
the engine is running. If the oil level warning LED 
illuminates when driving, a circuit sensor malfunction 
has occurred. 
When starting the car on a hill or within 10 minutes of 
switching off the engine the warning light may 
illuminate (event will be stored in system memory). Start 
the engine again on level ground to ensure the oil level 
is sufficient. 
COOLANT 
A low coolant level is indicated by LED o (key at MAR). 
The LED also illuminates when a sensor or circuit 
malfunction occurs. 
WINDSCREEN AND REAR SCREEN WASH LEVELS 
• LED p illuminates (key at MAR) when the level in the 
windscreen or rear screen wash reservoirs are low. 
• The LED also indicates when a circuit or sensor 
malfunction occurs. 
• 5. HE ATI IMG AMD VENTILATION 
CONTROLS 
5A. Air volume control
 -
 Adjust 
the dynamic air flow (fan OFF) 
by turning the knob up to I. 
Continue turning the knob to 
the right to increase the air 
flow (i.e. fan ON). 
5B. Air temperature control -
The temperature will increase 
the further you turn the air 
temperature knob to the right 
(red zone). 
HEATING 
HEAT DISTRIBUTION 
With the air temperature 
knob (56) turned to the 
red zone and the air 
volume control knob (5A) 
turned to the desired fan 
speed, turn the air 
distribution knob (5C) to: 
• 2
 -
 In sunny, cold weather. 
• 3
 -
 For heating to footwell vents. 
• 4
 -
 Demist the windows. 
• Also, turn the air volume control knob (5A) to level II 
or III. 
VENTILATION 
• Turn the air distribution control to 5. 
• Turn the air temperature adjustment knob fully anti-
clockwise to the blue zone. 
• Turn the air volume control knob to the desired fan 
speed. 
• Turn the air distribution control to 5. 
When the car is moving the volume of the air entering 
the passenger compartment can be reduced by turning 
the fan knob to the left of 1. 
DUAL TEMPERATURE 
• Turn the air temperature adjustment knob to an 
intermediate position. 
• Turn the air distribution control knob to 2. 
The temperature decreases the 
further you turn the temperature control knob to the 
left (blue zone). 
Warmer air is delivered to the footwell vents and cooler 
air to the dashboard vents.  

Thanks
 are due to the excellent, knowledgeable and helpful staff at FIAT main dealers, Ryauto of Amblecote, in the West 
Midlands for supplying vehicles and for their assistance with this chapter. In particular, thanks are due to the efficient Maurice 
Hough, Service Manager, the experienced Foreman, Tony Morris, and young demon mechanic, Matthew Worsfold. 
Some of the suggested inspection/replacement intervals may not correspond to those shown in the original handbook. The suggested 
schedule, based on FIAT'S recommendations, takes into account the age of the vehicle and the annual MoT test in the UK. 
In practice, because of the split between (mainly) 12 month/9,000 mile and 18 month/13,500 mile intervals, you will need to 
service your Tipo or Tempra at most, if not every, 6 month interval. 
IMPORTANT NOTE: Each service should be carried out at EITHER the recommended mileage OR the recommended time 
interval, whichever comes first. 
SERVICE INTERVAL CHART 
SERVICE INTERVALS: KEY 
A 
-
 Every week, or before every long journey. F
 -
 Every 3 years or 27,000 miles. 
B 
-
 Every 6 months, or 4,500 miles. G
 -
 Every 4 years or 36,000 miles. 
C - Every 12 months, or 9,000 miles. H
 -
 Every 6 years or 54,000 miles. 
I
 -
 Every 63,000 miles. D - Every 18 months , or 13,500 miles. 
H
 -
 Every 6 years or 54,000 miles. 
I
 -
 Every 63,000 miles. 
E 
-
 Every 2 years or 18,000 miles J
 -
 Every 72,000 miles. 
PART A: REGULAR CHECKS 
SERVICE INTERVALS 
Job 1. Engine oil
 -
 check level A 
Job 2. Cooling system
 -
 check level A 
Job 3. Brake/clutch fluid
 -
 check level A 
Job 4. Battery
 -
 check electrolyte level A 
Job 5. Screen washer fluid
 -
 check level A 
Job 6. Tyres
 -
 check pressures and 
condition (road wheels) A 
Job 7. Check lights/change bulbs A 
PART B: THE ENGINE AND 
COOLING SYSTEM 
Job 8
 -
 Petrol. Change engine oil and filter C 
Job 8
 -
 Diesel. Change engine oil and filter B 
Job 9. Check crankcase ventilation H 
Job 10. Check/adjust valve clearances D 
Job 11. Check camshaft timing belt F 
Job 12. Change camshaft timing belt I 
Job 13. Check cooling system C 
Job 14. Change engine coolant E 
PART C: TRANSMISSION 
Job 15. Check manual gearbox oil level C 
Job 16. Change manual gearbox oil J 
Job 17. Check auto, transmission fluid level C 
Job 18. Change auto, transmission 
fluid and filter F 
Job 19. Check driveshaft gaiters C 
Job 20. Check/adjust clutch C 
Job 21. Check auto, transmission selector 
cable E 
PART D: IGNITION AND ELECTRICS 
SERVICE INTERVALS 
Job 22. Check/clean/gap spark plugs B 
Job 23. Change spark plugs D 
Job 24. Check/clean HT leads and 
distributor cap C 
Job 25. Check ignition timing C 
Job 26. Check/adjust drive belt/s D 
Job 27. Check electric fan operation C 
Job 28. Run diagnostic ignition/injection test D 
PART E: FUEL AND EXHAUST 
Job 29. Check fuel pipes for leaks C 
Job 30. Change petrol air filter D 
Job 31. Change diesel air filter C 
Job 32. Change petrol fuel filter F 
Job 33. Drain diesel fuel filter B 
Job 34. Change diesel fuel filter C 
Job 35. Check/adjust petrol engine idle 
and emissions C 
Job 36. Check emission/evaporative/EGR systems F 
Job 37. Check Lambda sensor F 
Job 38. Check/adjust diesel idle speed C 
Job 39. Check/adjust diesel injection timing E 
Job 40. Check inlet and exhaust manifold fixings D 
Job 41. Check exhaust system C 
PART F: STEERING AND 
SUSPENSION 
Job 42. Check front wheel bearings C 
Job 43. Check front suspension C 
Job 44. Check steering column, joints and rack C 
Job 45. Check power steering fluid C 
Job 46. Check rear wheel bearings C 
Job 47. Check rear suspension C 
Job 48. Check wheel bolts for tightness C  

49H. ...and push out the nylon bush (arrowed). Reassemble 
on the new pad and reattach the wire. 
IMPORTANT NOTE: After fitting the pads, apply the 
brakes firmly several times to adjust them. 
• Job 50. Check rear brakes. 
SAFETY FIRST! 
Read SAFETY FIRST at the start of Job 49 before 
proceeding! 
GENERAL. The majority of Tipo/Tempra models are fitted with 
rear drum-type rear brakes, but models with ABS anti-lock 
braking have a disc-and-caliper arrangement instead. 
Slacken the wheel bolts, raise the wheel, remove it and 
support the car with an axle stand. Make sure that the wheels 
remaining on the ground are chocked in both directions and 
that the handbrake is off. 
DRUM REAR BRAKES 
If the drum
 sticks,
 try: 
• screwing a pair of
 bolts 
into the two threaded 
holes in the drum. Evenly 
tightening the bolts will force the drum off the
 shoes. 
• tapping carefully around the drum with a hide 
mallet to help loosen it. 
s Vn order to fit new pads, 
r> - the caliper piston must be 
pushed back into the bore. 
• Use an old battery hydrometer to draw about half 
of the fluid from the master cylinder. 
• Push the piston back into the caliper, using a G-
clamp. 
• Keep an eye on the master cylinder so that it 
doesn't overflow as fluid is pushed back up the pipe. 
IMPORTANT NOTE: Be very sparing or grease could 
migrate to the friction linings! 
WEAR SENSORS I I There are certain essential checks you 
should carry out for yourself, with brake 
pads removed: 
• Look for any obvious grooves worn into the disc. 
Slight undulations are acceptable, but anything worse 
and the disc should be replaced. 
• Look and feel for any wear-ridge on the outer edges 
of the disc. The depth will give an indication of wear. 
• Check for corrosion of the disc surface. If any is 
found, the brake caliper is probably faulty, and needs 
checking. 
• If any surface flaking is found on either side of the 
disc, replace them both. 
• If you are not certain whether any wear is acceptable, 
ask your specialist or FIAT dealer to check. 
FACT FILE: BRAKE DISC WEAR 
SYMPTOMS 
Before reassembling the brake, check the condition of the 
brake caliper. Have an assistant VERY SLOWLY AND GENTLY 
apply pressure to the brake pedal while you watch the piston 
(see illustration 49B, part
 8),
 which should move outwards. If 
it doesn't easily move, it is seized and the caliper should be 
replaced. DO NOT allow the piston to project more than 10 
mm or it may be forced from the caliper
 -
 use a G-clamp as an 
'end stop'. 
49F. Before 
fitting the pads, 
put a light smear 
of brake grease 
(NOT ordinary 
grease) on the 
pads' metal 
backplates at the 
points shown. 
49G. If these are fitted, the contact has to be transferred from 
the old backing plate to the new. Pull off the wire, push out 
the brass pin... 
49E. Check inside 
the caliper housing 
for signs of 
corrosion. If any is 
found, or the seal is 
damaged, the caliper 
should be exchanged 
for a new or 
overhauled unit from 
your FIAT dealership. 
Examine the piston's protective gaiter (see illustration 49B, 
part 9) for splitting and fluid leaks. This one is in poor 
condition and the caliper requires immediate replacement.  

SAFETY FIRST! • Step 7: 
Disconnect the 
electrical leads from 
the following: the 
inlet manifold 
• Step 2: Disconnect both battery leads, negative 
terminal first. 
Q Step 3: Drain the cooling system and depressurise the 
fuel system, if yours is a fuel injection engine
 -
 see PART
 F: 
FUEL AND EXHAUST 
• Step 6B: 
INJECTION 
ENGINES. 
Disconnect the 
engine end of the 
accelerator cable (a), 
the idle speed check 
actuator (b) and the 
injector supply (c). 
• Step 8: Detach 
the exhaust 
downpipe from the 
manifold. 
• Step 9: Remove 
the dipstick 
(arrowed) and the 
cylinder head 
coolant temperature 
sensor (arrowed). 
• Step 10: Also remove all the HT leads (along with the 
distributor cap). Place them to one side. 
• Step 11: Undo the brake servo hose from the manifold. 
Q Step 4: Remove the air cleaner by releasing the spring 
clips (a) at the front of the unit and the screw on the top face 
(b) and disconnect the hoses
 
recovery pipe clips from beneath the rear of the housing, once 
it is free to lift up. 
Q Step 5: Disconnect the crankcase vent hose from the 
cylinder head and the inlet tract or the SPI injector unit, as 
appropriate and blank off with a bolt of suitable size. 
• Step 6A: 
CARBURETTOR 
ENGINES. 
Disconnect the 
engine end of the 
accelerator cable 
from its idler and 
the choke cable 
from its mounting. 
Q Step 12: Remove the 
water hoses connected to 
the inlet manifold and 
thermostat. 
• Step 13 A: 
CARBURETTOR 
ENGINES. Disconnect the 
fuel pipe from the carbu-
rettor and both pipes 
from the fuel pump. 
(Label both the pipes and 
stubs so that they will be 
reconnected the 
right way round.) 
• Step 13B: 
INJECTION 
ENGINES. 
Disconnect the fuel 
supply and return 
hoses from the 
injector unit housing 
(a). Plug the ends. 
• Step 14A: CARBURETTOR ENGINES. Disconnect the 
distributor vacuum pipe and oil vapour pipes from the carbu-
rettor. 
vacuum sensor 
(arrowed), the 
manifold coolant 
temperature sensors 
(arrowed) and the 
throttle position 
switch and any 
other leads which your engine may have.  

• Step 16: Unbolt 
the
 lower suspension 
arms
 (arrowed)... 
• Step 17: 
...remove
 the 
drive
 shaft 
assemblies
 from 
their housings in 
the
 gearbox... 
• Step 15: Undo 
and
 remove the 
suspension strut to 
stub axle
 nuts and 
bolts
 (arrowed
 -
 two 
each side).
 Pull the 
tops
 of the stub axles 
clear
 of the struts. 
• Step 12: 
Disconnect both 
trackrod ends from 
their
 steering arms. 
• Step 13: 
Remove
 the fixing 
bands
 (arrowed) on 
the
 protective boots 
on the
 inner ends of 
the
 drive-shafts. 
• Step 14: Unplug 
the brake
 pad wear 
sensors
 (a) if fitted. 
Unbolt (see arrows) 
the
 complete caliper 
support bracket. 
Hang
 each caliper 
and
 bracket in their 
wheelarches, taking 
care
 not to strain or 
damage
 the hydraulic 
hoses. 
• Step 21: 
Remove the nuts (1) 
holding the centre 
support to the 
gearbox, and those 
(2) holding the 
flywheel shield. 
• Step 22: 
Remove the centre 
support/mounting (a) 
and the flywheel 
shield (b). 
• Step 18: and 
remove each 
complete front hub, 
drive-shaft and brake 
disc assembly. 
Job 8-18 
Q Step 20: Support the power unit, just keeping its weight 
off the mountings. 
E3 INSIDE INFORMATION! This can be done from under-
neath with a trolley jack and piece of wood on its pad to 
prevent damage
 -
 or by means of a hook from above. B 
• Step 19: 
Disconnect the gear 
selector linkage and 
place it out of the 
way, in the lower 
part of the engine 
compartment. 
Job 8-19 
Job 8-13 
expert22 fl/ia http://rutracker.org 
I  

Job 17. Diesel engine. 
Valve clearances - adjustment. 
D INSIDE INFORMATION! After carrying out Job 16, 
valve clearance measurement and adjustment is now 
needed. Both measurement and shim replacement are 
carried out in the same manner as for the petrol engine 
(.Job
 7), so refer to this and also to Chapter 3, Facts 
and Figures for specifications. B 
Job 18. Diesel engine - removal. 
moving parts with engine oil during assembly. See Chapter 3, 
Facts
 and Figures for specified tightening torques. 
luei suppiy diiu leium pipe;> 
at the injection pump... 
• Step 9: ...and the stop 
control supply cable. Also 
disconnect the cable from 
the injection pump hydraulic 
advance control sensor and 
the alternator cables. 
• Step 10: 
Disconnect the oil 
feed and return 
pipes between the 
thermostatic valve 
and the radiator 
and tie clear. 
I
This should
 be read in connection with Job 8 
Q INSIDE INFORMATION! • The turbo and non-turbo 
diesel engines are essentially similar. 
• The under-bonnet scene is in some ways different 
because of the extra plumbing required when a turbo is 
fitted. 
• Locations and shapes of various items may differ, or 
not exist at all on the non-turbo unit. 
• As most complexity is found with the turbo engine, 
I
the
 following illustrations are mainly of this version. 
• The power units are removed from under the car, 
therefore make sure you can raise the car enough to 
achieve this. Support the car firmly and safely on axle 
stands. D 
Q Step 1: Disconnect the negative lead from the battery 
and drain
 the cooling system. Q Step 2: Remove the bonnet lid. 
• Step 3: Drain the transmission oil. 
Q Step 4: Disconnect and remove all pipes and hoses. 
Q Step 5: Undo all electrical connection and label them 
with masking
 tape. Write matching numbers on each male 
and female
 connection to assist reconnection, later. 
Q Step 6: Disconnect the power steering pump pipes 
(where fitted),
 catching any spilt fluid and tie them clear. See 
Job 14. 
• Step 7: Part the 
connection for the 
electronic
 speedometer 
magnetic impulse 
generator
 (when fitted). 
Q Step 11: Disconnect the clutch cable, adjacent earth lead 
and reversing light switch other cable connection from the top 
of the gearbox. 
• Step 12: Disconnect the leads from the oil pressure 
warning light from the oil filter mounting, and the oil level 
warning light switch. 
• Step 13: From under the car, remove the exhaust front 
section from the manifold and from its support brackets. 
O Step 14: Remove the front road wheels and the access 
panel from each wheel housing. 
• Step 15: Remove the brake pad wear sensor cables, 
when fitted. 
Q Step 16A: On the turbo version, undo the six 'Allen' 
screws securing the inboard end of each drive-shaft. Undo the 
two pinch bolts that fix each stub axle to the suspension struts 
and pull them clear. Ease the drive-shafts clear of the trans-
mission casing 
-
 take care 
not to 
damage the 
protective 
boots.  

• Step 8: 
Support the 
axle beam with 
the jack and 
undo the 
mounting bolts 
(arrowed and 
indicated by 
operator with 
socket bar). 
Lower the 
complete unit 
from the car. 
IMPORTANT NOTE: In this shot, the top shock absorber 
mountings have been disconnected, leaving the shock 
absorber fitted to the suspension and the coil springs in 
place. We recommend 'our' approach, covered in Step 7! 
• Step 9: Undo the bolts securing the anti-roll bar and 
remove it. (See Job 9.) Disconnect the brake pipes from the 
side to be worked on and remove the brake drum. 
Q Step 10: Remove the hub cap (see illustration Job 1-1D, 
part 13) by carefully tapping and levering with a screwdriver. 
• Step 11: Undo the hub nut (see illustration Job 1-1D, 
part
 10). 
PART H: BRAKES 
• Step 12: A special tool 
(1857508000) or a VERY 
strong Allen key (a) will be 
required to reach into the 
hub (b), and plenty of 
leverage! 
Q Step 13: Remove the 
hub and inspect the bearing 
for roughness or noise or 
roughness when turning it by hand. 
E3 INSIDE INFORMATION! The bearing is lubricated for 
life and is only supplied as an assembly with the hub. B 
• Step 14: Inspect the stub axle pin (see illustration Job
 1-
1D, part
 12)
 for any signs of damage or distortion. Replace if 
in doubt. 
Q Step 15: Refitting is the reverse of removal but note the 
following: 
• See Chapter
 3,
 Facts and Figures for all tightening 
torques as you progress through the assembling. 
• Use new hub nuts and fully tighten once the suspension is 
mounted to give you stability. 
• Refer to PART H: BRAKES when refitting the brake parts 
and bleeding the brakes. 
PART H: Contents % 
Job 1. Understanding Tipo/Tempra brakes. 
Job 2. Front brake pads
 -
 replacement. 
Job 3. Front brake caliper
 -
 replacement. 
Job 4. Front brake disc
 -
 replacement. 
Job 5. Rear brake shoes
 -
 replacement. 
Job 6. Rear wheel cylinder
 -
 replacement. 
Job 7. Rear brake disc pads
 -
 replacement. 
Job 8. Rear brake caliper
 -
 replacement. 
Job 9. Rear brake disc
 -
 replacement. 
Job 10. Master cylinder
 -
 replacement. 
Job 11. Servo check
 -
 remove and refit. 
Job 12. Pressure regulating valve, non-ABS system -
replacement and adjustment. 
Job 13. Pressure regulating valves, ABS system
 -
 replacement 
and adjustment. 
Job 14. RPM sensors, ABS systems
 -
 replacement. 
Job 15. Flexible hoses
 -
 replacement. 
Job 16. Metal pipes
 -
 replacement. 
Job 17. Brake bleeding. 
Job 18. Handbrake cables
 -
 replacement. 
Job 1. Understanding 
Tipo/Tempra brakes. 
• Point
 1
 A: This is the standard disc/drum system used on 
cars without anti-lock brakes, shown here in left hand drive 
form. 
1 - fluid reservoir and master cylinder 2 - servo 3
 -
 front disc brakes 
4 - handbrake lever 5 - rear drum brakes 6
 -
 four way pipe union 7 - load proportioning/ pressure limiting valve 
Job 1-1A 
1 - front disc brakes 2
 -
 front flywheel 3 - front wheel RPM sensors 4 - hydraulic control unit 5 - brake light switch 6 - device failure warning light switch 
7 - rear flywheel 8 - main control relay with excess voltage protection 9 - electronic control unit 10 - rear disc brakes 11 - rear wheel RPM sensors 12 - load proportioning/pressure limiting valve Job
 1-1B  

Q Point 1B: This version shows the anti-lock braking system 
and has discs replacing drums at the rear. One of two makes 
is used
 -
 Lucas or Bosch
 -
 and both are similar in design. 
Shown here is the Bosch ABS system in left hand drive form. 
Apart from checking that the hydraulic and electrical connec-
tions are sound, anti-lock brakes are not repairable. Individual 
components and friction materials can be replaced but 
otherwise, you should consult your FIAT dealer for diagnosis 
of system faults (with specialised equipment) and rectification. 
SPECIAL NOTES: • Unplug the electronic control unit 
(ECU) before any electric welding is carried out. 
• When oven drying paint, the ECU cannot withstand 95 
degrees Celsius for more than a few minutes or 85 
degrees Celsius for more than 2 hours. 
• Disconnect the battery earth before removing the 
hydraulic control. 
• When reconnecting the battery, make sure the connec-
tions are firm and sound. 
Q INSIDE INFORMATION: When disconnecting brake 
pipes or hoses, it is essential to minimise brake fluid loss. 
This can be done by unscrewing the master cylinder 
reservoir cap, laying a sheet of plastic across the opening, 
and refitting the cap. This will prevent atmospheric 
pressure from pushing the fluid out of opened lines. D 
Job 2. Front brake pads -
replacement. 
Changing and checking the Tipo's and Tempra's brake pads 
are virtually identical jobs. See Chapter 5, Servicing Your 
Car, pages 59 and 60 
Job 3. Front brake caliper -
replacement. 
Carry out this work with reference to Chapter 5, Servicing 
Your Car, Job 49, pages 59 and 60. 
Q Step 1: Slacken the front road wheels, jack up the car 
and support on axle stands. Remove the wheels. 
Q Step 2: Unplug 
the brake pad wear 
sensor (a
 -
 arrowed) 
and ease the fluid 
pipe/hose from the 
bracket (b
 -
 arrowed) 
on
 the shock absorber 
leg. 
Q Step 3: Undo the brake fluid pipe union from the caliper 
body and plug the end to prevent too much fluid loss. 
Q Step 4: Undo the bolts and remove the caliper. 
D INSIDE INFORMATION! The caliper securing bolts must 
always be replace by new FIAT ones when loosened or 
removed. They are of a special self-locking type. B 
Q Step 5: Refit in reverse order and bleed the brakes, see 
Job 17 
Job 4. Front brake disc -
replacement. 
Q Step 1: Carry out Steps 1 to 4 in Job 3. 
• Step 2: 
Undo the 
securing bolts 
and remove 
the caliper 
support 
bracket. 
• Step 3: 
Undo the disc 
fixing bolts 
and withdraw 
the brake 
disc. 
Q Step 4: Refit the remaining parts in reverse order of 
removal. See Chapter 5, Servicing Your Car. 
Carry out this work with reference to Chapter 5, Servicing 
Your Car, Job 50, pages 60 and 61. 
Job 5. Rear brake shoes -
replacement. 
H INSIDE INFORMATION! It often helps to work on one 
side at a time, completing all the work on that side of 
the car and using the other side as a reference before 
you start dismantling it. Q 
• Before refitting the disc, 
ensure that the mating 
surfaces
 -
 hub to disc, are 
clean and undamaged. 
• Spin the disc to be sure there is no 'run out' before 
proceeding further. 
Job 4-2