
PART G: BRAKING SYSTEM 
Job 49. Check front brakes 
Job 50. Check rear brakes 
Job 51. Check/adjust handbrake 
Job 52. Check brake pipes 
Job 53. Change brake hydraulic fluid 
SERVICE INTERVALS 
C 
C 
C 
C 
E 
Job 56. Check seat and seat belt mountings C 
Job 57. Check headlight alignment C 
Job 58. Check underbody C 
Job 59. Check spare tyre B 
Job 60. Change pollen filter C 
Job 61. Replace airbag gas generator 10 years 
PART I: ROAD TEST 
PART H: BODYWORK & INTERIOR 
Job 54. Lubricate hinges and locks 
Job 55. Check windscreen 
Job 62. Road test and specialist check. AFTER EVERY
 SERVICE 
ENGINE BAY LAYOUTS 
These are the engine bay layouts common to almost all Tipo/Tempras. Note that there is no carburettor fitted to fuel-injected 
vehicles. 
1 - PETROL ENGINES 2 - DIESEL ENGINES 
1 
-
 oil filler cap 7
 -
 distributor (ignition) 12 - oil filter location 
2 
-
 engine oil dipstick 8
 -
 coil (ignition) 13 
-
 fuel pump (mechanical) 
3 
-
 coolant filler cap 9
 -
 electronic control unit (ECU), 14 
-
 diesel injection pump 
4 - brake fluid reservoir Digiplex 2 15 
-
 alternator location (behind engine) 
5 - battery 10
 -
 air filter housing 
6 
-
 screenwash reservoir cap 11
 -
 fuel filter 
PART A: REGULAR CHECKS 
1B. ...and the diesel's 
dipstick is in a similar 
spot, located at the 
front edge of the 
timing cover, behind 
the right-hand 
headlight. 
Q INSIDE INFORMATION: The 
difference between MIN and MAX 
marks is approximately one litre of 
oil. Q 
We recommend that these Jobs are carried out on a weekly 
basis, as well as before every long journey. They consist of 
checks essential for your safety and for your car's reliability. 
• Job 1. Engine oil
 -
 check level. 
Check the engine oil level with the car on level ground. If the 
engine has been running, leave it turned off for several 
minutes to let the oil drain into the sump. 
1A. All petrol engines 
have the dipstick at 
the front of the block, 
towards the timing 
belt end... 
1C. Lift the dipstick out, 
wipe it dry and re-insert it. The oil 
level is correct when between the 
MAX and MIN marks.  

8D. To prevent the rubber sealing 
ring on the new filter from 
buckling or twisting out of shape 
while tightening, smear it with 
clean oil. 
8E. Screw the new filter onto the 
stub by hand. When the rubber 
sealing ring contacts its seat, 
continue to turn the 
filter a further 3/4 
of a turn, by hand 
only. Over-tight-
ening the filter 
makes it difficult to 
remove at the next 
oil change and can 
buckle the seal, 
causing a leak. 
E3 INSIDE INFORMATION: It isn't necessary to use 
excessive force when refitting the sump plug. Simply grip 
the spanner (no need for an extension, now!) so that the 
thumb rests on the spanner head, limiting the amount of 
leverage that can be applied. Use firm pressure only. 
Before refitting the plug, wipe around the drain hole 
with a piece of clean cloth to remove any dirt. II 
8F. Pour in the correct quantity of 
Selenia engine oil (see Chapter 
3, Facts and Figures) and check 
the level against the dipstick. 
Note that the empty oil filter will 
cause the level to drop slightly 
when the engine is started and 
the oil flows into it. Before using 
the car, run the engine for two 
minutes, turn off, leave to stand 
for a few minutes and then 
recheck and correct the oil level. 
• Job 9. Check crankcase ventilation. 
10B. H INSIDE 
INFORMATION: If 
the gasket sticks
 -
which it 
frequently does -
DON'T lever the 
Q Job 10. Check/adjust valve clearances. 
The valve gear clearances need to be checked at the appro-
priate intervals, when the engine is cold. 
ALL PETROL AND DIESEL ENGINES 
10A. Remove the 
air cleaner (where 
necessary)
 -
 see Job 
30 then remove the 
bolts holding the 
camshaft cover in 
place. This is the 
petrol engine with 
air filter removed... 
cover or your 
could or you could 
easily damage it. 
Use a spatula to push through the soft joint until the 
gasket/cover comes free. D 
10C. E3 INSIDE 
INFORMATION: 
The oil level inside 
the housing is 
above the level of 
the bottom of the 
cover plate on 
these engines. 
Try: i) raising the 
front of the car as 
high as safely possible, so that oil drains out of the back 
of the housing; ii) stuffing cloths beneath the opening 
and have more ready, for mopping up; iii) being ready to 
clean off the front of the engine with degreaser, when 
the job is finished. D 
10D. The valve 
clearance is 
measured directly 
beneath the cam 
and must be 
checked when the 
high point of the 
cam (arrowed) is 
pointing directly 
upwards and away 
9. Check the 
condition of the 
breather hose from 
the valve cover or 
cam cover to the air 
cleaner. If the pipe 
has become 
blocked or 
damaged, replace 
it, transferring the 
flame trap from inside the old pipe to the new one. On some 
models, you will have to remove the air filter housing to get at 
the crankcase ventilation pipe beneath. Note this type of 
spring clip
 -
 use pliers to slacken-off when removing or re-
fitting. 
Try different feeler gauge thicknesses until you find one that's 
a tight sliding fit between cam and follower. Make a written 
note of each clearance starting with number
 1
 at the timing 
belt end of the engine. 
from the cam follower.  

IMPORTANT NOTE: Take care not to allow any dirt or grit 
to get into the gearbox. 
• Job 19. Check driveshaft gaiters. 
45 
B INSIDE INFORMATION: Make sure you have a 10 mm 
Allen key that will fit, before you start. There's very little 
room between gearbox and subframe. B 
Q Job 17. Check auto, transmission fluid level. 
The
 automatic transmission fluid level should be checked with 
the
 car on level ground and the engine at normal running 
temperature
 -
 the car should have been driven for about 4 
miles. The level is checked by means of a dipstick next to the 
battery. 
IMPORTANT NOTE: i) It is especially important that the 
fluid is at the correct level. If the system needs regular 
topping up because of leaks, fix them as rapidly as 
possible or have your FIAT dealer check the system, 
ii) Wipe the dipstick only with a lint-free rag to avoid 
clogging up transmission valves. Keep dirt out! 
18B. The filter is 
secured by one 
central screw. 
Undo this and pull 
the filter down, 
detaching its upper 
fluid pipe in the 
process. Remove 
the filter, discard it 
and fit the 
replacement. Refit 
the sump, using a 
new gasket and 
non-setting gasket 
sealer. 
Replace the drain plug and fill the gearbox through the 
dipstick tube. {See Job
 17.) 
19A. Grasp and turn the 
inner drive-shaft and 
gaiters, checking for signs 
of gaiter splitting or 
damage that could allow 
grease out or
 -
 worse still 
-
 water in. Ensure the 
gaiter clips are secure. 
Q INSIDE INFOR-
MATION: Inners tend to 
leak, putting an oil 
stain on the shaft, as 
here. You can buy a 
FIAT repair kit, with 
bearing and 
replacement gaiter, to 
repair the leak. This 
involves removing the 
drive shaft
 -
 see 
Chapter 6, Repairs 
and Replacements. B 
19B. Check the outer 
gaiter as well. This moves 
over a greater range and 
is more prone to damage 
and splits. 
IMPORTANT NOTE: 
Change a split, or 
damaged gaiter as soon 
as possible
 -
 preferably 
before using the car 
again. 
If
 necessary,
 fresh Tutela CVT should be poured in through 
the
 dipstick tube, using a funnel in the tube or by using ATF 
from
 a dispenser with a small spout. You may have to leave 
the fresh
 oil to clear the tube before seeing a clear dipstick 
reading. 
G Job 18. Replace auto, transmission fluid and 
filter. 
As well as
 Tutela CVT fluid, you will need a new, sump 
gasket
 and
 a new gearbox oil filter, from your FIAT dealer. The 
filter
 should
 be changed every time the oil is replaced. 
18A.
 Always drain the 
fluid when
 the trans-
mission
 is
 warm, such as 
after a
 run. Raise the 
front
 of the car on 
ramps,
 so the fluid 
drains well
 from the 
drain
 hole (C) at the rear 
under-side of the 'box. 
Remove
 the drain plug 
with an
 Allen key or hexagonal socket adaptor, and allow the 
fluid to
 drain into a container beneath the transmission
 -
 allow 
ten
 minutes for complete drainage. 
Underneath the car, remove the 13 transmission sump bolts. 
H INSIDE INFORMATION: The sump is easily distorted, 
so,
 when refitting, tighten all bolts progressively and 
evenly to the recommended torque
 -
 see Chapter 3, 
Facts and Figures. B 
17.
 Check the level with the 
engine idling and the gear 
selector in the 'P' (PARK) 
position. Pull out the dipstick 
(A),
 wipe it clean with paper 
kitchen towel, re-insert it and 
check the level. The upper 
and
 lower marks on the dipstick represent minimum and 
maximum acceptable fluid levels.  

each track rod end (TRE). Also, look out for a split gaiter. 
Replace the TRE if the gaiter is split, or it will rapidly fail. 
E3 INSIDE INFORMATION: Try placing your hand over the 
TRE as the steering is moved. If there are any signs of 
wear, replace the TRE. Q 
STEERING COLUMN 
44B. The steering column has two universal joints (A) which 
need to be checked for wear. While your assistant is turning 
the steering wheel, check to see if there is any movement in 
the universal joints. 
44C. The upper joint is found 
alongside the foot pedals. 
Q INSIDE INFORMATION: 
Place your hand over the joint 
-
 you can usually feel the 
movement better than you 
can see it. If there is ANY 
movement at all, play at the 
steering wheel will be greatly 
exaggerated
 -
 replace the 
faulty universal joint. B 
STEERING RACK GAITERS 
44D. B INSIDE INFORMATION: Check the right hand 
gaiter from beneath; the left-hand from inside the 
engine bay. Q 
Turn the ignition key to the 'MAR' (ON) position but take care 
not to start the engine. Turn the steering wheel to full right 
lock. From underneath the bonnet, examine the gaiter (see 
illustration 44B, parts B) on the left-hand side, which will now 
be fully extended. Check visually for splits or oil leakage. Turn 
the steering wheel to the opposite lock and examine the gaiter 
(B) on the other side of the rack. If necessary, replace IMMEDI-
ATELY
 -
 the rack will rapidly be ruined if the gaiter is split. 
Also, watch the steering rack body (C) to see if it is firmly 
attached. If there is any movement between the rack and its 
mountings, check the securing bolts for tightness. 
• Job 45. Check power steering fluid. 
45A. When the 
engine is cold, the 
power steering fluid 
should not drop below 
the LIVELLO (level) 
mark (B) on the 
reservoir (A)... 
45B. ...or the mark on the dipstick, as shown. It's okay for the 
level to appear too high when the engine is hot. 
IMPORTANT NOTE: The reservoir 'floats' around the 
engine bay
 -
 in different places in different models. 
• Job 46. Check rear wheel bearings. 
Tipo/Tempra rear wheel bearings are sealed in their hubs and 
are usually very long lived. See the checking procedures 
described in Job 42, but remember not to apply the 
handbrake! Also note that the rear wheels will be easier to 
spin than the fronts. 
• Job 47. Check rear suspension. 
Chock the front 
wheels, jack the rear 
of the car, and place 
stands under the axle, 
as close to the wheels 
as possible. Lower the 
car onto the axle 
stands. 
47. Check the subframe mountings (x4), the trailing arm bush 
pivot bolts, the shock absorber lower mounting bolts and the 
anti-roll bar mounting bolts for tightness. Check the condition 
of the mounting bushes by levering them with a screwdriver. 
Replace if excessive movement or bush deterioration are 
noticed. See Chapter
 6,
 Repairs and Replacements.  

Job 2. Petrol engine. Cylinder 
head • removal. 
• Step 1: Take note of the parts shown in this drawing -
which is also relevant to several other jobs on Tipo and 
Tempra petrol engines. 
7
 -
 cirdip 8
 -
 plate 9
 -
 flywheel 10-spigot bearing 
11 -
 thrust bearing 12
 -
 main bearing 13-crankshaft 
14 - sump 15 - sump gasket 16 - oil seal 17 - auxiliary shaft cover 18 - gasket 19 - front oil seal housing 20 - oil seal 21 - bush 22 - auxiliary shaft 23 - drive gear 24 - dipstick 25 - oil pump 26 - auxiliary shaft sprocket 
1
 -
 piston 2
 -
 gudgeon pin 3
 -
 connecting rod 4
 -
 big-end bearing 5
 -
 big-end bolt 6
 -
 small-end bush 
27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 
turbo 40 - exhaust manifold - turbo 41 - exhaust manifold - non-turbo 42 - heated air duct 43 - camshaft cover 44 - camshaft housing 45 - oil seal 46 - camshaft 47 - tappet shim 48 - oil seal 49 - tappet body 50
 -
 valve, top cap Job 2-1 
- crankshaft sprocket - tensioner pulley - timing belt cover - camshaft sprocket - camshaft belt - bracket - end plate - cylinder head gasket - cylinder head - timing belt - rear cover - inlet manifolds - turbo - plenum chamber
 -
 turbo - inlet manifold - non-
51 - valve spring - inner 52 - valve spring
 -
 outer 53 - valve, top cap 54 - washer 55 - valve guide 56 - valve 57 - end plate 58 - rear oil seal housing 59 - block 60 - oil seal 61 - sump drain plug 
Q INSIDE INFORMATION! • Before removing the 
cylinder head, make sure the engine is stone cold. 
• Undo the cylinder head bolts strictly in the order laid 
out in Step 18. 
• These precautions help to prevent cylinder head 
distortion. 
• The new cylinder head gasket should stay in its 
packaging until required, to avoid contamination by oil 
or grease.
 B 
FACT FILE: SPECIAL TOOL PROBLEMS 
SOLVED! 
• It is possible to remove and replace the 
cylinder head complete with the camshaft 
housing - but it is very difficult without 
FIAT's special cranked tool to get round the camshaft 
housing. 
• You CAN undo the bolts with a ring spanner, but you 
CAN'T torque them down properly again! 
• Because the gasket between the housing and the head could 
also be suspect, we strongly recommend that you do it 'our' 
way, by removing the camshaft housing even though you will 
have to re-set the valve clearances.  

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.  

SAFETY FIRST! 
• The cylinder head is heavy and should be lifted from 
the engine bay by two people. 
Job 15. Diesel engine. 
Cylinder head - refitting. 
• Step 1: Put the 
pistons at TDC
 -
 two 
at a time
 -
 and 
measure how much 
they protrude above 
the block surface. 
This is ideally done 
using a dial gauge 
and holder (FIAT tools 
1895882000 and 
1870404000, respec-
tively) but if surfaces 
• Step 15: 
Unbolt the inlet 
and
 exhaust 
manifold bolts... 
• Step 16: 
...and remove the 
manifolds. 
• Step 17: 
Unscrew the 
twelve bolts
 and 
remove
 the cam 
cover. 
• Step 18: 
Unbolt the cylinder 
head (removing 
the oil pipes, if 
fitted)... 
• Step 20: Not 
forgetting the row 
of five smaller, 
outer bolts. 
• Step 13: 
Remove the bolt 
securing the dipstick 
tube (arrowed) and 
the bolts fixing the 
rear timing belt cover 
to
 the injection 
pump support 
bracket (arrowed). 
Also, remove the 
dipstick tube, if fitted 
to the
 support 
bracket. 
• Step 14: Undo 
the
 three exhaust 
flange nuts (arrowed) 
and
 remove the 
springs
 from behind 
them. Separate the 
pipe from
 the 
manifold. 
• Step 19: 
...undoing the 
head bolts half a 
turn at a time, in 
the order shown, 
until all are loose. Job 14-19 
• Step 21: Have 
a good look to 
check that there is 
nothing still 
connected and 
preventing 
removal of the 
cylinder head. 
With the help of 
an assistant, lift 
the cylinder head 
from the engine 
block. If you 
prefer, you can lift the head complete with manifolding, 
(turbo charger if fitted) and the inner top part of the timing 
cover and remove them later.