1996 FIAT PUNTO Elect

11 *2 Bodywork and fittings
on vehicles with wax-based underbody protective coating, or the coating will be removed. Such vehicles should be inspected annually, preferably just prior lo Winter, when the underbody should be washed down, and any damage to the wax coating repaired. Ideally, a completely fresh coat should be applied. It would also be worth considering the use of such wax-based protection for injection into door panels, sills, box sections, etc, as an additional safeguard against rust damage, where such protection Is not provided by the vehicle manufacturer. After washing paintwork, wipe off with a chamois feather to give an unspotted clear finish. A coat of clear protective wax polish wilt give added protection against chemical pollutants in the air. If the paintwork sheen has duiled or oxidised, use a cleaner/polisher combination to restore the brilliance of the shine. This requires a little effort, but such dulling Is usually caused because regular washing has been neglected. Care needs to be taken with metallic paintwork, as special non-abrasive cleaner/polisher is required to avoid damage to the finish, Always check that the door and ventilator opening drain holes and pipes are completely clear, so that water can be drained out. Brightwork should be treated In the same way as paintwork. Windscreens and windows can be kept clear of the smeary film which often appears, by the use of proprietary glass cleaner. Nover use any form of wax or other body or chromium polish on glass.
Maintenance -upholstery and carpets
Mats and carpets should be brushed or vacuum-cleaned regularly, to keep them free of grit. If they are badly stained, remove them from the vehicle for scrubbing or sponging, and make quite sure they are dry before refitting. Seats and interior trim panels can be kept clean by wiping with a damp cloth. If they do become stained (which can be more apparent on light-coloured upholstery), use a little liquid detergent and a soft nail brush lo scour the grime out of the grain of the material. Do not forget to keep the headlining clean in the same way as the upholstery. When using liquid cleaners inside the vehicle, do not over-wet the surfaces being cleaned. Excessive damp could get Into the seams and padded interior, causing stains, offensive odours or even rot.
If the Inside of the vehicle gets wet accidentally, tt Is worthwhile taking some trouble to dry ft out property, particularly where carpets an involved. Do not leave oil or electric heaters inside the vehicle for this purpose.
4 Minor body damage -repair
Repairs of minor scratches In bodywork If the scratch Is very superficial, and does not penetrate to the metal of the bodywork, repair is very simple. Lightly rub the area of the scratch with a paintwork renovator, or a very fine cutting paste, to remove loose paint from the scratch, and to clear the surrounding bodywork of wax polish, Rinse the area with clean water. Apply touch-up paint to ihe scratch using a fine paint brush; continue to apply fine layers of paint until the surface of the paint In the scratch Is level with the surrounding paintwork. Allow Ihe new paint at least two weeks to harden, then blend it Into the surrounding paintwork by rubbing the scratch area with a paintwork renovator or a very fine cutting paste. Finally, apply wax polish. Where the scratch has penetrated right through to the metal of the bodywork, causing the metal to rust, a different repair technique Is required. Remove any loose rust from the bottom of the scratch with a penknife, then apply rust-inhibiting paint to prevent the formation of rust in the future. Using a rubber or nylon applicator, fill the scratch with bodystopper paste. If required, this paste can be mixed with cellulose thinners to provide a very thin paste which is ideal for filling narrow scratches. Before the stopper-paste in Ihe scratch hardens, wrap a piece of smooth cotton rag around the top of a finger. Dip the finger in cellulose thinners, and quickly sweep it across the surface of the stopper-paste in the scratch: this will ensure that the surface of the stopper-paste is slightly hollowed. The scratch can now be painted over as described earlier In this Section.
Repairs of dents in bodywork When deop denting of the vehicle's bodywork has taken place, the first task is to put) the dent out. until the affected bodywork almost attains rts onginal shape. There is little polnl in trying to restore Ihe original shape completely, as the metal in the damaged area will have stretched on impact, and cannot be reshaped fully to its original contour. It Is better to bring the level of the dent up to a point which is about 3 mm below the level of the surrounding bodywork. In cases where Ihe dent is very shallow anyway, It is not worth trying to pull it out at all. If the underside of the dent is accessible, it can be hammered out gently from behind, using a mallet with a wooden or plastic head, Whilst doing this, hold a suitable block of wood firmly against (he outside of Ihe panel, to absorb the impact from the hammer blows and thus prevent a large area of the bodywork from being 'belled-out".
Should the dent be In a section of (I* bodywork which has a double skin, or seme other factor making It Inaccessible from behind, a different technique is called for. Dull several small holes through the metal inside Ihe area - particularly in the deeper section. Then screw long self-tapping screws Into the holes, just sufficiently for them to gain a good purchase in the metal. Now the dent can be pulled out by pulling on the protruding heads of the screws with a pair of pliers. The next stage of the repair Is the removal of the paint from the damaged area, and from an inch or so of the surrounding 'sound' bodywork. This is accomplished most easily by using a wire brush or abrasive pad on a posver drill, although it can be done just as effectively by hand, using sheets of abrasive paper. To complete the preparation for filling, score the surface of the bare metal wflhi screwdriver or the tang of 8 file, or alternatively, drill small holes In the affected area. This will provide a really good 'key' for the filler paste. To complete the repair, see the Section on filling and respraying.
Repairs of rust holes or gashes in bodywork Remove all paint from the affected area, and from an inch or so of the surrounding 'sound' bodywork, using an abrasive pad
or a
wire brush on a power drill. If these are not available, a few sheets of abrasive paper wil do the job most effectively. With the paint removed, you will be able to judge the severity of the corrosion, and therefore decide whether to renew the whole panel (if this is possible) or to repair the affected area. New body panels are not as expansive as most people think, and it is often quicker and more satisfactory to fit a new panel than to attempt to repair large areas of corrosion. Remove all fittings from Ihe affected area, except those which will act as a guide to ttie original shape of the damaged bodywork (eg headlight shells etc). Then, using tin snips
or a
hacksaw blade, remove all loose metal snd any other metal badly affected by corrosion. Hammer the edges of the hole inwards, in order to create a slight depression for the filer paste. Wire-brush the affected area to remove tha powdery rust from the surface of the remaining metal. Paint Ihe affected area with rust-inhibiting paint, if the beck of the rusted area is accessible, treat this also. Before filling can take place, ft will be necessary to block the hole in some
way.
TNs can be achieved by the use of aluminium cr plastic mesh, or aluminium tape. Aluminium or plastic mesh, or glass-fibre matting, is probably the best material to use for a large hole. Cut a piece to tha approximate size and shape of tho hole to b« filled, then position it In the hole so that its edges are below the level of the surrounding bodywork. It can be retained in position by

11 *4 Bodywork and fittings
6.3s Remove the screws... 6.3b ... and lower the front section of the plastic wheel arch liners away from the bodywork
6 Front bumper -removal and refitting
Removal 1 Access to the front bumper mountings may be Improved by raising the front ot Ihe vehicle and resting it securely on axle stands (see Jacking and vehicle support), 2 Remove the direction indicator units from both front wings, as described In Chapter 12. Section 6. 3 Remove the screws and lower both plastic wheel arch liners away from the bodywork (see Illustrations), 4 Reach inside the wheel arch and remove the retaining screws from the trailing edges of Ihe bumper moulding (see illustration). 5 Slacken and withdraw the four screws from
6.S Slacken and withdraw the four screws from the lower edge of the bumper the lower edge of the bumper (see illustration). 6 Support Ihe bumper moulding, then remove the four retaining bolts from the upper edge of the bumper (located eithor side of the headlight units) (see Illustration).
7.4 Slacken and withdraw tho four screws 7.5 Remove the four retaining bolts from from the lower edge of the bumper the upper edge of the bumper
6.4 Remove the retaining screws (arrowed) from the trailing odges of the bumper moulding
6.6 Remove the retaining bolts (arrowed) from either side of (he headlight units 7 Where applicable, unplug the wiring from the rear of tho fogiamp units. 8 Unclip any electrical cabling securea to tne rear side of Ihe bumper and then carefully draw the bumper away from fhe front ot the vehicle.
Refitting 9 The bumper is refitted by following the removal procedure in reverse.
7 Rear bumper
-
% removal and refitting
Removal 1 Access to the rear bumper mountings may be improved by raising the rear of the vehicle and resting it securely on axle stands (see Jacking and vehicle support), 2 After removing the retaining screws and nuts, lower both rear wheel arch plastic liners away from the bodywork (see Illustration) ( 3 Reach Inside the rear wheel arches and remove the retaining screws from the leading edges ot the bumper moulding (see illustration). 4 Stackon and withdraw the four screws from the lower edge of the bumper (see illustration). 1 5 Support the bumper moulding, then remove the four retaining bolts from the upper edge ol the bumper (see illustration). 6 Unclip any electrical cabling that may Dt secured to the inside of ihe bumper, thM carefully draw the bumper off its guide brackets and away from the rear ot the vehicle.

Bodywork and fittings
11
*7
12.4 Adjusting the extension of the bonnet pin
12 Bonnet lock components - ^ removal and refitting H
Latch and release lever assembly
Removal 1 Secure the bonnet In the fully open position using the stay. Mark the relationship between the latch and the surface of the bonnet using a soft pencil or marker pen. 2 Slacken and unscrew the bolts, then lower the latch assembly away from the bonnot. Refitting 3 Refitting is a reversal of removal. Use the alignment markings made during removal to aid accurate refitting. Note that the mounting holes are slotted to allow adjustment if required. On completion, tighten the bolts securely. 4 The extension of the bonnet pin may be adjusted in necessary, by slackening the locknut and turning the pin with a flat-bladed screwdriver (see illustration).
Striker plate
Removal 5 Mark the relationship between the striker plate and the bodywork using a soft pencil or marker pen. The striker plate can then be removed by slackening and withdrawing the three securing bolts and unhooking the release cable from the operating lever. Refitting 6 Refitting is a reversal of removal. Use the alignment markings made during removal to aid accurate refitting. Note that the mounting holes are slotted to allow adjustment if required. On completion, tighten the bolts securely.
Suffers 7 If necessary, adjust the protrusion of the rubber buffers on the front crossmember, (located above each headlamp unit) by screwing them in or out as appropriate. When the rubber buffers are correctly adjusted, there should be just enough free movement to
14.3a Remove the screw .
allow the bonnet to be closed and locked easily, without using excessive force, but not enough to allow the bonnet to rattle when secured in the locked position.
13 Bonnet release cable -removal and refitting I
Removal 1 Secure the bonnet in the fully open position. With reference to Section 12, detach Ihe bonnet release cable from the striker plate operating lever. 2 Unscrew the cable clip from above the nght hand headlamp unit. 3 Working around the engine bay, extract the release cable from its securing clips. 4 In the drivers footweil, extracl Ihe fixings and lower the sound insulation panel (where fitted) away from the underside of the steering column/facia. 5 Push the bonnet release handle towards the bulkhead slightly, then free the release cable end fitting from its recess in the handle. Lift the cable inner up, pass the end fitting through the larger hole and withdraw it from the handle. Extract the release cable outer from the mounting bracket by carefully pulling down on the plastic collar. 6 Release the cable from the remaining clips under the facia, then carefully pull the entire cable through the bulkhead grommet Info the engine bay.
14.3b ... then prise out the door grab handle moulding
Refitting 7 Refit the cable by reversing the removal process. On completion, close the bonnet to check that it locks securely, then check the operation of tho release mechanism. If adjustment is required, this can be achieved by repositioning the slotted plastic collar fitted to the cable outer sheath, in the mounting lug on the underside of the striker plate.
14 Door inner trim panel -removal and refitting I
Removal Note: This section describes the removal of the front door trim panel; the procedure for removing the rear door trim panel is essentially the same, 1 Disconnect the battery negative terminal (refer to Disconnecting the battery in the Reference Section of this manual). 2 With reference to Section 17. remove the trim panel from the rear of the door mirror fixings. 3 Lift off the caps and remove the screw, then prise out the door grab handle moulding (see Illustrations) 4 Prise the electric window/mirror adjustment switch from the armrest and unplug the wiring connector(s). Label them to aid correct refitting later (see illustrations).
14.4a Prise the electric window/mirror adjustment switch from the armrest... 14.4b ... and unplug the wiring connector

11
*8 Bodywork and fittings
14.5a Unscrew the door panel securing screws, located on the edge of the armrest moulding... 5 Unscrew Ihe door panel securing screws, located on Ihe edge of the armrest moulding and around the outside edge of the door trim panel - note that some are concealed beneath plastic caps (see illustrations). 6 Using a Suitable forked tool inserted between the door end the trim panel, release Ihe press-stud clips located around Ihe edge of Ihe panel. Ihen lift the trim panel upwards. Recover the locking knob Inm collars (see illustrations). 7 Pull the panel from the door, noting that Ihe lower window aperture weatherstrip is integral with the trim panel and must bo released from the door as the panel Is withdrawn. B If work Is lo be earned out nn the door Internal oomponenls. it will be necessary to remove the plastic soaling sheet from tho inside ot the door Starl ol one comer of the sheet and carefully peel il away, using a sharp blade to split the sealant bead (see (lustration).
j
14.8a Release the press-stud clips located around the edge of tho panel...
trim collars from above...
14.5b ... and around the outside edge of the door trim panel
9 Store Ihe detached sealing sheet such that it cannot become contaminated with dust: this will allow it to be re-used later.
Refitting 10 Refilling Is a reversal of removal, bearing in mind the following points:
a) Ensure that the sealing sheet is correctly refitted, press it on firmly to ensure that it is adequately sealed around its edges. It should be possible fo use the origins} sealant, but if necessary, new sealant can be obtained from a Fiat dealer. b) Before refitting the trim panel, feed the electric window switch wlnng through the aperture in the front of Ihe panel. c) Make sure that the weatherstrip engages securely with the edge of the door as the panel Is refitted.
i4,6b ... then lift the trim panel upwards...
14.6d ... and below tho panel
15 Door- & removal and refitting is
Note: 7?ws procedure is applicable both to
the
front and rear doors.
Removal Note: A new door check strap rolbpin
win
be requited on refitting. 1 Disconnect the battery negative terminal (refer to O/sconoecf/ng fhe battery In Ihe Reference Section of this manual). 2 Unplug Ihe multiway electrical connector from the inner edge of the door. 3 Have an assistant support the door, then unscrew the door hinges centre bolts, and hit the door from the vehicle.
Refitting 4 Refitting is a reversal of removal. On completion, tighten the hinge centre bolts securely.
Adjustment 5 Close the door carefully, In case the alignment is incorrect, which may cause scratching on the door or the body BS the door is closed, and check the fit ot the door with the surrounding panels. 6 II adjustment Is required, loosen the hinge-to-body securing bolts (the bolt holes are elongated to allow lor adjustment) and move the hinges as required to achieve satisfactory alignment. Tighten the securing bolls securely on completion. 7 Check the operation of the door lock. If necessary, slacken the securing bolts, and adjust Ihe position of Ihe lock striker on the body pillar to achieve satisfactory alignment-Tighten the bolts securely on completion,
16 Door handle and lock components -removal and refitting ^
1 Ensure that the door window glass is in the fully closed position, then disconnect ihe battery negative terminal (refer to Drscoryiecfrrg fhe battery In the Reference Section of this
•
m-i -14.8 Carefully peel the sealing sheet away, using a sharp blade to spilt the sealant bead

11
*10 Bodywork and fittings
17.3a Prise the rubber cover off the adjustment lever... 17.3b ... then unscrew and remove the locking collar 17.4 Remove the plastic trim panel, to expose the mirror securing screws
Ihe rear of the mirror glass, then push tho glass into position fo engage the securing clips.
To aid re fitting, lightly
grease
^•-.—i the securing dips on the mar IjlllliTj of the mirror glass.
17.5a Remove the securing screws .
17 Exterior mirror components - removal and refitting
Mirror assembly
Removal • models with electrically-adjustable mirrors 1 Disconnect the battery negative terminal (refer to Disconnecting the battery in the Reference Section of this manual). 2 Refer to Section 14 and remove the door inner trim panel. Reach inside the door space and unplug the electrical supply to the mirror at the multiway connector. Unclip tho mirror wiring from Ihe door, noting its routing. Removal - models with manually-adjustable mirrors 3 Prise tho nibber cover off the adjustment lever, then unscrew and remove the locking collar (see Illustrations) Ail models 4 Remove the plastic tnm panel, to expose the mirror securing screws (see Illustration). 6 Remove the securing screws, and withdraw the mirror assembly from the door (see illustrations). Refitting 6 Refitting is a reversal of removal. Tighten the mirror securing screws securely. On models with electric mirrors, ensure that the electrical wiring is correctly routed so that it cannot foul the electric window mechanism.
17.6b ... and withdraw the mirror assembly from the door
Mirror glass
Removal 7 On models with electric mirrors, disconnect Ihe battery negative terminal (refer to Disconnecting the battery in the Reference Section of this manual). 8 Insert a suitable thin plastic or wooden tool between the mirror glass and the mirror body, and carefully lever the glass forward to release the securing clips. A Warning: Protect your hands and eyes from glass sp//nfers.
9 Where applicable, disconnect the heater element winng from the rear of the glass, and withdraw the glass from the mirror assembly. Refitting 10 Where applicable, reconnect the wires to
18 Electric window components & - removal and refitting 5
Door window glass
Removal 1 Operate the window regulator mechanism, such that the glass Is positioned halfway down the aperture. On modelo with electric windows, disconnect the battery negative terminal (refer to Disconnecting tho
battery
In the Reference Section of this manual). 2 Remove the door inner inm pane) ond ihe plastic sealing sheet, as described
In
Section
1 3 On three door models, remove the screws at Ihe trailing edge of the door and lift out the window glass rear guide channel. Similarly, remove the screws at the front edge at the door and remove the window glass front guide channel. 4 Support tho glass, (hen unclip the plastic fastener that secures the window glass to the regulator mechanism. Disengage the regulator mechanism from the hole at Ihe base of the window glass (see illustrations).
18.4a Unclip the plastic fastener that socures the window glass to the regulator mechanism
18.4b Disengage the regulator mechanism from the hole (arrowed) at the base of the window glass