1998 FIAT PUNTO conditioning

2D*10 Engine removal and overhaul procedures
4.44a Disconnecting tho radiator top hose from the thermostat housing
4.45b ... and expansion tank hose
lofi-nand side of the cylinder head, From the top ot the radiator and from the expansion tank (see Illustrations). 46 Disconnect the radiator bottom hose from the elbow on the cylinder head.
4.49e ... and the adjustment lockbolt...
4.44b Disconnecting the heater hose st the engine
4.49a Remove the front bracket bolt...
47 On models with a speedometer cable, disconnect the cable from the transmission. 48 On models with an electronic speedometer, if necessary disconnect the winng connector on the support bracket. The cable may be left
4.49f ... and tie the power steering pump to the bulkhead
. m " • V;
<4
4.45a Disconnecting the heater return hose...
4.49b ... the belt adjustment bolt...
attached if Ihe transmission Is not being detached from the engine. 49 On models fitted with power steering, unbolt the power steering pump from the rear right-hand side of the engine without disconnecting the hydraulic fluid lines then tie it to one side on the bulkhead so that it will not obstruct the removal of the engine. To do (his first remove the front bracket bolt, remove the belt adjustment bolt, remove the rear through-bolt, lift away the cover and remove the adjustment lockbolt (see illustrations). On models with air conditioning, similarly unbolt the air conditioning compressor and position It clear of the engine. Do not disconnect the air conditioning refrigerant pipes/hoses. 50 Disconnect the coolant purge hoses from the top of the radiator and expansion tank (seo illustrations). 51 Disconnect the accelerator cable from the injection pump (see Chapter 4Q.
4.50a Disconnecting the coolant purge hoses from the radiator...

2D*10 Engine removal and overhaul procedures
9.1a Removing the oil return tube from the crankcase
pulling on the screw with a pair of grips, or by using a slide hammer. 2 Where applicable, undo Ihe retaining bolts and remove the piston oil Jet spray tubes from inside Ihe cylinder block. 3 Scrape all traces of gasket from the cylinder block/crankcase, taking care not to damage ihe gasket/sealing surfaces. 4 Remove all oil gallery plugs (where fitted). The plugs are usually very tight - they may have to be drilled out, and the holes re-tapped. Use new plugs when the engine is reassembled. 5 If the block is very dirty have it steam-cleaned, otherwise use paraffin to clean it. 6 Clean all oil holes and oil galleries again and dry thoroughly, then apply a light film of oil to all mating surfaces, to prevent rusting. Smear the cylinder bores with a light coating of oil. 7 All threaded holes must be clean, to ensure accurate torque readings during reassembly. To clean the threads, run the correct-size tap Into each of the holes to remove rust, corrosion, thread sealant or sludge, and to restore damaged threads (see illustration). If possible, use compressed air to clear the holes of debris produced by this operation. 8 Apply suitable sealant to the new oil gallery plugs, and insert them into the holes In the block. Tighten them securely, 9 Where applicable, refit the piston oil jet spray tubes to the cylinder block, and securely tighten the retaining bolts. Bend over the tabs to lock the bolts (see illustration). 10 Fit the new core plugs with sealant applied to their perimeters before using a suitable metal tube to drive them into position. 11 Refit the oil return tube to the crankcase and tighten the mounting bolts. 12 Refit the Injection pump/oil filter bracket together with a new gasket and lighten the bolts. 13 Refit the rear engine plate and tighten the bolts. Also refit 8ny other removed brackets etc.
Inspection 14 Visually check the cylinder block (or cracks and corrosion. Look for stripped threads in the threaded holes. If there has been any history of internal water leakage, it may bo worthwhile having on engine overhaul
9.1b Removing tho injection pump/oil filter bracket 9.1c Removing the injection pump/oil filter bracket gasket from the cyilndor block
9.1 d Removing the intermediate shaft bracket specialist check it with special equipment. 15 Check each cylinder bore for scuffing and scoring. Check for signs of a wear ridge at the top of the cylinder. Indicating that the bore Is excessively worn. 16 If the necessary measuring equipment is available, measure the bore diameters at the top Oust under the wear ridge), centre, and bottom, parallel to the crankshaft axis. 17 Next, measure the bore diameters at the same three locations, at right-angles to the crankshaft axis. If there is any doubt about the condition of the cylinder bores seek the advice of a Fiat dealer or suitable engine reconditioning specialist. 18 If the engine is not going to be reassembled right away, cover It with a large plastic bag to keep it clean and prevent rusting. If the engine is ready for reassembly, refit all the components and brackets removed.
9.1e Removing the oil vapour breather casing
10 Main and big-end bearings - ^ inspection and selection 5
Inspection 1 Even though the main and big-end bearings should be renewed during the engine overhaul, the old bearings should be retained for close examination, as they may reveal valuable information about the condition of the engine (see illustration overleaf). The bearing shells are available in different thicknesses to match the diameter of the Journal. 2 Bearing failure can occur due to lack of lubrication, the presence of dirt or other foreign particles, overloading the engine, or corrosion. Regardless of the cause of bearing

2D*10 Engine removal and overhaul procedures
failure, (he cause must be corrected (where applicable) before the engine is reassembled, to prevent it from happening again. 3 When examining the bearing shells, remove them from the cylinder block/crankcase, Ihe main bearing caps, the connecting rods and the connecting rod big-end bearing caps. Lay them out on a clean surface in the same general position as their location in the engine. This will enable you to match any bearing problems with the corresponding crankshaft journal. Do not touch any shell's bearing surface with your fingers while checking it. 4 Din and other foreign matter gets into the engine in a variety of ways. It may be left in the engine during assembly, or It may pass through fillers or the crankcase ventilation system. It may get into the oil, and from there into the bearings. Metal chips from machining operations and normal engine wear are often present. Abrasives are sometimes left In engine components after reconditioning, especially when parts are not thoroughly cleaned using the proper cleaning methods. Whatever the source, these foreign objects often end up embedded In the soft bearing material, and are easily recognised. Large particles will not embed in the bearing, and will score or gouge the bearing and journal. The best prevention for this cause of bearing failure Is to clean all parts thoroughly, and keep everything spotlessly-clean during engine assembly. Frequent and regular engine oil and filter changes are also recommended. 5 Lack of lubrication (or lubrication breakdown) has a number of interrelated causes. Excessive heat (which thins the oil), overloading (which squeezes the oil from the bearing face) and oil leakage (from excessive bearing clearances, worn oil pump or high engine speeds) all contribute to lubrication
breakdown. Blocked oil passages, which can be the result of misaligned oil holes in a bearing shell, will also oil-starve a bearing, and destroy it. When lack of lubrication is the cause of bearing failure, the bearing materiel is wiped or extruded from the steel backing of Ihe bearing. Temperatures may increase to the point where the steel backing turns blue from overheating. 6 Driving habits can have a definite effect on bearing life. Full-throttle, low-speed operation (labouring ihe engine) puts very high loads on bearings, tending to squeeze out the oil film. These loads cause the beanngs to flex, which produces fine cracks in the bearing face (fatigue failure). Eventually, the bearing material will loosen in pieces, and tear away from Ihe steel backing. 7 Short-distance driving leads to corrosion of bearings, because insufficient engine heat is produced to drive off the condensed water and corrosive gases. These products collect in the engine oil, forming acid and sludge. As the oil Is carried to the engine bearings, the acid attacks and corrodes the bearing material. 8 Incorrect bearing installation during engine assembly will lead to bearing failure as well. Tight-fitting bearings leave insufficient bearing running clearance, and will result in oil starvation. Dirt or foreign particles trapped behind a bearing shell result in high spots on the bearing, which lead to failure. 9 Do not touch any shell's bearing surface with your fingers during reassembly: there is a risk of scratching the delicate surface, or of depositing particles of dirt on ft. 10 As mentioned at the beginning of this Section, the bearing shells should be renewed as a matter of course during engine overhaul; to do otherwise is false economy.
Selection 11 Main and big-end bearings are available in standard sizes and a range of undersizes to suit reground crankshafts • refer to the Specifications for details. The engine reconditioner will select the correct bearing shells for a machined crankshaft. 12 The running clearances can be checked when the crankshaft is refitted with its new bearings.
11 Engine overhaul -reassembly sequence
1 Before reassembly begins, ensure that all new parts have been obtained, and that all necessary tools are available. Read through the entire procedure to familiariss yourself with the work Involved, and to ensure that ail items necessary for reassembly of the engine are at hand. In addition to all normal tools and materials, thread-locking compound will be needed. A tube of sealant will also be required for the joint faces that are fitted without gaskets.
2 In order to save time and avoid problems, engine reassembly can be carried out in the following order: a) Crankshaft (Section 12). b) Piston/connecting rod assemblies (Section 7). c) Oil pump (see Part A, B or C - as applicable). d) Sump (see Pan A, BorC-as applicable). e) Flywheel/driveplate (see Part A, B or C • as applicable). 1) Cylinder head (see Part A B or C - as applicable). g) Coolant pump (see Chapter
3)
h) Timing belt tensioner and sprockets, and timing belt (See Part A, B or C- as applicable). I) Engine external components, 3 At this stage, ail engine components should be absolutely clean and dry, with all faults repaired. The components should be laid out on a completely clean work surface.
12 Crankshaft- % refitting and main bearing S running clearance check ^
Crankshaft - initial refitting 1 Crankshaft refitting Is the first stage ol engine reassembly following overhaul. At this point, it is assumed that the crankshaft, cylinder block/crankcase and beanngs have been cleaned, inspected and reconditioned or renewed. 2 Place the cylinder block on a clean, level work surface, with the crankcase facing upwards. Where necessary, unbolt the bearing caps and lay them out in order to ensure correct reassembly. If they are still in place, remove the bearing shells from the caps and the crankcase and wipe out the inner surfaces wilh a clean rag - they musl be kept spotlessly clean. 3 Clean the rear surface of the new bearing shells with a rag and fit ihem on Ihe bearing saddles. Ensure that the orientation lugs on the shells engage with the recesses in the saddles and lhat the oil holes are correctly aligned. Do not hammer or otherwise force the bearing shells into place. It Is critically important that the surfaces of the bearings ore kept free from damage and contamination. 4 Give the newly fitted bearing shells and the crankshaft journals a final clean with a rag. Check that the oil holes In the crankshaft are free from dirt, as any left here will become embedded In the new bearings when Ihe engine is first started. 5 Carefully lay the crankshaft In the crankcase, taking care not to dislodge the bearing shells (see illustration}.
Main bearing running clearance check 8 When Ihe crankshaft and bearings are refitted, a clearance must exist between them

3*1
Chapter 3
Cooling, heating and ventilation systems
Contents
Air conditioning system - general Information and precautions .... 9 Mr conditioning system components * removal and refitting 10 Antifreeze mixture See Chapter 1A or 1B Auxiliary drivebell(s) check and renewal See Chapter 1A or IB Coolant level check See Weekly checks Coolant pump - removal, Inspection and refitting 7 Coolant renewal See Chapter 1A or 1B
Degrees of difficulty
Cooling fan switch - testing, removal and refitting 6 Cooling system hoses • disconnection and renewal 2 Electric cooling fan(s) - testing, removal and refitting 5 General information and precautions 1 Heater/ventilation components • removal and refitting 8 Radiator - removal, inspection and refitting 3 Thermostat - removal, testing and refitting 4

Easy,
suitable foe JS^, novice
with
little experience ^
Fairly
easy,
sutable for beginner witti
some experience
^
Faiilydifltctit,
suitable
for competent
DIY mechanic
^

Difficult,
sutable for & experienced DIY « mechanic ^
VerydMlcult, ^
suitable
for
expert DIY
« or professional
Specifications
General Expansion tank relief valve opening pressure 0.96 bar Coolant pump Impeller-to-casing clearance: Diesel engine models 0.53 to 1.37 mm Petrol engine models 0.4 to 0.9 mm
Thermostat Diesel engine models: Opening temperature: Starts to open 78 to 82*0 Fully open 88°C Maximum valve travel (approximate) 7.5 mm Petrol engine models: Opening temperature: 1108 cc and 1242 cc (8-valve) engines: Starts to open 85 to 89°C Fully open 100°C 1242 cc (16-valve) engines: Starts to open 81 to 85°C Fully open 103°C Maximum valve lift (approximate) 7.5 mm
Electric cooling fan Petrol engine models with single speed fan: Cut-in temperature 90to94°C Cut-out temperature B5 to 89°C Diesel engine models with twin speed fan: Cut-In temperature: Primary fan 86 to 90® C Secondary fan 90 to 94°C Cut-out temperature: Primary fan 81to85°C Secondary fan 85 to 89°C
Torque wrench settings Nm tbfft Coolant pump pulley securing bolts (diesel engine models) 23 17 Coolant pump securing bolts: Diesel engine models 23 17 Petrol engine models 8 6 Coolant pump securing nuts (petrol engine models) 10 7

3*2 Cooling, heating and ventilation systems
1 General information and precautions
Genera/ Information The engine cooling/cabin heating system is ol pressurised type, comprising a coolant pump driven by the camshaft timing belt (petrol engine models) or auxiliary drlvebelt (diesel engine models), a crossllow radiator, a coolant expansion tank, an electric cooling fan, a thermostat, heater matrix, and all associated hoses and switches. The system functions as follows: Ihe coolant pump circulates cold water around the cylinder block and head passages, and through the Inlet manifold, heater matrix and throttle body to the thermostat housing. When the engine Is cold, the thermostat remains closed and prevents coolant from circulating through the radiator. When the coolant reaches a predetermined temperature, the thermostat opens, and the coolant passes through the top hose to the radiator. As the coolant circulates through the radiator, it is cooled by the in-rush of air when the car is in forward motion. The airllow is supplemented by the action of the electric cooling fan. when necessary, As the temperature of the coolant in the radiator drops, it flows to the bottom of the radiator by convection, and passes out through the bottom hose to the coolant pump - the cycle is then repeatod, When the engine is at normal operating temperature, the coolant expands, and some of It is displaced into the expansion tank. Coolant collects In the tank, and ts returned to Ihe radiator when the system cools. On petrol engine models, the expansion tank is integrated into the side of the radiator. On diesel engine models, and certain petrol engine models with air conditioning, the tank is a separate unit, mounted on the right hand side of the engine compartment. On turbo diesel engine models, the coolant is also passed through a supplementary engine oil cooler, to assist In controlling the engine lubricant temperature. Tho electric cooling fan mounted in front of the radiator is controlled by a thermostatic switch. At a predetermined coolant temperature, the swilch/sensor actuates the tan lo provide additional airflow through the radiator, The switch cuts the electrical supply to the Ion when the coolant temperature has dropped below a preset threshold (see Specifications).
Precautions

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Warning: Do not attempt to remove the expansion tank pressure cap, or to disturb any part of the cooling system, whlio the engine is hot, as then is a high risk of scalding, tf the expansion tank pressure cap must be removed before the
engine and radiator have fulty cooled (even though this is not recommended?, the pressure in the cooling system must first be relieved. Cover the cap with a thick layer of cloth, to avoid scalding, and slowly unscrew the pressuro cap until a hissing sound Is heard. When the hissing stops, indicating that the pressure has reduced, slowly unscrew the pressure cap until it can be removed; If more hissing sounds are heard, wait until they have stopped before unscrewing the cap completely. At all times, keep your face well away from the pressure cap opening, and protect your hands.

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Warning: Do not allow antifreeze to come into contact with your skin, or with the painted surfaces of the vehicle. Rinse off spills immediately, with plenty of water. Never leave antifreeze lying around in an open container, or In a puddle In the driveway or on the garage floor. Children and pets are attracted by its sweet smell, but antifreeze can be fatal tf ingested.

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Warning: If the engine is hot, the electric cooling fan may start rotating even if the engine and ignition are switched off. Be careful to keep your hands, hair, and any loose clothing well clear when working In the engine compartment.
2 Cooling system hoses - f&> disconnection and renewal ^
1 The number, routing and pattern of hoses will vary according to model, but the same basic procedure applies. Before commencing work, make sure that the new hoses are to hand, along wilh new hose clips if needed, it is good practice to renew the hose clips at the same time as the hoses. 2 Drain the cooling system, as described in Chapter 1A or 18, saving the coolant if it is fit for re-use. Apply a little penetrating oil onto the hose clips if they are corroded. 3 Release the hose clips from the hose concerned. Three types of clip are used; worm-drive. spring and 'sardine-can'. The worm-drive clip is released by turning its screw anti-clockwise. The spring clip Is released by squeezing Its tags together with pliers, at the same time working the cbp away from the hose stub. The sardine-can clips are not re-usable, and are best cut off with snips or side cutters. 4 Unclip any wires, cables or other hoses which may be attached to the hose being removed. Make notes for reference when reassembling If necessary. 5 Release the hose from its stubs with a twisting motion. Be careful not to damage the stubs on deltcate components such as the radiator, or thermostat housings. If the hose Is stuck fast, the best course is often to cut it off using a sharp knife, but again be careful not to damage the stubs.
6 Before fitting the new hose, smear the stubs with washing-up liquid or a suitable rubber lubricant to aid fitting. Do not use oil or grease, which may attack the rubber. 7 Fit the hose clips over the ends of the hose, then fit the hose over its stubs. Work the hose Into position. When satisfied, locate and tighten the hose dips. 6 Refill the cooling system as described In Chapter 1A or 1B. Run the engine, and chock that there are no leaks. 9 Recheck the tightness of Ihe hose clips on any new hoses after a few hundred miles. 10 Top-up the coolant level if necessary.
3 Radiator -
removal,
inspection and refitting
Removal Note: If leakage is the reason for removing
the
radiator, bear In mind that minor leaks can often be cured using proprietary radiator sealing compound, with the radiator in situ. 1 Disconnect the battery negative terminal (refer to Disconnecting the battery In the Reference Section of this manual). On diesel engine models, unbolt the relay bracket from the side of the battery tray. 2 Drain the cooling system as described In Chapter 1A or 1B. 3 On 1242 cc (16-valve) petrol engine models, remove the air cleaner and Inlet ducts as desenbed In Chapter 4B, 4 Slacken the clips and disconnect Ihe (op and bottom coolant hoses from the radiator. In addition on diesel engine models, and petrol engine models with a remotely-sited expansion tank, disconnect the expansion tank coolant hose from the right hand side ol the radiator (see Illustrations), 5 Unscrew the fixings and lift the plastic trim panel from above the front bumper Unscrew the bolt(s) securing tho radiator to the upper body panel (see Illustration). Note that the radiator and cooling fan assembly share the same upper mounting bolt. 6 Unbolt the cooling fan(e) and shroud assembly from Ihe rear ot the radiator, as described in Section 5.
3.4a Slacken the clip and disconnect the radiator bottom hose

3*2 Cooling, heating and ventilation systems
12 If tho pump is stuck, tap It gently using a soft-faced mallet • do not lever between the pump and cylinder block mating faces.
Inspection 13 Check the pump body and impeller for signs of excessive corrosion. Turn the impeller, and check for stiffness due to corrosion, or roughness due to excessive end play. 14 Check the clearance between the pump Impeller and the casing using a feeler blade (see Illustration). If the clearance is different to that given In the Specifications, the pump must be renewed. No spare components are available; the pump can only be renewed as a complete assembly. 15 On diesel engine models, remove the O-rlng at the end ol the transfer pipe, which runs behind Ihe cylinder block and fits Into the rear of the coolant pump. A new O-rlng should be fitted as a matter of course.
Refitting
Petrol engine models 16 Commence refitting by thoroughly cleaning all traces of sealant from the mating faces of the pump and cylinder block/pump housing. 17 Apply a continuous bead of sealant {liquid gasket) to the cylinder block mating face of the pump, taking care not to apply excessive sealant, which may enter the pump itself (see Illustration). 18 Place the pump In position In Its housing, then refit and lighten the bolts/nuts to the specified torque. 19 Refit the liming belt as described In Chapter 2A or 28. 20 Refit the auxiliary drivebeltfs) and refill the cooling system as described in Chapter
t
A. 21 Reconnect Ihe battery negative terminal. Diesel engine models 22 Commence refitting by thoroughly cleaning all traces of old gasket from the mating faces of the pump housing and cylinder block. 23 Place a new gasket in position on (he cylinder block, locate the pump in position, then refit and tighten the bolts (see
7.17 On petrol engine models, apply a continuous bead of sealant (liquid gasket) to the pump mating face
pump Impeller and the casing using a feeler blode (diesel engine) illustration). Ensure that the end of the coolant transfer pipe seats firmly In tho port at the rear of the coolant pump, without displacing the O-ring seal. 24 Refit Ihe pump pulley, then refit the securing bolts and tighten to the specified torque. Counterhofd the pulley using the same method employed during removal. 25 Where applicable, refit the power steering pump with reference to Chapter 10. 26 Refit and tension the auxiliary drivebelt(s) as described in Chapter 18. 27 Refill (he cooling system as desenbed in Chapter 1B. 28 Reconnect the battery negative terminal.
8 Heater/ventilation components - § removal and refitting
Complete heater assembly

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Warning: On mode's fitted with air conditioning, do not attempt to remove the cooling unit, which Is located between the heater blower motor casing and the main heater assembly. Romovat of the cooling unit entails disconnection of refrigerant lines - refer to Section 10 for precautions to be observed.
rfJS
tf In any doubt as to the procedure fo follow on models with air conditioning, consult a Fiat dealer for advice. Note: This is an involved procedure, and It (s recommended fhat the following Section fs read thoroughly before commencing work. Plenty of time should be allowed to compter the operation. During dismantling, make notes on the routing of all wiring and cables, and the locations of all fixings, to aid reassembly. Removal 1 Disconnect the battery negative terminal (refer to Disconnecting the battery In the Reference Section of this manual), 2 Set the heater control to HOT. then drain the cooling system as described In Chapter 1A or 18. 3 Working in the engine bay, slacken the clips and dotach the healer unit coolant hoses from the ports at the bulkhead (see illustration) Recover the rubber grommets. 4 Refer to Chapter 11 and remove the entire facia assembly from the vehicle bulkhead. Rest the assembly on the front seats. 5 At this stage, access to the air l nlet/dlstrl but Ion/blending control cables is possible. These can be easily disconnected from their respective control levers and renewed If required. 6 Working from the engine bay. remove the protective plastic caps to expose the heater assembty mounting studs and remove the nuts 7 Label the electrical connections to 1hi» heater assembly, to aid correct refitting later and then unplug them at the connectors 8 Slacken and remove the nuts and lift the healer assembly off its mounting studs. Refitting 9 To refit the assembly, reverse the steps described for removal, bearing in mind the following points: a) Make sure that all wiring and cables are muted as noted during dismantling. b) Make sure that dl air ducts are securely reconnected. c) Refit the facia components with reference to Chapter 11. dl On completion, refill the cooling system as described In Chapter 1A or 18.
8.3 Slacken the clips (arrowed) and detach the heater unit coolant hoses from the ports at the bulkhead

3*2 Cooling, heating and ventilation systems
Heater matrix Removal 10 Remove the complete heater assembly as described previously in this Section. 11 Slacken and remove the securing screws, then withdraw the heater matrix from the tester assembly casing. Refitting 12 Refitting is a reversal of removal; refit Ihe neater assembly as described previously in
this
Section.
Heater blower motor
Removal 13 Disconnect the battery negative terminal {refer to Disconnecting the battery in the Reference Section of this manual). 14 Unplug the wiring from the blower motor
al the
connector. 15 Working in the passenger front footwell, under the glovebox. remove the securing grows and lower the blower motor and rotor assembly from Its casing (see illustration). Refitting
16 Refitting is a reversal of removal.
Heater blower motor resistor
Removal 17 The resistor is located at the bottom of the heater casing, behind the blower motor. 18 Disconnect the battery negative terminal (refer to O/sconnecf/ng the battery in the Reference Section of this manual). 19 For improved access, remove the blower motor as described in the previous sub-Section. 20 Disconnect the wiring plug from the resistor. 21 Working under the glovebox. remove the two securing screws, and withdraw the resistor from the blower unit case (see lustrations).
8.15 Removo the securing screws and lower the blower motor and rotor assembly from its casing Refitting 22 Refining Is a reversal of removal.
Heater control panel
Removal 23 Pull the ventilation fan speed control knob from the panel. 24 Unscrew and remove the three screws securing the panel cover. Two screws are under the lower edge of the panel, whilst Ihe remaining screw is located in the ventilation fan speed control knob recess. Remove the panel. 25 Unscrew and remove the four screws securing the control panel to the facia. The screws are located in each comer of the panel. 26 Remove the facia as described in Chap-ter 11. 27 Make a careful note of the cable and electrical connections. Unscrew the cable clamps and unclip the inner cables from the controls. Unplug the ventilation fan speed control. 28 Unclip and remove the control panel from the heater distributor box assembly. Refitting 29 Refitting is a reversal of removal.
9 Air conditioning system -general Information and precautions
General information An air conditioning system is available on certain models. It enables the temperature of Incoming air to be lowered, and also dehumidifies the air, which allows rapid demisting and increased comfort. The cooling side of the system works In the same way as a domestic refrigerator. Refrigerant gas is drawn into a belt-driven compressor where the increase In pressure causes the refrigerant gas to turn to liquid. It then passes through a condenser mounted on the front of the radiator, where it is cooled. Tho liquid then passes through an expansion vaive to an evaporator, where it changes from liquid under high pressure to gas under low pressure. This change is accompanied by a drop in temperature, which cools the evaporator and hence the air passing over it. The refrigerant returns to the compressor, and the cycle begins again. The air bfown through the evaporator passes to the air distribution unit where it is mixed, if required, with hot air blown through the heater matrix to achieve the desired temperature in the passenger compartment. The heating side of ihe system works in the same way as on models without air conditioning (see Section 8). The system Is electronically-controlled. Any problems with the system should be referred to a Fiat dealer.
Precautions With an air conditioning system. It is necessary to observe special precautions whenever dealing with any part of the system, or its associated components. If for any reason the system must be disconnected, it Is
8.21a Remove the two securing screws (arrowed)... ,21b ... and withdraw the resistor from the blower unit case

3*2 Cooling, heating and ventilation systems
essential that you entrust this task to your Flat dealer or a refrlgeralion engineer.

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Warning: The refrigeration circuit contains a liquid refrigerant and
H
Is dangerous to disconnect any part of the system without specialist knowledge and equipment. The refrigerant is potentially dangerous, and should only be handled by qualified persons. If it is splashed onto tha skin, It can cause severe frostbite, tt Is not Itself poisonous, but In the presence of a naked flame (Including a cigarette), it forms a
poisonous gas. Uncontrolled discharging of the refrigerant is dangerous and potentially damaging to the environment.
10 Air conditioning components ^S - removal and refitting J
Note: Do not operate the air conditioning system If it is known to be short of refrigerant, as this may damage the compressor. 1 The only operation which can be carried
out easily without discharging the refrigerant is renewal of the auxiliary (compressor) drivebelt - this procedure Is described in Chapter 1A or 1B. All other operations must be referred to a Fiat dealer or an air conditioning specialist. 2 If necessary for access to other com-ponents, the compressor can be unbolted and moved aside, without disconnecting its flexible hoses, after removing the drivebelt.

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Warning: Do not attempt to open the refrigerant circuit. Refer to
the
precautions given in Section 9.
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