1998 FIAT PUNTO bonnet

10*1
Chapter 11
Bodywork and fittings
Contents
Bonnet • removal and refitting 11 Bonnet lock components - removal and refitting 12 Bonnet release cable - removal and refitting 13 Door - removal and refitting 15 Door handle and lock components • removal and refitting 16 Door inner trim panel • removal and refitting 14 Electric window components • removal and refitting 18 Exterior mirror components - removal and refitting 17 Facia - removal and refitting 19 Front bumper • removal and refitting 6
General Information 1 Maintenance - bodywork and underframe 2 Maintenance - upholstery and carpets 3 Major body damage - repair 5 Minor body damage - repair 4 Rear bumper - removal and refitting 7 Seats • removal and refitting 20 Tailgate - removal and refitting 8 Tailgate lock components - removal and refitting 10 Tailgate strut - removal and refitting 9
Degrees of difficulty

Easy, suitable for
novice with littie experience ^
Fairly
easy,
suitable ^ for beginner with ^
some
experience

Fairty difficult,
^
suitable
fcr competent
DIY
mechanic ^
Difficult,
suitable (or
^ experienced DIY »R mechanic ^

Very difficult,
^
suitable
for
expert CHY
or professional ^
Specifications
! Torque wrench settings Nm ibf ft Bonnet-to-hinge botts 8 6 Door hinge-to-body bolts 35 26
1 Genera! information
The bodyshell is composed of pressed-steel sections which are welded together, although some use of structural adhesives is made. In addition, the front wings are bolted i on. ' The bonnet, door and some other panels I vulnerable to corrosion are fabricated from zinc-coated metal. A coating of anti-chip primer, applied prior to paint spraying I provides further protection. Extensive use is made of plastic materials. ' mainly In the Interior, but also in exterior components. The outer sections of the front l and rear bumpers are injection-moulded from
a
synthetic material which is very strong, and yet light. Plastic components such as wheel | arch liners are fitted to the underside of the vehicle, to improve Ihe body's resistance to I corrosion.
2 Maintenance - ^ bodywork and underframe ||
The general condition of a vehicle's bodywork is the one thing that significantly affects its value. Maintenance is easy, but needs to be regular. Neglect, particularly after minor damage, can lead quickly to further deterioration and costly repair bills. It is important also to keep watch on those parts of the vehicle not immediately visible, for instance the underside, inside all the wheel arches, and the lower part of the engine compartment. The basic maintenance routine for the bodywork is washing - preferably with a lot of water, from a hose. This will remove all the loose solids which may have stuck to the vehicle. It is important to flush these off in such a way as to prevent grit from scratching the finish. The wheel arches and underframe need washing in the same way, to remove any
accumulated mud. which will retain moisture and tend to encourage rust. Paradoxically enough, the best time to clean the underframe and wheel arches is in wet weather, when the mud is thoroughly wet and soft. In very wet weather, the underframe is usually cleaned of large accumulations automatically, and this is a good time for inspection. Periodically, except on vehicles with a wax-based underbody protective coating, it is a good idea to have the whole of the underframe of Ihe vehicle steam-cleaned, engine compartment included, so that a thorough inspection can be carried out to see what minor repairs and renovations are necessary. Steam-cleaning is available at many garages, and is necessary for the removal of the accumulation of oily grime, which sometimes is allowed to become thick In certain areas. If steam-cleaning facilities are

11
*6 Bodywork and fittings
10.3c ... and lift off die lock cylinder
3 The lock cylinder may be separated from the assembly by first uncllpplng the plastic shield and then removing the securing screw (see Illustrations). Refitting 4 Refitting is Ihe reversal of removal.
Striker plate
Removal 5 With the tailgate held In the fully open position, mark the position of the striker plate In relation to the bodywork using a pencil or marker pen, to aid accurate refitting. 6 Slacken and unscrew the bolts securing the striker plate to the bodywork (see Illustration) 7 Remove the striker plate from its aperture, to expose the remote release cable. 8 The release cable may be adjusted by altering the position of Ihe cable outer sheath wKhin its retaining bracket (see illustration) Refitting 9 Refitting is a reversal of removal. Use the markings made during removal to givo Ihe correct alignment. 10 Check that the tailgate fastens and releases in a satisfactory manner. If adjustment Is necessary, slacken the striker plate retaining bolts, and adjust Ihe position ot the plate to suit. Once the lock is operating correctly, securely tighten the striker plate retaining bolls.
10.3a Unclip tho plastic shield... 10.3b ... remove the screw...
10.8 Slackon and unsorew the bolts (arrowed) securing the strfker plate to the bodywork
Si
10,8 Adjust the rolease cable by altering the position of the cable outer sheath within its bracket (arrowed)
11 Bonnet-removal and refitting
Removal 1 Open the bonnet and prop it up with a stout pole. 2 Disconnect the washer Jet hoses at the three way joint (see illustration), 3 Mark the relationship between the hinges and the edge of the bonnet using a soft pencil or markor pen. Slacken and unscrew the bolts: have an assistant support the bonnet as the last bolts aro removed (see Illustration),
4 With the help of an assistant, lift off the bonnet and set it down on its edge, using a dust sheet to protect the paintwork.
Refitting 5 Refit the bonnet by reversing the removal process, using the markings made dunng removal to achieve the correct alignment. Note that the boll mounting holes are slotted to allow adjustment if required. On completion, tighten the bolts to the specified torque. 8 Check that the bonnet fastens and releases in a satisfactory manner. If necessary, adjust the bonnet lock components, as described
m
Section 12.

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

Body electrical systems 12*3
3.4 The auxiliary fusebox, located inside the glovebox behind a drop-down panel auxiliary fusebox, which is located inside the glovebox behind a drop-down panel (see Illustration). 5 A blown fuse can be recognised from its melted or broken wire (see illustration). 6 To remove a fuse, first ensure that the relevant circuit is switched off. 7 Using the plastic tool clipped to the main fusebox lid, pull the fuse from its location. 8 Spare fuses are provided in the main fusebox. 9 Before renewing a blown fuse, trace and rectify the cause, and always use a fuse of the correct rating (fuse ratings are specified on the inside of the fusebox cover flap). Never substitute a fuse of a higher rating, or make temporary repairs using wire or metal foil; more serious damage, or even fire, could result. 10 Note that the fuses are colour-coded as follows. Refer to the wiring diagrams for details of the fuse ratings used and the circuits protected. Colour Rating Orange 5A Red 10A Blue 15A Yellow 20A Clear or White 25A Green 30A 11 The radio/cassette player fuse is located In the rear of the unit, and can be accessed after removing the radio/cassette player -refer to Section 12for greater detail.
Relays 12 A relay is an electncally-operated switch, which Is used for the following reasons: 4 A relay can switch a heavy current remotely from the circuit in which the current is flowing, therefore allowing the use of lighter-gauge wiring and switch contacts.
b)
A relay can receive more than one control input, unlike a mechanical switch. c) A relay can have a timer function - for example, the intermittent wiper relay. 13 The main and optional equipment relays are located in the main and auxiliary toseboxes (see Fuses). A number of additional relays may be fitted, depending on model and specification. These are generally mounted
3.5 A blown fuse can be recognised from its melted or broken wire adjacent lo the component being controlled; e.g. the radiator cooling fan relay(s) are mounted on a bracket next the cooling fan itself. 14 The direction Indicator/hazard warning flasher unit is mounted on the underside of the steering column slalk switch unit. It can be accessed by removing the steering column lower shroud panel (see illustration). 15 If a circuit or system controlled by a relay develops a fault, and the relay is suspect, operate the system. If the relay is functioning, it should be possible to hear it click as it is energised, if this is Ihe case, the fault lies with the components or wiring of the system. If the relay is not being energised, then either the relay is not receiving a main supply or a switching voltage, or the relay itself is faulty. Testing is by the substitution of a known good unit, but be careful - while some relays are identical in appearance and in operation, others look similar but perform different functions. 16 To remove a relay, first ensure that the relevant circuit is switched off. The relay can then simply be pulled out from the socket, and pushed back into position.
4 Buibs (exterior lights) -renewal
General 1 Whenever a bulb is renewed, note the following points:
3.14 Removing the direction indlcator/ha2ard warning flasher unit
a) Ensure that the relevant electrical circuit is isolated before removing a bulb. If in doubt, disconnect the battery negative lead before starting work. b) Remember that, if the circuit has just been in use, the bulb may be extremely hot. c) A/ways check the bulb contacts and holder, ensuring that there is clean metal-to-metal contact between the bulb and its live contacts) and earth. Clean off
any
corrosion or dirt before fitting a nevt bulb. d) Wherever bayonet-type bulbs are fitted, ensure that the live contacts) bear firmly against the bulb contact. e) Always ensure that the new bulb is of the correct rating (see Specifications), and that it is completely clean before fitting it; this applies particularly to headlight/foglight bulbs (see following
0 Pay attention to the orientation when fitting multi-filament bulbs (e.g. combined tail/brake light bulbs) • incorrect fitting will cause the filaments to illuminate In the wrong sequence.
Headlight 2 Open the bonnet. Ensure that the headlights are turned off at the stalk switch. Models with single reflector 3 Pull the wiring plug from the rear of the bulb (see illustration). 4 Pull the rubber boot from the rear of the headlight unit (see Illustration).
4.3 Pull the wiring plug from the rear of the bulb 4.4 Pull the rubber boot from the rear of the headlight unit

12*4 Body electrical systems
4.5 Squeeze the retaining spring-clip lugs, and release the clip from the rear erf the bulb
5 Squeeze the retaining spring-clip lugs, and release Ihe clip Irom the rear of the bulb {see illustration) 6 Withdraw the bulb (see illustration). Models with twin reflectors 7 Unclip Ihe cover from the rear of the headlight unit. Note that the light unit houses three bulbholders; one tor the combined main/dipped beam bulb, one for the long range main beam bulb and one for the sidelight bulb. 8 Pull Ihe wiring plug from the rear ol Ihe bulb. 9 Squeeze the retaining spring-clip lugs, and release tho clip from the rear of the bulb 10 Withdraw Ihe bulb. All models 11 When handling the new bulb, use a tissue
4.21 Unhook the light unit spring clip from the recess in the inner wing
4 6 Withdraw Ihe bulb
or clean cloth, to avoid touching Ihe glass wilh Ihe lingers; moisture and grease from the skin can cause blackening and rapid failure of this type of bulb. If the glass is accidentally touched, wipe it clean using methylated spirit. Avoid knocking or shaking the bulb as this may weaken the filament. 12 Install the new bulb, using a reversal of the removal procedure, ensuring that its locating tabs are correctly located in tho light unit cut-outs. Secure the bulb in position with Ihe retaining clip.
Sidelight
Models with single reflector 13 Open the bonnet. Ensure Ihat the sidelights are turned off at ihe stalk switch. 14 Twist the bulbholder lo release it from the rear of tho light unit (see illustration) 15 The bulb is a push fit in the bulbholder. 16 Fit the new bulb using a reversal of the removal procedure. Models with twin reflectors 17 Unclip the cover from Ihe rear of Ihe headlight unit. Note that Ihe light unit houses three bulbholders; one for the combined main/ dipped beam bulb, one for the long range main beam bulb and one (or the sidelight bulb. 18 Twist the bulbholder to release il from the rear of the light unit. 19 The bulb is a push fit in the bulbholder. 20 Fit Ihe new bulb using a reversal of the removal procedure.
4.14 Twist the bulbholder to release it from tho rear of tho light unit
Front direction indicator 21 Open the bonnet. Unhook tho light unit spring clip from the recess in the innsr wing, directly behind ihe indicator lighl unit (see illustration). 22 Pull the light unit forwards liom its housing. 23 Twist ihe bulbholder anti-clockwise and withdraw It from the light unit (see illustration). 24 The bulb is a bayonet fit in the bulbbdoer. 25 Fit the new bulb, then refil tho fight assembly using a reversal of Ihe remove! procedure. Ensure that the pegs on the side ol the lighl unit engage with the lugs in the side of the headlight unit and the body panel (see illustration). Hook the retaining spring clip securely Into the recess in the Inner
wing.

Front direction indicator
side
repeater 26 Slide the light unit towards the from
ol
the vehicle slightly, then insert a plastic Implement behind the rear edge of the unit and lever it oul ot the wing aperture (see illustration). 27 Withdraw the light unit. Ihen twist the bulbholder anti-clockwise to release
H
from the light unit (see illustration). 28 The bulb is a push fit in the bulbholder. 29 Fit the new bulb using a reversal of trie removal procedure.
4.26 Slide the light unit towards the front
of
the vehicle slightly, then Insert a plastic implement behind the rear edge
4.23 Twist the bulbholder anticlockwise and withdraw It from the light unit
4.25 Ensure that the pegs (arrowed) on tho sido of tho tight unit engage with the lugs In the side of the headlight unit and the body panel

Body electrical systems 12*11
15.6 Withdraw the motor assembly through the aperture in the tailgate
Refitting 7 Refitting is a reversal of removal. Refit the wiper arm with reference to Section 16.
16 Windscreen/tailgate washer % system components • ^ removal and refitting ^
Washer fluid reservoir
Removal 1 Ensure that the vehicle is parked on a level surface. Apply the handbrake and chock the rear wheels. Slacken the left hand front roadwheel bolts. 2 Raise the front of the vehicle, rest it securely on axle stands (see Jacking and vehicle support) and remove the left hand front roadwheel. 3 Disconnect the battery negative terminal {refer to Disconnecting the battery In the Reference Section of this manual). 4 Working from the engine bay, remove washer fluid reservoir upper securing screws. 5 Remove the secunng screws and lift off the front and rear sections of the wheel arch liner. 6 Remove fluid reservoir lower securing screws. 7 Disconnect the sviring plugs from the washer pumps, and from the fluid level sensor, where applicable. Label each connector to aid correct refitting later. 8 Disconnect the fluid hoses from the washer tx/mps • if the reservoir still contains fluid, be prepared tor spillage.
16.20a Remove the circllp...
9 Where applicable, release the wiring harness from its clips, and move the harness to one side to allow sufficient clearance to remove the reservoir. 10 Lower the reservoir from under the wheel arch. Refitting 11 Refitting is a reversal of removal.
Washer fluid reservoir and washer pump(s)
Removal 12 Remove the washer fluid reservoir, as described in the previous sub-Section. 13 Disconnect the wiring plug and the fluid hose from the relevant washer pump. 14 Release the spring clip, then pull the washer pump from the reservoir. Where applicable, recover the grommet. Refitting 15 Refitting is a reversal of removal.
IV/nctecreen washer nozzle
Removal 16 Open the bonnet. 17 Working under the bonnet, release the securing tabs using a suitable screwdriver, then push the nozzle from the bonnet. Disconnect the fluid hose, and withdraw the nozzle. Refitting 18 Refitting is a reversal of removal.
housing from the end of the wiper shaft
Tailgate washer nozzle
Removal 19 The tailgate washer nozzle is integral with the wiper motor shaft; remove the wiper motor as described in Section 15. 20 Remove the circllp and then slide the nozzle housing from the end of the wiper shaft (see illustrations). Refitting 21 Refitting is a reversal of removal, but ensure that the fluid hose is securely reconnected.
17 Windscreen wiper motor -removal and refitting ^
Removal 1 Disconnect the battery negative terminal (refer to Disconnecting the battery In the Reference Section of this manual). 2 Refer to Section 18 and remove both wiper arms. 3 Remove the securing screws and plastic clips, and withdraw the cowl panel (see illustrations). 4 Disconnect the motor wiring plug. 5 Slacken and withdraw the motor and linkage securing bolts, then withdraw the assembly from the bulkhead (see illustrations).
17.3a Remove the securing screws and plasUc clips... 17.3b ... and withdraw the cowl panel 17.5a Wiper motor and linkage left-hand ...