FIAT PUNTO 1998 176 / 1.G User Guide

do Weekly checks
Introduction
There are some very simple checks which need only take a few minutes to carry out, but which could save you a lot of inconvenience and expense.
These Weekly checks require no great skill or special lools, and the small amount of lime they take to perform could prove to be very well spent, for example;
P Keeping an eye on tyre condition and pressures, will not only help to stop them wearing out prematurely, but could also save your life.
C Many breakdowns are caused by electacai problems. Battery-relalod faults are particularly common, and a quick check on a regular basis will ofton prevent the majority of these.
• If your car develops a brake fluid teak, the first time you might know about it is when your brakes don't work properly. Checking the level regularly will give advance warning of this kind of problem.
• If the oil or coolant levels run low. the cost of repairing any engine damage will be far greater than fixing the leak, for example.
Underbonnet check points
4 1.1 litre petrol
A Engine oil level dipstick Q Engine oil filler cap C Cooteof expansion tank P Brake fluid reservoir E Screen washer fluid reservoir p Battery
< 1.2 litre
m (8-valve) petrol
^ 1 A Engine oII level dipstick
B Engine otl tiller cap
fi i: c Coolant expansion tank
D Brake fluid reservoir
E Screen washer fluid reservoir
F Battery

Weekly checks o.n
Ulllllli
B
4 1.2 litre (16-valve) petrol
A Engine oil level dipstick
B Engine oil fitter cap 0 Coolant expansion tank D 8rake fluid reservoir £ Screen ivasfter fluid reservoir P Battery G Power steenng fluid reservoir
B

4
1.7 litre Turbo diesel
A Engine otl level dipstick B Engine oil filler cap Q Coolant expansion tank Q Brake fluid reservoir E Screen washer fluid reservoir F Battery
G Power steering fluid reservoir

o*i2 Weekly checks
Engine oil level
Before you start • Make euro that your cor is on level ground. • Check ihe oil level oefore ihe cor is driven, or at least 5 minutes alter the engine has been switched off.
HHifffl If tho oil Is checked rTf"â„¢^ Immediately after driving the IHlAIT vehicle,
some
of the oil will " remain In the upper engine components, resulting in on inaccurate reading on the dipstick!
The correct oil Modern engines place great demands on their oil. It Is very important that the correct oil for your car is used
Lubricants and fluids).
Car Care • If you have to add oil frequently, you should check whother you have any oil leaks. Place some clean paper under the car overnight, and check for stains In the morning. If there are no leaks, the engine may be burning oil.
• Always maintain the level between the upper and lower dipstick marks (see pholo 2). If Ihe level Is too low
sqvoio
engine damage may oecur. Oil seal failure may result if tho engine is overfilled by adding too much oil.

I

Tho dipstick is brightly coloured for easy identification (seo Under bonnet check points). Withdraw the dipstick (petrol engine shown).

3

If more oil is needed, remove the oil filler cap Irom the top of the ongine (petrol engine shown).
SI i J

2

Using a clean rag or paper towel remove all oil from the dipstick. Insert the clean dipstick into the tube as far as it will go, then withdraw it again. The level should be between the upper and lower marks.

4

Oil Is added through the filler cap aperture (diesel engine shown). Add the oil a little at a time, checking the level on the dipstick often. Using a funnel will help to reduce spillage. Don't overfill (see Car Care).
Coolant level
A
Warning: DO NOT attempt to remove the expansion tank pressure cap when the engine is hot, as there is a very great risk of scalding. Do not leave open containers of coo/ant about, as It is poisonous.
Car Care • With a sealed-type cooling system, adding coolant should not be necessary on a regular basis. If frequent topping-up is required, it is likely there Is a leak. Check the radiator, all hoses and Joint faces for signs of staining or wetness, and roctify as necessary.
• It is important that antifreeze is used in the cooling system all year round, not just during the winter months. Don't top-up with water alone, as the antifreeze will become too diluted.
H Check that the coolant level is between I the MIN and MAX marks, il topping up is necessary, wait until tho engine is cold. Slowly unscrew the expansion tank cap to release any pressure present in the cooling system, and remove it (petrol engine shown).

2

On diesel engine models, Ihe ooolant expansion tank is a different shape, but Ihe same procedure applies as for petrol engine models (see photo 1). Tho MlN and MAX marks appear on the side of tlie tank neorosl the engine.

3

Add a mixture of water and antifreeze to the expansion tank until the coolant level is up to the MAX mark (petrol engine shown), The MIN and MAX marks appear on the tank below the filler neck.

Weekly checks 0.13
Brake fluid level
A
Warning: • Brake fluid can harm your eyes and damage painted surfaces, so use extreme caution when handling and pouting it.
• Do not use fluid that has been standing open for so mo time, as It absorbs moisture from the air, which can cause a dangerous loss of braking effectiveness.
Mpmna * Make sure that your car Is I on level ground. HiNTi * Th* ffftt 'eve/ In the reservoir will drop slightly as

I

The MIN and MAX marks are indicated on the side of Ihe reservoir The fluid level must be kept between the marks at all times.

2

11 topping-up is necessary, first wipe clean the area around the filler cap to prevent dirt entering the hydraulic system.
the brake pads wear down, but the fluid level must never be allowed to drop below the "MIN" mark.
Safety First! • If the reservoir requires repeated topping* up this is an indication of a fluid leak somev/here In the system, which should be investigated immediately.
• If a leak is suspected, the car should not be driven until the braking system has been checked. Never take any risks where brakes are concerned.
Unscrew the reservoir cap and carefully lift it out of position, taking care not to damage the level switch float. Inspect the reservoir: if the fluid Is dirty Ihe hydraulic system should be drained and refilled (see Chapter 1A or 1B).

4

Carefully add fluid, taking care not to spill it onto the surrounding components, Use only the specified fluid; mixing different types can cause damage to the system. After topping-up to the correct level, secureiy refit the cap and wipe off any spilt fluid.
Power steering fluid level
Before you start: •Park the vehicle on level ground. • Set the steering wheel straight-ahead. •
The
engine should be turned off.

I

The reservoir is located on the right-hand side of the bulkhead in the engine compartment. Wipe clean the area around the reservoir filler cap then unscrew It from the reservoir.
For the check to be accurate, the steering must HlHT; not be turned once the engine has been stopped.


2

Dip the fluid with the reservoir cap/ dipstick (do not screw the cap into position). When the engine is cold, the fluid level should be up to Ihe MIN mark (B): when hot. it should be on the MAX mark (A).
Safety First! • The need for frequent topping-up indicates a leak, which should be investigated immediately.

3

When topping-up, use the specified type of lluid and do noi overfill the reservoir. When the level is correct, securely refit the cap.

o»i4 Weekly checks
Tyre condition and pressure
l( is very important that tyres are In good condition, and at the correct pressure - having a tyre (allure at any speed is highly dangerous. Tyre wear is influenced by driving style • harsh braking and acceleration, or fast cornering, will ail produce more rapid tyre wear. As a general rule, the front tyres wear out faster than the rears. Interchanging the tyres from front to rear ("rotating' the tyres) may result in more even wear. However, if this is completely effective, you may have the expense of replacing ail four tyres at once! Remove any nails or stones embedded In the tread before they penetrate the tyro to cause deflation. If removal of a nail does reveal that
r
the tyre has been punctured, refit the nail so (hat its point of penetration is marked. Then Immediately change the wheel, and have the tyre repaired by a tyre dealer. Regularly check the tyres for damage (n the form of cuts or bulges, especially in the sidewails. Periodically remove the wheels, and clean any dirt or mud from the Inside and outside surfaces. Examine the wheel rims for signs of rusting, corrosion or other damage, Light alloy wheels are easily damaged by •kerbing"1 whilst parking; steel wheels may also become dented or buckled. A new wheel Is very often the only way to overcome severe damage.
New tyres should be balanced when they are fitted, but it may become necessary to re-balance them as they wear, or if the balance weights fitted to the wheel rim should fall off. Unbalanced tyres will v/ear more quickly, as will the steering and suspension components. Wheel imbalance is normally signified by vibration, particularly at a certain speed (typically around 50 mph). If this vibration is fett only through the steering, then II Is likely that |ust the front wheels need balancing. H, however, the vibration is felt through the whole car. the rear wheels could be out of balance. Whoel balancing should be carried out by a tyre dealer or garage.
-j Tread Depth • visual check The original tyres have tread wear safety bands {8}, which wiU appear when the tread depth reaches approximately 1.6 mm. The band positions are indicated by a triangular mark on the tyre sidewail (A).
Tyre tread wear patterns
2 Tread Depth * manual check Alternatively, tread wear can be monitored with a simple, inexpensive device known as a tread depth indicator gauge.
2 Tyre Pressure Check Check the tyre pressures regularly with the tyres cold. Do not adjust the tyre pressures immediately alter the vehicle has been used, or an inaccurate setting will result Tyre pressures are shown on page 0*18.
Shoulder Wear Centre Wear Uneven Wear
Underinflatlon {wear an both sides) Under-lnflatton will cause overheating of the tyre, because the tyre will flex too much, and the tread will not sit correctly on the road surface. This will cause a loss of grip and excessive wear, not to mention the danger of sudden tyre failure due to heat build-up. Check and adjust pressures Incorrect wheel camber (wear on one side] Repair or renew suspension parts Hard cornering Reduce speed!
Overinflation Over-inflation will cause rapid wear of the centre part of the tyro tread, coupled with reduced grip, harsher ride, and the danger of shock damage occurring in the tyre casing. Check and adjust pressures
It you sometimes have (o inflate your car's tyres to the higher pressures specified tor maximum load or sustained high speed, don't forget to reduce the pressures to normal afterwards.
Front tyres may wear unevenly as a result of wheel misalignment. Most lyre dealers and garages can check and adjust the wheel alignment (or 'tracking") for a modest charge. Incorrect camber or castor Repair or renew suspension parts Malfunctioning suspension Repair or renew suspension parts Unbalanced wheel Balance tyres Incorrect toe setting Adjust front wheel alignment Note: The feathered edge of I he treed which typifies toe wear is best checked by feel.

Weekly checks 015
Automatic transmission fluid level
Before you start: • Park the vohicle on level ground, and apply the handbrake firmly. Let the engine idle, and select P or N.
Safety First! • The need for frequent topping-up indicates a leak, which should bo Investigated immediately.

I

Open the bonnet. Withdraw the trans-mission dipstick, and wipe it with a clean non-fluffy rag. Re-Insert the dipstick fully, withdraw it again and read the fluid level. II should be between (he two level marks. There are two sets of marks. Use the COOL marks if the transmission is cold (20" to 40°C) or the HOT marks if it Is hot (60" to 809C).

2

If topping up fs necessary, add the specified fluid via the dipstick tube, using a funnel with a fine mesh filter. Take great care nol to introduce dirt into the transmission.
Screen washer fluid level
Screenwash additives not only keep the wlnscreen clean during foul weather, they also prevent the washer system freezing kn cold weather • which is when you are likely to need it most. Don't top up using plain water as the screenwash will become too diluted, and will freeze during cold weather. On no account use coolant antifreeze In the washer system • this could discolour or damage paintwork.
3H
m

I

The screen washer fluid reservoir is located on the left-hand side of the engine compartment, next to the battery. Prise off the cap and pull out the telescopic filler.

2

When topping-up the reservoir, add a screenwash additive In the quantities recommended on the bottle. Use of a funnel wilt prevent spillage.
Wiper blades

1

Check the condition of the wiper blades; if they are cracked or show any signs of deterioration, or if the glass swept area is smeared, renew them. Wiper blades should be renewed annually. Don't forget to check the tailgate wiper as well.

2

To remove a wiper blade, pull the arm fully away from the screen until It locks. Swivel the blade through 90", press the locking tab with your fingers and slide the blade out of the arm's hooked end.

o«i6 Weekly checks
Battery
Caution: Before carrying out any work on the vehicle battery, read the precautions given In "Safety first" at the start of this manual. • Make sure thai the battery tray is in good condition, and that the clamp Is tight. Coirosion on the tray, retaining clomp and the battery itself can be removed with a solution of water and baking soda, Thoroughly rinse all cleaned areas with water. Any metal parts damaged by corrosion should be covered with a zinc-based primer, then painted. • Periodically (approximately every three months), check the charge condition of the battery as described In Chapter SA. • If the battery Is flat, and you need to jump start your vehicle, see Roadside Repalrz.
Battery corrosion can be kept to a minimum by applying o layer of petroleum Jelly to the clamps and terminals after they are reconnected
fin %

I

The battery is located on the left-hand side of the engine compartment, The exterior of the battery should be inspected penodlcaily for damage such as a cracked case or cover.

2

Check the tightness of battery clamps (A) to ensure good electrical connections. You should not be able to move them. Also check each cable (B) for cracks and frayed conductors.

3

If corrosion (while, fluffy deposits) is evident, remove the cables from the battery terminals, clean them with a small wire brush, then refit them. Automotive stores sell a tool for cleaning the battery post...
as well as the battery cable clamps
Electrical systems
• Check all external lights and the horn. Refer to the appropriate Sections of Chapter 12 for details if any of the circuits are found to be Inoperative,
• Visually chock all accessible wiring connectors, harnesses and retaining clips for security, and for signs of chafing or damage.
fffjffflg^ " y°u A**^ check your "T™*! broke lights and Indicators ,HllMT[ unaided, back up to a wall or garage door and operate the lights. The reflected light shouid show
If
they are working property.

I

I? a single indicator light, stop-light or headlight has failed, it Is likely that a bulb has blown and will need to be replaced. Refer to Chapter 12 for details. If both stop-lights have failed, it is passible that the switch has failed (see Chapter 9).

2

If more than one Indicator light or tail light has failed It is likely that either a fuse has blown or that there is a fault tn the circuit (see Chapter 12). The fuses are located behind the oddments tray on ihe facia. First unscrew the two screws and swivel Ihe tray down.

3

To replace a blown fuse, simply pull it out using the special plastic tool and fit a new fuse of tho correct rating (see Chapter 12). If the fuse blows again, it is importont that you find out why - a complete checking procedure Is given in Chapter 12.

Lubricants and fluids 0.17
Lubricants and fluids
Engine Petrol Multigrade engine oil, viscosity SAE15W/40, to API SG/CD or better (Duckhams QXR Premium Petrol Engine Oil, or Duckhams Hypergrade Petrol Engine Oil) Diesel Multigrade engine oil, viscosity SAE15W/40, to API SG/CD or better Duckhams QXR Premium Diesel Engine Oil, or Duckhams Hypergrade Diesel Engine Oil) Cooling system Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze and soft water (Duckhams Antifreeze & Summer Coolant) Manual gearbox Hypoid gear oil, viscosity SAE80W to API GL4 (Duckhams Hypoid Gear Oil SOW GL-4) Automatic transmission Dexron type II automatic transmission fluid (ATF) (Duckhams ATF Autotrans III) Braking system Hydraulic fluid to SAE J1703F or DOT 4 (Duckhams Universal Brake & Clutch Fluid) Power steering Dexron type II automatic transmission fluid (ATF) (Duckhams ATF Autotrans Hi)
Choosing your engine oil
Engines need oil. not only to lubricate moving parts and minimise wear, but also to maximise power output and to Improve fuel economy. By introducing a simplified and improved range of engine oils. Duckhams has taken away the confusion and made it easier for you lo choose the right oil for your engine.
HOW ENGINE OIL WORKS
• Beating friction Without oil. the moving surfaces inside your engine will rub together, heat up and melt, quickly causing the engine to seize. Engine oil creates a film which separates these moving parts, preventing wear and heat build-up.
• Cooling hot-spots Temperatures Inside the engine can exceed 1000°
C.
The engine oil circulates and acts as a coolant, transferring heat from the hot-spots to the sump.
• Cleaning the engine internally Good quality engine oils clean the Inside of your engine, collecting and dispersing combustion deposits and controlling them until they are trapped by the oil niter or flushed out at oil change.
OIL CARE - FOLLOW THE CODE To handle and dispose of used engine oil safety, always: • Avoid skin contact with used engine oil. Repeated or prolonged contact can be harmful. • Dispose of used oil and empty packs In a responsible manner In an authorised disposal site. tti Call 0800 663366 to find qIqq f £ the one nearest to you. Never tip oil down drains or onto the ground.
DUCKHAMS ENGINE OILS For the driver who demands a premium quality oil for complete reassurance, we recommend synthetic formula Duckhama QXR Premium Engine Oils. For the driver who requires a straight-forward quality engine oil, we recommend Duckhams Hypergrade Engine Ote.
For further information and advice, call the Duckhams UK Helpline on 0800 212988.
^SGCKHAMS

o.i8 Tyre pressures
Tyre pressures (cold)
Front Hear Petrol models (average load): 155/70R13.165/60R14,16S/65R13.165/65R14,175/60R14 2.0(29) 1.9(28) 165/65R14 78Q (M+-S) 2.5(36) 2.2(32) 185/55/R14 2.4(35) 2.0(29) 135/80B13,135/80B14 (space-saver spare tyre) 2.8(41) 2.8(41)
Petrol models (fully laden): 155/70R13,165/60R14.165/65R14,175/60R14 2.2 (32) 2.2 (32) 165/65R14 78Q (M+S) 2.5(36) 2.2(32) 185/55/R14 2.4(35) 2.2(32) 135/80B13,135/80B14 (space-saver spare tyre) 2.8 (41) 2.8 (41)
Diesel models (average load): 165/70R13.165/65R14,175/60R14 2.4(35) 2.0(29) 135/80B13.135/80B14 (space-saver spare tyre) 2.8(41) 2.8(41)
Diesel models (fully laden): 165/70R13,165/65R14,175/60R14 2.4 (35) 2.2 (32) 135/80B13,135/80B14 (space-saver spare tyre) 2.8 (41) 2.8 (41)

1A»1
Chapter
1
Part A:
Routine maintenance & servicing - petrol models
Contents

Air
filter renewal 18 Automatic transmission filter and fluid change 2B Auxiliary dr cmI
and filter renewal 3 Evaporative loss system check 27 Exhaust system check 8 From brake pad check 5 Fuel filter renewal 17 Headlight beam adjustment 23 Hinge and lock lubrication 22
Hose and fluid leak check 7 Idle speed and CO content check and adjustment .11 Ignition system check 20 Introduction 1 Lambda/oxygen sensor check 25 Manifold mounting check 16 Manual transmission oil level check 26 Manual transmission oil renewal .32 Pollen filter renewal 10 Rear brake shoe check 29 Regular maintenance 2 Road test 24 Spark plug renewal 19 Steering and suspension check 12 Timing belt renewal 30 Underbody sealant check 6 Valve clearance check and adjustment 15
Degrees of difficulty
Easy, suitable for ^ novice with little experience ^
Fairty easy, suitable for beginner with ^ some experience
FaMy difficult, ^ sitable for competent jj^ DIY mechanic ^
Difficult, suitable for experienced DIY aJ mechanic ^
Very difficult, ^ suitable for expert DIY or professional ^
expert22 fl/ia http://rutracker.org