📚 Vehicle Manual Information

1999 Fiat Ulysse (1st gen) Service and Repair Manual

🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Fiat

Model:

Ulysse

Year:

1999

Generation:

1st Gen (280 Series)

Chassis Code:

280

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

The Fiat Ulysse (1st generation) was a mid-size MPV (Multi-Purpose Vehicle) designed to compete in a segment that was gaining popularity in Europe, offering practicality and space for families. It was known for its comfortable ride and versatile interior.

Competitive Analysis:

Competed directly with vehicles such as the Ford Galaxy, Volkswagen Sharan, SEAT Alhambra, Renault Espace, and Chrysler Voyager. The Ulysse differentiated itself through its Italian design flair and shared platform with the Citroën Evasion and Peugeot 806.

Key Features:

Spacious interior, flexible seating arrangements, comfortable ride, robust engine options, and distinctive European styling. The 1999 model year falls within the facelifted period of the first generation, potentially incorporating some minor updates.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas:

Full mechanical and electrical service and repair for the 1999 Fiat Ulysse. Includes engine, transmission, drivetrain, suspension, steering, brakes, bodywork, climate control, and electrical systems. Troubleshooting guides and diagnostic procedures are also covered.

Page Count:

Approx. 400-500 pages (typical for comprehensive service manuals of this era)

Manual Type:

Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Likely Printed (original factory manual or high-quality reproduction)

Digital Format Options:

While the product states 'Printed', it's common for these manuals to be available in PDF format for digital sale. If PDF, expect searchability and high-resolution images.

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered:

Engine mechanical (including timing belt/chain replacement, head gasket repair), fuel injection, ignition system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system, manual transmission, automatic transmission, clutch, differential, drive axles, front suspension, rear suspension, power steering, hydraulic brakes, ABS, body electrical systems, lighting, interior electronics, HVAC system, body panels, and trim.

Procedures Included:

Routine maintenance, tune-up procedures, engine diagnostics, fuel system cleaning and testing, ignition system troubleshooting, transmission overhaul, brake system bleeding and repair, suspension component replacement, steering system adjustments, electrical troubleshooting using wiring diagrams, climate control system servicing, body panel alignment, and body repair.

Technical Depth:

Comprehensive. Covers everything from basic fluid changes and filter replacements to full engine and transmission rebuilds, complex electrical diagnostics, and bodywork procedures. Includes detailed torque specifications, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), and step-by-step instructions with accompanying diagrams and illustrations.

Specific Procedures Covered:

Engine timing belt tensioner adjustment, fuel injector testing and replacement, spark plug replacement, valve cover gasket replacement, power steering pump replacement, brake pad and rotor replacement, wheel bearing replacement, door lock actuator repair, interior trim panel removal and installation, headlight bulb replacement, and HVAC blower motor service.

Electrical Systems Detail:

Comprehensive wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems, including engine management, lighting, instruments, comfort features, and safety systems. Troubleshooting procedures based on electrical schematics.

Body And Trim Coverage:

Procedures for removal and installation of bumpers, fenders, doors, hood, tailgate, interior panels, seats, and dashboard components. Includes information on body repair techniques and paint codes.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

N/A (Assuming Printed)

Print Quality:

High-quality paper stock with clear text and detailed black-and-white illustrations/diagrams. Professional printing and binding.

Binding Type:

Perfect bound or spiral bound for durability and ease of use in a workshop environment.

Paper Type:

Durable, semi-gloss paper to withstand workshop conditions and repeated use.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Primary Engine:

2.0 L (1998 cc) Fiat Tipo 4 DOHC I4 (Engine code: "175A1000" or similar)

Horsepower:

Approx. 125-135 hp (depending on specific variant and market)

Torque:

Approx. 180-190 Nm (depending on specific variant and market)

Fuel System:

Multi-point fuel injection (MPI)

Engine Variants Covered:

Likely covers the 2.0L petrol engine. May also include details on other available engines (e.g., 1.8L petrol, 1.9L Turbo Diesel, 2.1L Turbo Diesel) depending on manual scope.

Engine Codes Covered:

Likely includes specifications for the Fiat 175A1000 (2.0 MPI), potentially Fiat 182A6000 (1.8 MPI), and common turbo-diesel engines like the Fiat 176A3000 (1.9 TD) and Fiat 8140.67 (2.1 TD) if the manual is a broad coverage type.

Engine Type:

Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16-valve

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

5-speed Manual Transmission

Optional Transmission:

4-speed Automatic Transmission (likely ZF 4HP20 or similar)

Transmission Features:

Focus on clutch replacement, gearbox overhaul, automatic transmission fluid (ATF) changes, and diagnostic procedures for both manual and automatic gearboxes.

Gear Ratios:

Manual will provide specific gear ratios for the 5-speed gearbox. Automatic transmission ratios will also be detailed.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 4440 mm (174.8 in)

Width:

Approx. 1800 mm (70.9 in)

Height:

Approx. 1720 mm (67.7 in)

Seating Capacity:

7 Seats (typically 2+2+3 configuration)

Cargo Volume:

Variable, with rear seats folded/removed. Significant cargo space.

Curb Weight:

Approx. 1500-1600 kg (3300-3520 lbs)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approx. 2200-2300 kg (4850-5070 lbs)

🛡️ Safety Features

Safety Ratings:

No specific Euro NCAP ratings available for the 1999 model, but it was designed to European safety standards of the era. Likely achieved 3-4 stars in contemporary crash tests for its segment.

Active Features:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), power-assisted steering.

Passive Features:

Front airbags (driver and passenger), side impact bars, crumple zones, seat belt pretensioners.

Braking System:

Front: Ventilated discs, Rear: Solid discs (or drum brakes on some base models). ABS is typically standard or optional.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Basic audio system with FM/AM radio and cassette player. Optional CD player. Likely no integrated navigation or complex displays for this era.

Driver Assistance Features:

Limited. Primarily focused on ABS. Cruise control may be optional on higher trims.

Connectivity Options:

No modern connectivity features like Bluetooth or USB. May have an auxiliary input for the audio system.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically 10,000-15,000 km (6,000-9,000 miles) or 12 months, whichever comes first.

Timing Belt Replacement:

Crucial: 60,000-80,000 km (37,000-50,000 miles) or 5 years for the 2.0L petrol engine. Failure can cause catastrophic engine damage. Manual will specify exact interval and procedure.

Engine Oil Specification:

Refer to manual; typically API SG/SH or higher, SAE 10W-40 or 5W-40 (synthetic recommended).

Coolant Specification:

Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, usually a pink or red OAT coolant. Capacity approx. 7.5-8.0 liters.

Brake Fluid Specification:

DOT 3 or DOT 4.

Transmission Fluid Manual:

API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90. Capacity approx. 2.0-2.5 liters.

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

Type 'T-IV' or equivalent ATF. Capacity approx. 7-8 liters for full refill.

Common Issues:

Timing belt failure (if not replaced on schedule), EGR valve clogging (diesel variants), intermittent electrical faults (especially with windows and central locking), suspension wear (ball joints, bushes), catalytic converter issues, clutch slave cylinder leaks, and rust on common areas.

Timing Belt Kit Part Number:

Example: Gates TCKWP3280 (verify for specific engine code).

Oil Filter Part Number:

Example: Mann-Filter MW 64/1 or Mahle OC 274 (verify for specific engine).

Diagnostic Codes Covered:

OBD-II diagnostic codes (if equipped, typically post-2001 models had full OBD-II, but the 1999 Ulysse might have a precursor or specific Fiat codes). The manual will detail specific fault codes and their meanings.

Recommended Tire Sizes:

Common sizes include 185/65R15, 195/60R15, and 205/55R16, depending on trim and wheel options. Manual will specify exact fitments.

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

5x98

Wheel Offset:

ET30 to ET35 (typical for this platform)

Chassis Lubrication Points:

Manual will detail any required chassis lubrication points for suspension and steering components, though many were designed for sealed-for-life units.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Fiat has a long history of automotive manufacturing, known for innovation and compact car design. The Ulysse represented Fiat's foray into the burgeoning MPV market, leveraging its experience with platform sharing.

Model Evolution:

The Fiat Ulysse was part of the Eurovan project, co-developed with PSA Peugeot Citroën. It shared its platform and many components with the Citroën Evasion and Peugeot 806. The 1999 model year represents a mid-cycle refresh for the first generation (280 series), which was produced from 1994 to 2002.

Production Years:

1994-2002 (1st Generation)

Manufacturing Location:

Sevel Sud plant in Val di Sangro, Italy

Model Lineage:

The Ulysse is part of Fiat's effort to expand into the people-mover segment, building upon experience with vans and family cars.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions:

While the Ulysse itself didn't win major individual awards, the Eurovan platform it shared was generally well-received for its practicality and spaciousness within the European market at the time.

Ratings:

Owner reviews from the period often praised its comfortable ride, flexible seating, and suitability for families, although reliability concerns for some components were noted, which this manual will help address.

Certifications:

Built to meet European automotive safety and emissions standards for the late 1990s.