📚 Vehicle Manual Information

1997 Fiat Ulysse (1st gen) Service and Repair Manual

🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Fiat

Model:

Ulysse

Year:

1997

Vin Prefix:

ZFA220000

Generation:

1st Generation (1994-2002)

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Compact MPV (Multi-Purpose Vehicle)

Target Audience:

Families, commercial users requiring versatile passenger/cargo transport.

Competitors:

Renault Espace, Peugeot 806, Citroën Evasion, Lancia Zeta (platform siblings), Ford Galaxy, Volkswagen Sharan, Seat Alhambra (VW Group platform).

Design Platform:

Based on the SEVEL (Société Européenne de Véhicules Légers) platform, shared with other PSA/Fiat Group MPVs.

Practicality:

Emphasis on interior space, modular seating, sliding rear doors for easy access, and a comfortable ride.

Powertrain Options:

Wide range of petrol and turbodiesel engines catering to different performance and economy needs.

📋 Manual Details

Manual Type:

Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Printed

Page Count:

Approx. 1200

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Comprehensive coverage for petrol and diesel engines, including technical data, troubleshooting, and repair procedures.

Transmission:

Detailed information on manual and automatic transmissions, clutch, driveline, and associated components.

Brakes:

Coverage of hydraulic systems, ABS (if equipped), disc and drum brakes, parking brake, and related maintenance.

Electrical:

In-depth electrical system diagnostics, wiring diagrams, fuse/relay identification, lighting, power accessories, and starter/charging systems.

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension systems, shock absorbers, springs, steering linkage, and wheel alignment procedures.

Bodywork:

Exterior panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, glass, trim, and body repair guidelines.

HVAC:

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system components, operation, and service.

Fuel System:

Fuel tank, pump, lines, injectors (petrol), and injection pump (diesel) servicing.

Cooling System:

Radiator, water pump, thermostat, cooling fan, and coolant specifications.

Maintenance:

Regular maintenance checks, fluid changes, filter replacements, and lubrication schedules.

Troubleshooting:

Systematic diagnostic procedures for identifying and resolving common problems.

Repair:

Step-by-step instructions for repairing or replacing major components and systems.

Engine Overhaul:

Detailed procedures for engine disassembly, inspection, reassembly, and tuning.

Transmission Overhaul:

Complete guidelines for the disassembly, repair, and reassembly of transmission units.

Brake System Repair:

Procedures for replacing brake pads, rotors, calipers, lines, and bleeding the brake system.

Electrical Diagnostics:

Guidance on using multimeters, interpreting wiring diagrams, and diagnosing electrical faults.

Suspension Alignment:

Specifications and procedures for wheel alignment.

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering everything from basic user maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including detailed diagnostics and specifications.

📊 Manual Specifications

Print Quality:

High-quality printing with clear diagrams and legible text.

Binding Type:

Staple-bound or perfect-bound, designed for durability and ease of use in a workshop environment.

Paper Type:

Durable, semi-gloss paper to withstand workshop conditions.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine 1 Petrol:

Fiat Twin Cam 1.8L (1756cc) 8v/16v

Engine 2 Petrol:

Fiat/PSA XU7JP 2.0L (1998cc) 8v/16v (Naturally Aspirated & Turbocharged)

Engine 3 Diesel:

PSA XUD7TE 1.9L (1905cc) Turbo Diesel (8v)

Engine 4 Diesel:

Fiat/PSA RHR DW10TD 2.0L (1997cc) HDi Turbo Diesel (8v)

Engine 1 1.8L 16V Power:

Approx. 112-116 PS (82-85 kW)

Engine 2 2.0L 16V Power:

Approx. 136 PS (100 kW)

Engine 3 1.9Td Power:

Approx. 90 PS (66 kW)

Engine 4 2.0Hdi Power:

Approx. 90 PS (66 kW)

Petrol Injection:

Multi-point fuel injection (MPI)

Diesel Injection:

Indirect injection (IDI) for XUD7TE, Common Rail Direct Injection (CRDi) for DW10TD.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Options:

5-speed manual transmission.

Transmission Options:

4-speed automatic transmission (often available on 2.0L petrol variants).

Clutch:

Hydraulically operated single-plate dry clutch.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 4405 mm (173.4 in)

Width:

Approx. 1765 mm (69.5 in)

Height:

Approx. 1715 mm (67.5 in)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 2820 mm (111.0 in)

Cargo Volume Seats Up:

Approx. 320-400 litres (depending on seating configuration)

Cargo Volume Seats Down:

Up to 1800 litres with rear seats removed.

Curb Weight:

Approx. 1450-1600 kg (depending on engine and trim)

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Results:

Generally rated average for its class and era. Specific Euro NCAP ratings for this generation are limited or not widely publicized.

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) often available as an option or standard on higher trims.

Traction Control:

Traction Control System (TCS) not common on this generation.

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags typically standard. Side airbags were rare or optional.

Seatbelts:

Three-point seatbelts for all occupants, pre-tensioners for front seats.

Child Seat Anchors:

ISOFIX child seat anchor points available on some models/rear seats.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory fitted radio/cassette player, often with CD changer capability. Speaker configurations vary by trim.

Navigation:

Aftermarket or dealer-fitted navigation systems were rare for this era.

Cruise Control:

Available on higher specification models.

Parking Sensors:

Not typically fitted as standard, aftermarket options may exist.

Remote Central Locking:

Standard on most models, often with immobilizer.

Power Windows Mirrors:

Power windows and mirrors common on mid to high trims.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Petrol:

Every 15,000 km (9,300 miles) or 12 months, whichever comes first.

Oil Change Diesel:

Every 10,000 km (6,200 miles) or 12 months, whichever comes first.

Timing Belt Replacement:

Recommended every 60,000 km (37,000 miles) or 4-5 years for petrol engines; consult manual for diesel specific intervals.

Engine Oil Petrol API:

API SG or higher, SAE 10W-40 or 15W-50 (check manual for specific viscosity based on climate).

Engine Oil Diesel API:

API CG-4 or higher, SAE 10W-40 or 15W-40 (check manual for specific viscosity).

Coolant Type:

Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, mix ratio 50/50 with distilled water.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.

Transmission Fluid Manual:

GL-4 gear oil, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90.

Transmission Fluid Auto:

Dexron II-E or equivalent automatic transmission fluid (ATF).

Engine Petrol:

Potential for head gasket failure (especially on older 1.8L), sensor issues (crank/cam), aging ignition components.

Engine Diesel:

XUD engines can be robust, but head gasket issues and injector pump seals can fail with age/mileage. DW10 HDi is generally more reliable.

Transmission:

Wear in synchromesh rings on manual gearboxes, potential for leaks in automatic transmissions.

Electrical:

Wiring loom degradation, faulty door lock actuators, ABS sensor failures, central locking issues, dashboard warning light problems.

Suspension Steering:

Wear in front suspension bushes, ball joints, and tie rod ends. Power steering pump leaks.

Bodywork:

Rusting, particularly around wheel arches, sills, and tailgate. Leaks through window seals or sunroof (if fitted).

📚 Vehicle History

Fiat Heritage:

Fiat, an Italian automotive manufacturer, has a long history of producing practical and innovative vehicles, including pioneering the MPV segment with the Fiat Multipla.

Ulysse Evolution:

The Ulysse was part of a joint venture with PSA Peugeot Citroën, designed to compete in the growing European MPV market. It was conceived alongside the Peugeot 806, Citroën Evasion, and Lancia Zeta.

Production Period:

1994-2002 (1st Generation)

Manufacturing Plant:

Sevel Sud plant in Val di Sangro, Italy.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Industry Awards:

While the Ulysse itself did not win specific prestigious individual awards, the SEVEL platform family was recognized for its practical approach to the MPV segment, contributing to Fiat's strong presence in the family vehicle market during the late 1990s.

Consumer Reports:

Consumer reports from the era often cited its spaciousness and practicality but noted potential reliability concerns common to European vehicles of that vintage, particularly with electrical components.