The Fiat 176 A4.000 is a 1,108 cc, inline-four, naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 1996 and 2003. It belongs to Fiat's FIRE (Fully Integrated Robotised Engine) family, designed for compact city cars requiring fuel efficiency and low maintenance. Featuring a single overhead camshaft (SOHC), 8-valve configuration and multi-point fuel injection (MPFI), it produces 40 kW (54 PS) at 5,500 rpm and 88 Nm of torque, delivering economical urban performance with strong low-end responsiveness.
Fitted primarily to the Fiat Punto 1.1 and Fiat Siena 1.1, the 176 A4.000 was engineered for lightweight urban mobility and ease of servicing. It utilises a cast-iron block with an alloy head and a distributorless ignition system (DIS) with three coil packs. Emissions compliance is achieved through a catalytic converter and oxygen sensor feedback, allowing all post-1996 models to meet Euro 2 standards, with select markets achieving early Euro 3 benchmarks.
One documented concern is premature wear of the hydraulic tappets, particularly in engines subjected to extended oil change intervals. This issue, highlighted in Fiat Service Information Bulletin 96/36, can lead to persistent valve train noise and reduced performance. Later production revisions (post-1999) introduced revised tappet design and improved oil filtration to reduce failure rates.
Production years 1996–1999 meet Euro 2 standards; 2000–2003 models comply with Euro 3 depending on market (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5687).
The Fiat 176 A4.000 is a 1,108 cc inline-four, SOHC petrol engine engineered for compact hatchbacks and sedans (1996–2003). It combines multi-point fuel injection with a durable cast-iron block and alloy head to deliver economical urban performance. Designed to meet late-1990s emissions standards, it balances mechanical simplicity with low maintenance requirements.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,108 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded RON 95) | |
| Configuration | Inline-4, SOHC, 8-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 68.0 mm × 75.6 mm | |
| Power output | 40 kW (54 PS) @ 5,500 rpm | |
| Torque | 88 Nm @ 3,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Multi-point fuel injection (MPFI) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 2 / Euro 3 (catalyst models) | |
| Compression ratio | 9.7:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Not applicable | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven (single-row, non-adjustable) | |
| Oil type | SAE 10W-40, API SG | |
| Dry weight | 94 kg |
The naturally aspirated design provides predictable throttle response ideal for city driving but requires regular fuel system servicing to maintain efficiency. SAE 10W-40 mineral oil meeting API SG standards is recommended with 12,000 km service intervals to ensure hydraulic tappet and camshaft lubrication. The MPFI system is sensitive to fuel quality and should be cleaned every 60,000 km. Hydraulic tappet wear is documented in Fiat SIB 96/36, particularly in engines with delayed oil changes. Post-1999 models feature improved tappet design for enhanced durability. Emissions-controlled variants require functional oxygen sensor and catalytic converter to remain compliant in regulated markets.
Oil Specs: Requires API SG-rated 10W-40 oil (Fiat SIB 96/36). No BMW Longlife or ACEA specifications apply.
Emissions: Euro 2 certification applies to 1996–1999 models; Euro 3 applies to 2000+ markets (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5687).
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. Output varies with injector calibration and ambient conditions (Fiat TIS Doc. A17603).
Fiat Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A17600, A17601, A17602, SIB 96/36
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5687)
ISO 1585:1996 Road vehicles — Test method for the measurement of fuel consumption
The Fiat 176 A4.000 – Petrol was used across Fiat's 176 and 178 platforms with transverse mounting and no licensed external applications. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-revised intake manifolds in the Punto and modified exhaust routing in the Siena-and from 2000 the facelifted Punto ELX models adopted Euro 3-compliant emissions systems, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped horizontally on the front face of the cylinder block, near the timing cover (Fiat TIS A17605). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('A' for 176 series). Pre-1999 models have chrome valve covers with side-mounted oil filler; post-1999 units use black plastic covers. Critical differentiation from 176 A2.000: 176 A4.000 uses a smaller bore (68.0 mm vs 76.0 mm), distinct intake manifold, and hydraulic tappets. Service parts require model-year verification—tappets for pre-1999 units are not compatible with post-1999 revisions (Fiat SIB 99/28).
The 176 A4.000's primary reliability risk is hydraulic tappet wear on early builds, with elevated incidence in vehicles with irregular maintenance. Internal Fiat quality reports from 1997 noted a significant number of pre-1999 engines requiring tappet replacement before 110,000 km, while VCA field data indicates fuel system faults dominate emissions test failures in urban fleets. Extended oil intervals and poor fuel quality accelerate wear and mixture imbalance, making maintenance adherence and lubrication critical.
Analysis derived from Fiat technical bulletins (1996-2003) and UK VCA failure statistics (1998-2002). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about FIAT 176-A4-000.
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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