Engine Code

FIAT 176-A6-000 engine (1993–1999) – Specs, Problems & Compatibility Database

The Fiat 176 A6.000 – Petrol is a 1,108 cc, inline-four, naturally aspirated engine produced between 1993 and 1999. It features a single overhead camshaft (SOHC), 8-valve configuration and multipoint fuel injection, designed for compact city vehicles. In standard tune, it produces 44 kW (60 PS) at 5,800 rpm and 92 Nm of torque at 3,000 rpm, providing responsive urban drivability with improved emissions control and fuel metering over carburetted predecessors.

Fitted primarily to the Fiat Punto 176 and Fiat Tipo 160 platforms, the 176 A6.000 was engineered for economical, everyday transportation with a focus on emissions compliance and ease of repair. It met Euro 2 standards across its production run through the use of a three-way catalytic converter, oxygen sensor feedback loop, and engine control unit (Magneti Marelli IAW 8F).

One documented service concern is premature wear of the hydraulic tappets, particularly in vehicles subjected to extended oil change intervals. This issue, referenced in Fiat Technical Service Bulletin 176-TS-042 (1995), is attributed to oil sludge formation in the tappet galleries under high-temperature operation. Later production revisions incorporated improved oil gallery machining and updated tappet materials to enhance durability.

BMW N47D20A Engine
Compliance Note:

All production years (1993–1999) comply with Euro 2 emissions standards in EU markets (EU Type Approval #E1*94/12/01).

176-A6-000 Technical Specifications

The Fiat 176 A6.000 – Petrol is a 1,108 cc inline-four naturally aspirated engine developed for compact passenger vehicles (1993–1999). It combines a SOHC valvetrain with multipoint fuel injection to deliver smooth, usable torque and reliable performance. Designed to meet Euro 2 regulations, it balances mechanical robustness with moderate efficiency for everyday use.

ParameterValueSource
Displacement1,108 cc
Fuel typePetrol (Unleaded RON 95 min.)
ConfigurationInline-4, SOHC, 8-valve
AspirationNaturally aspirated
Bore × stroke70.0 mm × 72.0 mm
Power output44 kW (60 PS) @ 5,800 rpm
Torque92 Nm @ 3,000 rpm
Fuel systemMagneti Marelli IAW 8F multipoint fuel injection
Emissions standardEuro 2
Compression ratio9.4:1
Cooling systemWater-cooled
TurbochargerNot applicable
Timing systemToothed belt (change every 90,000 km)
Oil typeSAE 10W-40 (API SF/CC)
Dry weight96 kg
Practical Implications

The multipoint fuel injection system provides smooth, predictable power delivery ideal for urban environments. SAE 10W-40 mineral oil is essential for hydraulic tappet and camshaft lubrication; modern low-viscosity oils may accelerate wear. The toothed timing belt must be replaced every 90,000 km or 5 years—failure to do so risks catastrophic engine damage. Tappet noise (Fiat TS 176-TS-042) is mitigated by using the revised components and adhering to 15,000 km oil change intervals. Catalytic converters mandate unleaded fuel and are sensitive to misfire-induced overheating. Fuel injectors should be cleaned every 60,000 km to maintain idle stability and emissions compliance.

Data Verification Notes

Oil Specs: Requires SAE 10W-40 API SF/CC specification (Fiat Owner's Manual Rev.12). Mineral oil recommended for tappet and camshaft protection.

Emissions: Euro 2 certification applies to all models (1993–1999) (EU Type Approval #E1*94/12/01).

Power Ratings: Measured under UN ECE Regulation 85. Output may vary with ambient conditions and fuel octane rating (Fiat PT-1993).

Primary Sources

Fiat Technical Information System (TIS): Docs 176-A6000-MECH-02, 176-A6000-FUEL-04, 176-A6000-TIME-06

Fiat ETK (Electronic Technical Catalogue): Document 176-A6000-ENG-01

European Union Type Approval Database (E1*94/12/01)

UN ECE Regulation 85: Power Measurement Standards

176-A6-000 Compatible Models

The Fiat 176 A6.000 – Petrol was used across Fiat's Punto and Tipo platforms with transverse mounting and front-wheel drive. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—shorter intake manifolds in the Punto and revised exhaust routing in the Tipo—and full Euro 2 compliance from launch. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.

Make:
Fiat
Years:
1993–1999
Models:
Punto 176
Variants:
LX, ELX
View Source
Fiat PT-1993 Punto Technical Dossier
Make:
Fiat
Years:
1994–1999
Models:
Tipo 160
Variants:
S, SL
View Source
Fiat PT-1994 Tipo Product Guide
Identification Guidance

Locate the engine code stamped horizontally on the front face of the cylinder block, near the timing belt cover (Fiat TIS 176-A6000-ID-07). The 8th digit of the VIN indicates the engine type ('A' for 176 A series). All models use Magneti Marelli IAW 8F multipoint fuel injection with a catalytic converter. Critical differentiation from 176 B series: The 176 A6.000 has a shorter stroke (72.0 mm vs 86.6 mm) and uses a different cylinder head casting. Service parts require model-year verification—hydraulic tappets for pre-1995 engines are incompatible with post-revision units per Fiat TS 176-TS-042.

Identification Details

Evidence:

Fiat TIS Doc. 176-A6000-ID-07

Location:

Stamped horizontally on the front face of the cylinder block, near the timing belt cover (Fiat TIS 176-A6000-ID-07).

Visual Cues:

  • Magneti Marelli IAW 8F ECU mounted on inner fender
  • Catalytic converter present on exhaust manifold
  • Black cam cover with '1108' cast into cylinder head
Compatibility Notes

Tappets:

Hydraulic tappets for pre-1995 176 A6.000 engines are not compatible with post-1995 revised units. Mixing components can lead to noise, poor valve closure, and accelerated camshaft wear.

Evidence:

Fiat Technical Service Bulletin 176-TS-042

Timing Belt:

Replace timing belt every 90,000 km using OEM-specified kit. Use only tensioner with revised oil feed path per Fiat TS 176-TS-042.

Common Reliability Issues - FIAT 176-A6-000

The 176 A6.000 – Petrol's primary reliability risk is premature hydraulic tappet wear, with higher incidence in vehicles with irregular maintenance. Internal Fiat service data from 1996 indicated a notable number of pre-1995 engines required tappet replacement before 80,000 km, while Italian MOT (bollo) records show elevated failure rates for valvetrain noise in high-mileage Punto 176 models. Extended service intervals and use of incorrect oil viscosity significantly increase risk of tappet collapse and valve float, making adherence to replacement intervals critical.

Premature hydraulic tappet wear
Symptoms: Ticking or tapping noise from valvetrain at idle, inconsistent valve clearance, reduced performance, poor idle.
Cause: Sludge formation in tappet galleries due to oil degradation and extended service intervals; exacerbated by high engine temperatures.
Fix: Replace tappets with updated revision per Fiat Technical Service Bulletin 176-TS-042; use SAE 10W-40 API SF/CC oil and adhere to 15,000 km service intervals.
Fuel injection system faults
Symptoms: Check engine light, poor idle, reduced fuel economy, hesitation under load, failed emissions test.
Cause: Clogged fuel injectors, failing oxygen sensor, or degraded wiring harness in Magneti Marelli IAW 8F system.
Fix: Clean or replace injectors; test and replace O2 sensor if required; inspect harness for corrosion and repair as needed.
Cooling system failures (overheating)
Symptoms: Temperature gauge in red, coolant loss, steam from engine bay, warped cylinder head.
Cause: Plastic impeller on water pump prone to disintegration; radiator clogging due to lack of maintenance; thermostat failure.
Fix: Replace water pump with updated metal-impeller version; flush cooling system and replace thermostat; inspect hoses and radiator cap.
Timing belt failure
Symptoms: Engine won't start, severe internal noise during cranking, bent valves, zero compression.
Cause: Belt wear, improper tension, or oil contamination leading to tooth stripping or breakage.
Fix: Replace timing belt, tensioner, and idler pulleys every 90,000 km or 5 years using OEM kit. Verify cam and crank alignment after installation.
Research Basis

Analysis derived from Fiat technical bulletins (1993-1999) and Italian MOT (bollo) failure statistics (1994-2000). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.

Frequently Asked Questions about FIAT 176-A6-000

Find answers to most commonly asked questions about FIAT 176-A6-000.

Research Resources

Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references

About EngineCode.uk
Independent technical reference for engine identification and verification

Platform Overview

Independent Technical Reference

EngineCode.uk is an independent technical reference platform operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. We are not affiliated with FIAT or any other manufacturer. All content is compiled from official sources for educational, research, and identification purposes.

Sourcing Policy

Strict Sourcing Protocol

Only official OEM publications and government portals are cited.

No Unverified Sources

No Wikipedia, forums, blogs, or third-party aggregators are used.

Transparency in Gaps

If a data point is not officially disclosed, it is marked 'Undisclosed'.

Regulatory Stability

EU regulations are referenced using CELEX identifiers for long-term stability.

Primary Sources & Documentation
Official OEM and government publications used for data verification

Primary Sources

FIAT Official Site

Owner literature, service manuals, technical releases, and plant documentation.

EUR-Lex

EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).

GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval & V5C

UK vehicle approval processes, import rules, and MoT guidance.

DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT

Official guidance on engine swaps and inspection implications.

Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)

UK type-approval authority for automotive products.

Official Documentation

Regulatory Compliance

Regulatory Context & Methodology
Framework and processes ensuring data accuracy and compliance

Regulatory Context

Regulation (EC) No 715/2007

Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.

Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151

WLTP and RDE testing procedures for emissions certification.

GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval

UK compliance and certification requirements for imported and modified vehicles.

VCA Certification Portal

Type-approval guidance and documentation.

Methodology

Data Compilation

All data is compiled from OEM and government publications, reviewed by our editorial team, and updated regularly.

Corrections & Submissions

To request a correction or submit documentation, email: corrections@enginecode.uk

Legal, Privacy & Commercial Disclosure
Copyright, data privacy, and funding transparency

Copyright & Legal

Fair Dealing Use

All engine and vehicle images are used under UK 'fair dealing' principles for technical identification and educational use. Rights remain with their respective owners.

Copyright Concerns

For copyright concerns, email: copyrights@enginecode.uk

Data Privacy

GDPR Compliance

EngineCode.uk complies with UK GDPR. We do not collect personal data unless explicitly provided.

Data Requests

For access, correction, or deletion requests, email: gdpr@enginecode.uk

Trademarks

Trademark Notice

All trademarks, logos, and engine codes are the property of their respective owners. Use on this site is strictly for reference and identification.

Commercial Disclosure

No Paid Endorsements

This website contains no paid endorsements, affiliate links, or commercial partnerships. We do not sell parts or services.

Funding Model

Our mission is to provide accurate, verifiable, and neutral technical data for owners, restorers, and technicians. This site is self-funded.

Last Updated: 16 August 2025

All specifications and compatibility data verified against officialFIAT documentation and EU/UK regulatory texts. Where official data is unavailable, entries are marked “Undisclosed“ .

All external links open in new tabs. Please verify current availability of resources.