Hi (again),

Wondered if there were any guides on what to look for internally when viewing/buying a 1998 Bravo.

I know the usual checks on the exterior and interior, and when the engine is running, and know vaguely about things like the mayonnaise head gasket signs, etc, but does anyone have any advice on what to look for once the bonnet is up that could determine potential problems before buying?

Ta

Check the engine is cold before starting, no oil spray marks under the bonnet, any rattles/tapping, leaks etc ask about cmabelt FSH, check all the interior gadgets/gizmos work. have a good look underneath, alternatively check here
http://www.fiatboo.co.uk/buy-a-bravo.htm

Wilqaeda said:

Check the engine is cold before starting, no oil spray marks under the bonnet, any rattles/tapping, leaks etc ask about cmabelt FSH, check all the interior gadgets/gizmos work. have a good look underneath, alternatively check here
http://www.fiatboo.co.uk/buy-a-bravo.htm

Click to expand...

I totally forgot to check on BOO! Silly me

Just another quick question- how important is the tag that goes with the red key? Because I never got given one on Rosti MK 1, if you have the red key but not the tag, is it that bad?

Iv have only ever had 1 key with both my bravo and marea, had no problems

Hi!

And take a cheap voltmeter (cheapie one from Aldi or Lidl etc!!!) to put across the battery to make sure you've got a good 14.4-14.5V with the engine running at idle & the heated rear window, main-beam headlights, radio, etc., all on as some of the alternators are swines to replace!!!
(I know the hard way - I'm still no further forward with my TD100 one yet!!!)

Any suspicion of alternator trouble should prompt you to look for another example quick!!!

Also airbag-lights can stick on if the battery's dubious, needing a main dealer visit or someone with suitable tackle to put it out!!!

Creaking/banging doors - see BOO Forum for cure!!!

Ticking rear wiper - replace blade if badly worn as there's not a lot of power spare in the motor unit, and make sure the washers are OK as the pipework is awkward to get at - also see BOO Forum Guides for more!!!

Temp. gauge rising up alarmingly - STOP engine, turn heater to maximum and see if it goes down - if not - wait for the engine to go COLD then make a thorough examination of coolant level, hoses, electric fan etc,. These gauges ***do*** have a reputation for failure due to intermittencies at the back of the printed-circuit but NEVER assume any gauge reading high or unusually low has gone duff without making quite sure as these engines are scrap if cooked up!!! (Car Mechanics Tip)

Intermittent illumination of red injector-spray light coupled with very poor or lumpy running can occur due to ECU (petrol versions) intermittently logging a fault with the coil-packs or crankshaft sensor - take the car on a test-drive of at least 15 miles or half an hour to watch for this!!!

Hope these additional tips help!!!

Chris Williams

Aww thank you