Greetings from Crete Greece,
Recently I becamed an owner of '96 fiat brava 1.6 16V with only 50.000 km. but with some issues...
The first syptom is the thermostat which I replaced it but still the problem I have is the idle on the temperature gauge is not stable in the middle, but usually now in winter it is just below the middle. Or in traffic jam and in summer time it is the opposite (just above the middle). Apart from this syptom the rest cooling system is OK. The temperature come in normal time the hearing system is working fine too. The only thing is this with the gauge.
The 2nd syptom is minor leaking from the heating radiator which damage the airbag ecu.I have removed the airbag ecu and now I am trying to find a second hand to replace it. Couple a days before the mechanic uses a special anti leaking fluid in the cooling system and now when I take the car I don't see mist in my windshield ?
The 3rd syptom is the knock sound in smooth acceleration especially in 3rd, 4th and 5th gear. I used 100 octane petrol and I didn't see any difference... What can cause the sounds?
Apart from these problems the rest car condition for its age is very good.

Hi. The 1.6 wasnt too popular in the UK.

TEMP. Gauge reading.. just little either side of centre sounds acceptable.

Knock(predetonation..pinking : pinging)

Worth attempting to check ignition timing..

Charlie

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For the temp gauge, the same kinda happens to me and there's no problem in the system. The arm of the little gauge needs adjusting. If you smack the top of the dash it'll probably snap back into its usual place. Judging from a few others here, it must be a common glitch.

As for the knocking, I'm thinking fuel and/or spark issues. Are the plugs OK and also, are they the single ones? Some Bravo/a's don't react well to the twin or four "prong" ones, at least from my experience. Plus, they seem to like to chew spark plugs! It's easy and worth checking first.

Timing could also be it. It's a suspiciousy low mileage car so the belt might've never been changed. Worth looking into as well.

Thanks for your replies!
I had service couple days ago and timing belt set change too. I used special liquid in the fuel tank for injection cleaning but still the annoying sound...

About the temperature, on the thermostat there locating 2 valves/sensors. One of those 2 might be faulty and cause the problem