Sorry for the thread spam; I figured this was a different-enough question to merit one of its own.

I learned today, as you all have, that there isn't a workshop/service manual of any kind for the mk3 TwinAir Pandas; no version of eLearn or anything available. I found some 3rd party bits-and-pieces (an MTA basic maintenance guide in French or an electrical systems guide in Italian) but nothing comprehensive. I even tried registering as a fake mechanic on technicalinformation.fiat to see if they would let me pay for access to the official stuff! (no joy so far)

For my old car, I had a Haynes manual & a (dodgy) copy of the official workshop manual and together these covered almost everything. But it looks like for this generation of Panda I'd only have forums threads to go on...?

I have basic knowledge of working on cars, but still a hell of a lot to learn - so not having a reference and having to figure things out on my own is a bit scary! Especially as I'm after a 4x4 model, which will be more complex mechanically.

So - how do you find working on this generation of Panda? Is it a total pain in the arse, or am I just being a wimp? I like to do as much as possible of my own work, so would be sad to have to take the car to a dealer or garage every time something goes wrong.

Thanks

Hi.
Well the 1242cc Fire engined Panda is easy. I've done all the servicing that is straightforward as is the timing belt, water pump etc, admittedly the TA and 4wd versions will be more complex. I believe that front wishbones are more complex to do as part of the front subframe has to be removed as far as I know.
It makes me wonder how the Fiat independent garages can do things without reference to a manual unless they can gain access to info somehow.

My, very good, independent garage say they can fully service my 4x4 TA as they have bought the Fiat servicing information. They implied they thought it was expensive. I have always been very satisfied with all their work on other vehicles. They have serviced/repaired my wife's Hyundai I10 for some years without any problems and also our Citroen Relay Camper Van which at 67000 miles runs better than ever.
When I wanted 2 rear fog lights on the Camper (instead of the one only on the offside) Citroen Main Dealer, quoted me "around £1000" my independent garage did an excellent "home made" second light conversion for £35. That is correct £35
Whenever possible I will continue to use them. One small error on a bill where I was accidentally double charged for an item, resulted in a very sincere apology and the next job done free of charge. Can't say fairer than that

Noticed that a lot of threads refer to how to do things on a Fiat 500 - they're similar to the Panda mechanically, then?

SteakAndAle said:

Noticed that a lot of threads refer to how to do things on a Fiat 500 - they're similar to the Panda mechanically, then?

Click to expand...

Correct

They are built in the same factory (Italy)


Previous 169 panda also same as 500 factory..alongside the ford Ka (Poland)

SteakAndAle said:

Noticed that a lot of threads refer to how to do things on a Fiat 500 - they're similar to the Panda mechanically, then?

Click to expand...

500 and Panda are very similar under the skin.

The 4x4 Panda is easier to work on as its higher ground clearance you can get under it better. But you have to remove the steel under tray - which is very heavy and needs supporting on a trolley jack while being unbolted and then rolled out - to get to drain plugs etc. 4x4 only adds complexity at the back end, especially the disc brakes (search this forum and you'll find there is a DIY route to replacing the discs). But the rest of the 4x4 system is largely 'sealed for life' so doesn't really add an extra work in terms of servicing (not until they reach high miles (100,000 plus) or are abused, them prop-shaft bearings etc come into play.

Thanks, that's all good to know. Yeah I saw the thread about rear discs on the 4x4 - sounds like a right faff!

Seems like there's a lot of good info out there about maintenance on the 500, so if the Panda is similar then that's really helpful.

Re. prop-shaft bearings: that's actually what got me thinking about this in the first place. One of the Pandas I was looking at has an advisory on its last MOT about the prop shaft bearing being worn -> "I wonder how much of a job that is?" -> "wait, why can't I dig up any manuals?" -> this thread!

SteakAndAle said:

Thanks, that's all good to know. Yeah I saw the thread about rear discs on the 4x4 - sounds like a right faff!

Seems like there's a lot of good info out there about maintenance on the 500, so if the Panda is similar then that's really helpful.

Re. prop-shaft bearings: that's actually what got me thinking about this in the first place. One of the Pandas I was looking at has an advisory on its last MOT about the prop shaft bearing being worn -> "I wonder how much of a job that is?" -> "wait, why can't I dig up any manuals?" -> this thread!

Click to expand...

In principle the bearing can be removed from the prop shaft and a new one costs a few quid - but this seems to be something that is never done. A replacement shaft is the simplest option. The part from Fiat is upwards of £1500 (!), but now and again, new ones appear on eBay from parts places selling them on for nearer £300. So far as I know, the shaft is he same on the older 169 model too (even though the tech at either end is different).
Just looked - there's one listed now . Six bolts to undo at each end, plus four holding the centre gaurd in place, and two more holding the bearing carrier. Should be fairly straightforward but would need the car up on a lift.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/FIAT-PAN...882625&hash=item3b443eb49b:g:6oMAAOSwu-ted3Ac