General 1.2 8v 98 cabrio

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General 1.2 8v 98 cabrio

Fiatcinquecento

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Hi there, we have bought a fairly ruff, but saveable punto Cabrio. We went to pick it up, and what got me by surprise was that it is a 8v with air-conditioning. The one main problem is the roof won't close properly, and I don't know where to start, there's no power getting to the motor, any help, ideas? Would be greatly appreciated
Here is the way the roof looks right now... 1502020023063.jpeg
 
Welcome to the world of Cabrio ownership. If the motor is not working, you can disable the hydraulics to allow it to be opened and closed manually. If you locate the motor on the right hand side of the boot, you will see there are access panels in the trim. Behind one of these you will find a tap, which you turn to disable the hydraulics.
The wiring for the roof is thick and pink and you should find the fuse in the engine compartment. I can tell you where it is on the 1.6, but I'm afraid I am unfamiliar with the 1.2. On the 1.6 it is mounted to the fuse and relay holder bolted to the bulkhead under a screw-on plastic cover.
I hope this helps.
Once you have it working, check my threads about the central reinforcing bar which can cause the mechanism to cut the roof with a scissor action if it is not folded correctly.
 
Thanks a mill man for the reply, will try that now, I had guessed it was on the right side but could be sure, your a massive help, will keep ye posted ??
 
Have a question and a photo from you. The roof will neither go back fully or close fully on the last fold at the drivers window, why is this?
 
1502041921617.jpeg and also, how much does the tap need to be unscrewed? Don't want to mess anything up!
 
That does look odd. The side frame should be straight before the headrail meets the windscreen frame. I wonder whether the central cross rail is getting in the way somehow, or whether there is a problem with the tensioning or the positioning of the rams. Have a look at this thread for some roof issues: https://www.fiatforum.com/punto/351131-punto-cabrio-roof-issue.html


The hydraulic tap should just require a quarter or half turn.


Looking at your car, it looks like an early ELX which would have had a 1.6 engine. An easy was to check is that the 1.6 has its spark plugs at the front and exhaust manifold at the back and has a single coil for 4 cylinders. The 1.2 is the opposite way round and has two coils, each serving 2 cylinders.
 
If you look at the link I posted in the last reply and scroll down the page, you will see it outlined in red. It sits above the join in the side rail where yours is sagging. However, the rear part of your frame should not sit down at the angle that it is, it should be horizontal, so I wonder whether it has been bent. Is it the same on both sides?


I am surprised that it is an 8v 1.2 as I thought Fiat changed from the 8v 1.6 to 16v 1.2. Perhaps it has had an engine transplant. Have a look at the Bertone plate located on the front bonnet slam panel just to the left of the catch, it should have a build number. On my 94 model which looks identical to yours it is No. 4793. Later models had very different interior seats and trim which you can see in the Japanese video also on the same link.
 
Thanks a mill, was investigating today and the frame is bent massively around the rear hinges ?. No worries, I'm on the look out for a new frame or just get the gas out...

Ya I'm not sure if it is a original engine, but it is a 1.2 1242 8v automatic with air-conditioning which looks factory, do these all come with air conditioning?
 
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The funny thing is, this car was imported from England so it must be a mid range spec, thanks so much for your help on this , greatly appreciated. Hey ? if you ever have a question about a Cinquecento, I'm the fella ?
 
It's definitely odd, but fiat odd. It all looks 100% factory. The woman that bought it came to Ireland and brought the car with her. I say it was a special order!
 
Hi. Where abouts are you? I know where there is a scrapper. I'm in Limerick. Have had the roof off both of mine. Easy enough to do when you know how. PM me for details.
 
Not to keep banging on about how weird it is, but can you take a pic of the engine bay?AFAIK the cabby only ever had the 1.6 or the 1.2 16v. I highly doubt the factory would've put an 8v in there for a one off special.

Of course, if it is an 8v take good care of it because it's likely to be hella rare ;)
 
It's in a private house! I'll give you a shout when I'm back in 3 weeks. Mine is the same blue! Bought a new top for it. PM me your contact details and well meet.
 
Here is the pics of bay as requested
IMG_20170901_175306.jpgIMG_20170901_175322.jpgIMG_20170901_175324.jpgIMG_20170901_175327.jpgIMG_20170901_175333.jpgIMG_20170901_175346.jpg

Second photo is the automatic box
Third photo is the ac lines
Fifth is the power steering pump
Sixth is the alternator and another ac compressor
Thanks
 
My cabrio is also 8V with A/C and auto transmission (and full leather interior). There are a few the same in England, but was never officially offered by FIAT. The story goes that there was batch of vehicles bound for Malaysia, but due to non-payment by the importer, they were redirected to a Right-hand drive market that would accept the specification. Hearsay only! Mine was registered as a 16V manual - I won't bore you with the tribulations I had in correcting this with DVLA. Regards Richard
 
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