Fiat Coupe Club UK

95 Coupe resurrection project

Posted By: RobJ

95 Coupe resurrection project - 29/07/2023 09:41

Hi all,
[Skip the first paragraphs for the technical question, but full background first for those interested]

I'm in the process of trying to resurrect a 95 (or N reg, anyway) Coupe previously owned by an elderly friend who died in 2021- and the car has been untouched in their garage for 15+ years. It has less that 20,000 miles on it, if I remember right.

It was bought new from and only ever serviced by a local Fiat agent (since closed down).

A literal "One little old lady owner" vehicle!


At some point the keys were lost. Another friend inherited the house & car, so the car did not need moving at the time.

I managed to decode the lock (using a Lishi tool) and make keys for it earlier this year, and a couple of weeks ago had chance to take a compressor round to reinflate the tyres - which all hold air and seem perfect, no sign of rot or cracking at all! (though I'd not trust them for road use, on age alone).

The last part was making another key, after realising the ignition needed a longer blank than the other locks.


Yesterday, I tried that, it works, so it was safe to try pushing it out of the garage to have room to work on it (there was no clearance at the front while parked there).
The handbrake released OK and the footbrake works!


It's now outdoors and the next stage is trying to get it running. The battery is shot of course, so that needs replacing.
The oil is at the full mark and looks OK, coolant visible in the header tank.

It looks to have seeping cam cover gasket, but other than that all good.



Questions: Does this have an immobiliser and/or alarm? It does not appear to have a steering lock, or at least the wheel can be turned through the centre position without locking, without a key in?


The "Version" on the plate under the bonnet is: FACA1AAAAA324, with engine type 836A3.000 if that helps with the exact build?

I've looked at the wiring in the service manuals on this site, but they appear to start with the 96 build?


The next time I get chance to do anything with it, I'm going to take some tools and see if I can turn the engine over by hand, before I get a battery for it.


Any info or suggestions for getting it running greatly appreciated!




Attached picture Engine view 2.jpg
Posted By: acc67

Re: 95 Coupe resurrection project - 29/07/2023 19:45

You may want to replace the cambelt and balance shaft belts before attempting to start the engine
Posted By: RobJ

Re: 95 Coupe resurrection project - 31/07/2023 16:59

Originally Posted by acc67
You may want to replace the cambelt and balance shaft belts before attempting to start the engine



OK, very good point! Thanks
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