Replacing the timing belt is one of the most important bits of maintenance you need to keep up with if you own a Fiat Stilo. This is because if the belt breaks you could be up for a seriously expensive engine rebuild or replacement. This short guide will cover when you need to change the timing belt (also known as the cambelt) and some other timing belt related facts as well.
Table of Contents
Does the Fiat Stilo have a Timing Belt or Chain?
As you can see from the table below, all engines fitted to the Fiat Stilo came with a timing belt and not a chain. Additionally, they are all interference engines.
| Engine | Timing Belt | Interference |
| 1.2 L Fire I4 16v – Petrol | Yes | Yes |
| 1.4 L Fire I4 16v – Petrol | Yes | Yes |
| 1.6 L Torque I4 16v – Petrol | Yes | Yes |
| 1.6 L Ecotec I4 16v – Petrol | Yes | Yes |
| 1.75 L Pratola Serra I4 – Petrol | Yes | Yes |
| 2.4 L Pratola Serra I5 – Petrol | Yes | Yes |
| 1.9 L JTD – Diesel | Yes | Yes |
| 1.9 L MultiJet – Diesel | Yes | Yes |
When Does the Timing Belt Need to Be Replaced on a Fiat Stilo?
The original manual stated that a replacement was needed every 112,000 km (70,000) miles or every 5 years. However, this was later revised to every 58,000 km (36,000 miles) or every 3 years after a number of owners experienced premature belt failure.
To get a bit of an idea of health of both the belt and the tensioner, you can try to listen for any abnormal rubbing, squeaking, tapping, or ticking sounds originating from the timing belt area. The presence of such noises may signal that the belt and tensioner have surpassed their intended lifespan.
What Happens if the Timing Belt Breaks on a Fiat Stilo
As all motors in the Stilo range are interference engines, if a belt breaks it will lead to catastrophic damage when the pistons and valves collide. Unless you are very, very lucky a total engine rebuild or replacement will be necessary to get your Stilo moving again after a belt failure.
What Else Should be Replaced with the Timing Belt?
When it comes time to replacing the belt, make sure you also replace the tensioner, pulleys, aux belt and water pump. All these components are usually sold as a kit (sometimes minus the water pump), but it is worth making sure that they have all been replaced if you take the car to a mechanic.
To Sum Up
Replace the timing belt every 58,000 km (36,000 miles) or every 3 years, not every 112,000 km (70,000) miles/5 years like the manual states. All engines are interference, so if the timing belt breaks on your Fiat Stilo a full engine rebuild or replacement will almost certainly be necessary. When replacing the timing belt make sure you replace the tensioner, pulleys, aux belt and water pump as well.
