Engine & fuel system
6 documented faults — symptoms, causes and workshop fixes.
Engine misfire/hesitation on idle
Ignition coil low tension wiring trapped under ignition coil cover.
Overview
- Affects
- All models, 1994-97.
Repair steps
- Repair and re-route damaged wiring.
- If necessary, de-bur edges of ignition coil cover.
- Fit cable tie to No.4 HT lead.
Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 1.
Engine surging
Water ingress into evaporative emission (EVAP) canister purge valve air intake aperture through opening in body, by right-hand bonnet hinge.
Overview
- Affects
- All models with petrol engines, →03/98.
Symptoms
Poor driveability.
Repair steps
- Remove right-hand wiper arm.
- Remove rubber insulation by right-hand bonnet hinge.
- Remove right-hand air intake grill.
- Seal opening to rear of hinge.
Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 2.
Engine misfire
Water/oil ingress into spark plug orifice. Fix: clean and lubricate.
Overview
- Affects
- All models.
- Remedy
- Clean & lubricate
Symptoms
Engine malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) illuminated. Poor cold starting. Poor engine running.
Repair steps
- Clean ignition coil and spark plug orifice.
- Check spark plugs for insulator damage or arcing.
- Check cylinder head cover for leaks.
Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 3.
Failure to start
Overview
- Affects
- All models.
Symptoms
Failure to start when engine is hot. Trouble code stored in engine control module (ECM) fault memory.
Cause
Faulty crankshaft position (CKP) sensor.
Repair
- Replace crankshaft position (CKP) sensor.
- Access engine control module (ECM) fault memory and erase trouble codes.
Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 4.
Idle speed surges
Throttle valve not closing correctly due to build up of deposits in throttle body. Fix: clean and lubricate.
Overview
- Affects
- All models.
- Remedy
- Clean & lubricate
Symptoms
Engine jerking. Poor throttle response.
Repair steps
- Remove throttle body intake pipe.
- Clean deposits from inner wall.
- Actuate throttle valve manually 3 to 5 times.
- Inspect throttle body for any remaining contamination.
- If necessary clean again.
- Fit throttle body intake pipe.
- Check idle speed.
Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 5.
Engine malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) illuminated
Symptoms
Trouble codes stored: P0325, P1325.
Cause
Knock sensor (KS) fault.
Repair
- Check wiring connector and resistance of KS. Replace parts as necessary.
Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 6.
Glossary
Technical terms used in this guide.
- MIL
- Malfunction indicator lamp — the engine warning light on the dashboard
- ECM
- Engine control module — the electronic unit that manages the engine
- Trouble Codes
- Standardised fault codes stored by the engine control module, read with a diagnostic tool
- CKP
- Crankshaft position sensor — tells the engine control module where the crankshaft is in its rotation
- HT Lead
- High-tension lead — the spark-plug wire that carries the ignition spark
- KS
- Knock sensor — listens for engine knock so the engine control module can retard the timing
- Control Module
- A control unit for one of the vehicle's systems (engine, gearbox, brakes, body, and so on)
- Crankshaft Position
- Where the crankshaft is in its rotation — used for ignition and injection timing
- Fault Memory
- The list of stored trouble codes in a control module
- Trouble Code
- A standardised fault code stored by a control module, read with a diagnostic tool
Frequently asked questions
What are the common faults with the Alfa Romeo 146 2.0?
This guide contains six workshop bulletins for the Alfa Romeo 146 2.0. Of these, six concern the engine and fuel system. Symptoms, causes, repair steps and part numbers are shown where supplied.
Does every Alfa Romeo 146 2.0 have these faults?
No. These are patterns documented across the model by workshops, not predictions for an individual vehicle. Where a fault applies only to certain vehicles or VIN ranges, that is listed with the fault.
Can I check for Alfa Romeo 146 2.0 faults myself?
Many of them. The documented symptoms can be seen, heard or felt during a test drive.