Alfa Romeo2002–2008

147 3.2 GTA: Common faults & known problems

Common faults & known problems

12 known faults documented in workshop bulletins. Of these, three concern the suspension and drivetrain and two the brakes. Symptoms, causes, repair steps and part numbers are shown where supplied.

Technical specifications

Engine & fuel system

1 documented fault — symptoms, causes and workshop fixes.

Engine malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) illuminated

Affects All models with petrol engines.P0325P1325

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.

Electrical & ignition

1 documented fault — symptoms, causes and workshop fixes.

Airbag warning lamp illuminates permanently or intermittently

Poor connection of side airbag harness multi-plug under front seats. Fix: fit a modified part.

Overview

Affects: All models with side airbags, VIN →5234543.
Remedy: Fit modified part

Repair steps

Locate orange side airbag harness multi-plug under front seats.
Cut wires 10 mm both sides of harness multi-plug. Only cut one wire at a time.
Fit modified harness multi-plug by soldering wires together and insulate using heatshrink sleeves.
Secure harness multi-plug to underside of seat using multi-plug mounting bracket and cable tie.

Parts

Parts listed in the bulletin
Part	Part number	Qty
Harness multi-plug kit	50507402	1
Multi-plug mounting bracket - LH	51790883	1
Multi-plug mounting bracket - RH	51790884	1

Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 11.

Brakes

2 documented faults — symptoms, causes and workshop fixes.

Squeaking noise from rear brakes

Affects All models.

Cause

Handbrake cable sticking due to internal damage/corrosion.

Repair

Replace both handbrake cables.

Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 3.

Premature operation of electronic stability program (ESP)

Overview

Affects: All models: VIN 3327094-3354034. VIN 5213889-5234805.
Remedy: Fit new part
Parts: 1 part

Cause

ABS/ESP control module software fault.

Repair

Carry out electrical, mechanical and component tests (as applicable) to eliminate any other possible cause(s).
If no fault(s) found: Fit new ABS/ESP control module.

Parts1 part

Parts listed in the bulletin
Part	Part number	Qty
ABS/ESP control module	71747779	1

Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 9.

Suspension & drivetrain

3 documented faults — symptoms, causes and workshop fixes.

Knocking/squeaking noise from rear suspension over uneven surfaces

Affects All models.

Cause

Rear trailing arm hub assembly bushes.

Repair

Replace both rear trailing arm hub assembly bushes.

Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 4.

Knocking noise from front suspension over uneven surfaces

Affects All models.Fit modified part

Cause

Excessive play between front inner anti-roll bar bushes and bush clamps.

Repair

Fit modified front anti-roll bar.

Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 5.

Knocking/squeaking noise from rear suspension over uneven surfaces

Rear suspension lower arm bushes worn. Fix: fit a new part.

Overview

Affects: All models.
Remedy: Fit new part

Repair steps

Mark position of rear suspension lower arm inner bolt.
Fit new rear suspension lower arms.
Realign marks and check rear wheel alignment.

Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 7.

Air conditioning & heating

1 documented fault — symptoms, causes and workshop fixes.

Air conditioning (AC)/heater flap motors do not relate to AC control settings

Affects All models with manual temperature control.B1801

Symptoms

AC/heater function control panel symbols not illuminated. Trouble code stored: B1801 (AC/heater air mix flap motor, malfunction).

Cause

Failure of AC/heater function control panel symbol bulbs.

Repair

Replace all bulbs in AC/heater function control panel.

Parts1 part

Parts listed in the bulletin
Part	Part number	Qty
Bulb	71747970	3

Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 10.

Body & trim

1 documented fault — symptoms, causes and workshop fixes.

Bonnet not opening or closing correctly

Affects All models.Clean & lubricate

Cause

Bonnet catch seized.

Repair

Clean and lubricate bonnet catch.

Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 1.

Wipers & visibility

1 documented fault — symptoms, causes and workshop fixes.

Noise from lower windscreen area

Overview

Affects: All models.
Remedy: Clean & lubricate

Cause

Dry contact surfaces on front suspension upper arm bushes.

Front suspension upper arm bushes worn.

Repair

Check front suspension upper arm bushes for excessive play.
Replace or lubricate front suspension upper arm bushes as necessary.

Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 2.

Other

2 documented faults — symptoms, causes and workshop fixes.

The message "ODO" flashes in the trip meter display

Overview

Affects: All models.

Cause

Loss of communication between control modules.

Repair

Reset multifunction control module.
Diagnostic equipment required.

Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 8.

Metallic noise from fascia over uneven road

Affects All models, →02/05.

Symptoms

Rattling noise from audio unit area.

Cause

Excessive clearance between audio unit and surrounding.

Repair

Apply felt tape to audio unit.

Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 12.

Glossary

Technical terms used in this guide.

VIN: Vehicle identification number — 17 characters, found at the base of the windscreen and on the V5C logbook
Trouble Codes: Standardised fault codes stored by the engine control module, read with a diagnostic tool
ABS/ESP: Anti-lock braking and electronic stability programme — the system that stops the wheels locking and keeps the vehicle stable
KS: Knock sensor — listens for engine knock so the engine control module can retard the timing
AC/Heater: The heating and air-conditioning system
Anti-Roll Bar: A bar that links the left and right suspension to cut body roll in corners
Control Module: A control unit for one of the vehicle's systems (engine, gearbox, brakes, body, and so on)
Multi-Plug: A multi-pin electrical connector on a wiring harness
Multifunction Control Module: The control module that runs shared electrical functions (lights, wipers, locking, and so on)
Trouble Code: A standardised fault code stored by a control module, read with a diagnostic tool
Bush: A rubber mounting that lets a suspension or body joint move without metal-to-metal contact
Bushes: Rubber mountings that let a suspension or body joint move without metal-to-metal contact
Lower Arm: A suspension link that locates the wheel at the bottom of the hub

Frequently asked questions

What are the common faults with the Alfa Romeo 147 3.2 GTA?

This guide contains 12 workshop bulletins for the Alfa Romeo 147 3.2 GTA. Of these, three concern the suspension and drivetrain and two the brakes. Symptoms, causes, repair steps and part numbers are shown where supplied.

Does every Alfa Romeo 147 3.2 GTA 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 147 3.2 GTA faults myself?

Many of them. The documented symptoms can be seen, heard or felt during a test drive.