Engine & fuel system
2 documented faults — symptoms, causes and workshop fixes.
Engine malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) illuminated
Symptoms
Trouble code stored: P1604.
Cause
Engine control module (ECM) software fault.
Repair
- Re-program ECM with modified software.
Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 7.
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 9.
Brakes
3 documented faults — symptoms, causes and workshop fixes.
Squeal from rear brakes
Overview
- Affects
- All models.
- Remedy
- Clean & lubricate
Cause
Pads seize in brake caliper carrier due to corrosion and dirt ingress.
Repair
- Remove and clean rear brake pads.
- Clean brake caliper carrier and lubricate.
Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 4.
Front brakes vibrating when brakes applied at medium to high speed
Front brake disc distortion. Fix: fit a modified part.
Overview
- Affects
- All models.
- Remedy
- Fit modified part
Repair steps
- Fit modified front brake calipers.
- Replace front brake pads and brake discs with modified version.
- Ensure suitable clearance between front brake caliper and wheel.
Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 5.
Squeaking noise from rear brakes
Cause
Handbrake cable sticking due to internal damage/corrosion.
Repair
- Replace both handbrake cables.
Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 6.
Suspension & drivetrain
3 documented faults — symptoms, causes and workshop fixes.
Knocking noise from front suspension over uneven surfaces
Cause
Excessive play between front inner anti-roll bar bushes and bush clamps.
Repair
- Fit modified front anti-roll bar.
Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 8.
Knocking/squeaking noise from rear suspension over uneven surfaces
Cause
Rear trailing arm hub assembly bushes.
Repair
- Replace both rear trailing arm hub assembly bushes.
Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 10.
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 11.
Clutch & gearbox
1 documented fault — symptoms, causes and workshop fixes.
Occasional loss of drive
Symptoms
Trouble code stored in transmission control module (TCM) fault memory: P1769.
Cause
ASM transmission shift actuator accumulator faulty.
Repair
- Replace ASM transmission shift actuator accumulator.
Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 12.
Air conditioning & heating
1 documented fault — symptoms, causes and workshop fixes.
Outlet air distribution/temperature does not correspond to setting
Cause
Ignition switched ON immediately after reconnection of battery.
AC/heater air mix flap motor and AC/heater air direction motor position cycle interrupted.
Repair
- Disconnect battery, reconnect and wait at least 2 minutes before switching ignition ON.
Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 1.
Body & trim
1 documented fault — symptoms, causes and workshop fixes.
Bonnet not opening or closing correctly
Cause
Bonnet catch seized.
Repair
- Clean and lubricate bonnet catch.
Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 2.
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 3.
Glossary
Technical terms used in this guide.
- 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
- ATC
- Automatic temperature control — climate control that holds the temperature you set
- KS
- Knock sensor — listens for engine knock so the engine control module can retard the timing
- TCM
- Transmission control module — the electronic unit that manages the gearbox
- AC/Heater
- The heating and air-conditioning system
- Actuator
- A motor or solenoid that moves a mechanical part on command
- Anti-Roll Bar
- A bar that links the left and right suspension to cut body roll in corners
- Caliper
- The part that squeezes the brake pads onto the disc
- Control Module
- A control unit for one of the vehicle's systems (engine, gearbox, brakes, body, and so on)
- Fault Memory
- The list of stored trouble codes in a control module
- Re-Program
- Update the software on a control module using the manufacturer's diagnostic tool
- 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 156 3.2 GTA?
This guide contains 12 workshop bulletins for the Alfa Romeo 156 3.2 GTA. Of these, three concern the brakes and three the suspension and drivetrain. Symptoms, causes, repair steps and part numbers are shown where supplied.
Does every Alfa Romeo 156 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 156 3.2 GTA faults myself?
Many of them. The documented symptoms can be seen, heard or felt during a test drive.