Alfa Romeo2009–2012

159 1.75 TBi: Common faults & known problems

Common faults & known problems

11 known faults documented in workshop bulletins. Of these, three concern the electrical and ignition 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

  1. Check wiring connector and resistance of KS. Replace parts as necessary.

Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 2.

Electrical & ignition

3 documented faults — symptoms, causes and workshop fixes.

Intermittent self-activation of alarm system siren

Affects All models with alarm system.Fit new part

Cause

Alarm system in car movement sensors faulty.

Repair

  1. Fit new alarm system in car movement sensors.

Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 7.

Alarm/central locking will not operate, but doors can be unlocked with key

Overview

Affects
All models, →VIN 7092553.
Remedy
Fit new part
Parts
1 part

Cause

Transponder key not recognised.

Repair

  1. Check remote control battery, replace as required.
  2. Fit new ignition switch control module.
Parts1 part
Parts listed in the bulletin
PartPart numberQty
Ignition switch control module1560616201

Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 8.

Rear electric windows not operating

Affects All estate models, VIN →7275046.Fit modified part

Cause

Failure of window winder mechanism.

Repair

  1. Fit modified window winder mechanisms as necessary.
Parts2 parts
Parts listed in the bulletin
PartPart numberQty
Window winder mechanism - LH717697661
Window winder mechanism - RH717697651

Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 10.

Brakes

2 documented faults — symptoms, causes and workshop fixes.

ABS warning lamp illuminated

Overview

Affects
All models, →VIN 7097552.
Fault codes
C1275
Remedy
Fit new part
Parts
2 parts

Symptoms

Electronic stability program (ESP) warning lamp illuminated. Trouble code stored: C1275 (ABS solenoid valve, frequent activation).

Cause

ABS/ESP control module software fault.

Repair

  1. Carry out electrical, mechanical and component tests (as applicable) to eliminate any other possible cause(s).
  2. If no fault(s) found: Fit new ABS/ESP control module.
Parts2 parts
Parts listed in the bulletin
PartPart numberQty
ABS/ESP control module - except 3,2 AT717487661
ABS/ESP control module - 3,2 AT717487671

Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 5.

Electronic stability program (ESP) warning lamp illuminated

Affects Saloon: VIN 7003555-7053255. Estate: VIN 7003555-7062287.C1131Fit new part

Symptoms

Trouble code stored: C1131 (ABS brake fluid pressure sensor, implausible signal).

Cause

Faulty ABS brake fluid pressure sensor, located in ABS hydraulic modulator.

Repair

  1. Fit new ABS hydraulic modulator.

Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 6.

Suspension & drivetrain

1 documented fault — symptoms, causes and workshop fixes.

Creaking noise from rear suspension over uneven surfaces

Rear shock absorbers worn. Fix: fit a new part.

Overview

Affects
All models, VIN →7069784 (except 2.4D JTD/3.2JTS).
Remedy
Fit new part

Repair steps

  1. Remove rear suspension struts.
  2. Thoroughly clean all mating surfaces.
  3. Fit new rear shock absorbers and suspension springs.

Parts

Parts listed in the bulletin
PartPart numberQty
Shock absorber507064762
Suspension spring-2

Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 4.

Steering

1 documented fault — symptoms, causes and workshop fixes.

Noise from power steering pump after cold start

Air in power steering fluid.

Overview

Affects
All models.

Repair steps

  1. Drain power steering system.
  2. Turn steering from lock to lock 4-5 times.
  3. Flush power steering system out with recommended power steering fluid.
  4. Renew power steering fluid reservoir (1.9D JTD 16V/3.2 JTS).
  5. Refill power steering system (Tutela GI/R).
  6. Start engine. Turn steering from lock to lock 4-5 times to bleed system.
  7. Top up power steering fluid level.
  8. Check for leaks.

Parts

Parts listed in the bulletin
PartPart numberQty
PAS reservoir505071841,9D JTD 16V/3,2 JTS
PAS fluidTutela GI/RAll engines

Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 3.

Air conditioning & heating

2 documented faults — symptoms, causes and workshop fixes.

Creaking noise from fascia

Heater intake air purity sensor vibrates against sensor bracket.

Overview

Affects
All models with heater intake air purity sensor, VIN →7066477.

Symptoms

Creaking noise from centre console.

Repair steps

  1. Remove windscreen RH scuttle panel.
  2. Remove heater intake air purity sensor bracket.
  3. Fit rubber pad and reassemble components.

Parts

Parts listed in the bulletin
PartPart numberQty
Rubber pad606957741

Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 1.

Erratic AC compressor operation

Affects All models with air conditioning (AC): 159: VIN →7053519. Spider/Brera: VIN →5010764.Fit modified part

Symptoms

Air conditioning (AC) inefficient when ambient air temperature is high.

Cause

AC receiver/drier faulty.

Repair

  1. Fit modified AC receiver/drier.
Parts1 part
Parts listed in the bulletin
PartPart numberQty
AC receiver/drier717482631

Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 9.

Wipers & visibility

1 documented fault — symptoms, causes and workshop fixes.

Rear screen washer not working

Affects All models with rear screen wash/wipe system.Repair kit

Symptoms

Water ingress into front footwells. Water ingress into load area. Water ingress into rear of passenger compartment.

Cause

Rear screen washer pipe split.

Repair

  1. Operate rear screen washer to pin-point leak. Repair rear screen washer pipe as necessary using repair kit.
Parts1 part
Parts listed in the bulletin
PartPart numberQty
Rear screen washer pipe repair kit519224361

Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 11.

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
ABS
Anti-lock braking system — stops the wheels locking under hard braking
Trouble Codes
Standardised fault codes stored by the engine control module, read with a diagnostic tool
AC
Air conditioning — the system that cools the cabin
ABS/ESP
Anti-lock braking and electronic stability programme — the system that stops the wheels locking and keeps the vehicle stable
ESP
Electronic stability programme — brakes individual wheels to stop a skid
KS
Knock sensor — listens for engine knock so the engine control module can retard the timing
RH
Right-hand — the right side of the vehicle as you sit in it
Control Module
A control unit for one of the vehicle's systems (engine, gearbox, brakes, body, and so on)
Receiver/Drier
The air-conditioning filter/dryer that removes moisture from the refrigerant
Solenoid
An electrically operated valve or actuator
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 159 1.75 TBi?

This guide contains 11 workshop bulletins for the Alfa Romeo 159 1.75 TBi. Of these, three concern the electrical and ignition and two the brakes. Symptoms, causes, repair steps and part numbers are shown where supplied.

Does every Alfa Romeo 159 1.75 TBi 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 159 1.75 TBi faults myself?

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

Related guides

Glossary term

See in the glossary →