Alfa Romeo2008–2010

159 2.4 JTDM 20V: Common faults & known problems

Common faults & known problems

12 known faults documented in workshop bulletins. Of these, three concern the electrical and ignition and two the engine and fuel system. Symptoms, causes, repair steps and part numbers are shown where supplied.

Technical specifications

Engine & fuel system

2 documented faults — symptoms, causes and workshop fixes.

Trouble code stored: P2264

Overview

Affects: All models with Diesel engines.
Fault codes: P2264

Cause

Poor or no connection of wiring harness at fuel/water separator sensor.

Faulty fuel/water separator sensor.

Repair steps

Check wiring for positive supply at harness multi-plug terminal 3.
Check fuel/water separator sensor wiring harness continuity.
Check fuel/water separator sensor harness multi-plug for good contact.
Renew fuel/water separator sensor.

Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 10.

Engine malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) illuminated

Overview

Affects: All models with Diesel engines.
Fault codes: P0237P0238P2562P2563

Symptoms

Lack of power. Possible trouble codes stored: P0237, P0238, P2562, P2563. Whistling noise from engine. White smoke coming from exhaust.

Cause

Turbocharger (TC) control pressure sensor faulty.

Internal failure of turbocharger (TC).

Repair

Carry out electrical, mechanical and component tests (as applicable) to eliminate any other possible cause(s).
If no fault(s) found: Replace turbocharger (TC) and turbocharger (TC) control pressure sensor.

Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 12.

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

Fit new alarm system in car movement sensors.

Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 4.

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

Check remote control battery, replace as required.
Fit new ignition switch control module.

Parts1 part

Parts listed in the bulletin
Part	Part number	Qty
Ignition switch control module	156061620	1

Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 7.

Rear electric windows not operating

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

Cause

Failure of window winder mechanism.

Repair

Fit modified window winder mechanisms as necessary.

Parts2 parts

Parts listed in the bulletin
Part	Part number	Qty
Window winder mechanism - LH	71769766	1
Window winder mechanism - RH	71769765	1

Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 9.

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

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.

Parts2 parts

Parts listed in the bulletin
Part	Part number	Qty
ABS/ESP control module - except 3,2 AT	71748766	1
ABS/ESP control module - 3,2 AT	71748767	1

Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 2.

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

Fit new ABS hydraulic modulator.

Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 3.

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 with 2.4D JTD engine, VIN →7069784.
Remedy: Fit new part

Repair steps

Remove rear suspension struts.
Thoroughly clean all mating surfaces.
Fit new rear shock absorbers to spring assembly.

Parts

Parts listed in the bulletin
Part	Part number	Qty
Shock absorber	50707350	2

Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 1.

Air conditioning & heating

2 documented faults — symptoms, causes and workshop fixes.

Engine malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) illuminated

Overview

Affects: All models with MT.
Fault codes: P1206P2004P2013
Remedy: Software update

Symptoms

Trouble codes stored: P1206, P2004, P2013.

Cause

Engine control module (ECM) software fault.

Intake manifold air control actuator faulty.

Faulty fuel injectors.

Repair steps

Check operation of intake manifold air control actuator. Replace intake manifold and intake manifold air control actuator with modified version, if necessary.
Check fuel injectors for correct type. Modified fuel injectors have production number XXXXXXXXXX_01.
Re-program engine control module (ECM) with upgraded software.
To carry out an effective repair a software upgrade will be required - refer to manufacturer.

Parts

Parts listed in the bulletin
Part	Part number	Qty
Fuel injector	71793290	5
Fuel injector seal	46518716	5
Fuel injector pipe - fuel injector No. 1	55212305	1
Fuel injector pipe - fuel injector No. 2	55211160	1
Fuel injector pipe - fuel injector No. 3	55204725	1
Fuel injector pipe - fuel injector No. 4	55204726	1
Fuel injector pipe - fuel injector No. 5	5521306	1
Intake manifold	55210197	1
Intake manifold air control actuator	55205127	1
Throttle body seal kit	71748278	1
High-pressure fuel pipe	55213194	1
Exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) solenoid seal	55191883	1
Exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) solenoid seal	46773082	1
Nut	55192175	11

Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 5.

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

Fit modified AC receiver/drier.

Parts1 part

Parts listed in the bulletin
Part	Part number	Qty
AC receiver/drier	71748263	1

Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 8.

Body & trim

1 documented fault — symptoms, causes and workshop fixes.

Wind noise from door mirrors

Overview

Affects: All models, 2008 MY: VIN 7200000-7229783.
Parts: 1 part

Cause

Insufficient sound proofing in door mirror housing.

Repair

Remove access panel moulded into the underside of door mirror housing.
Additional foam pad is fitted through access hole in door mirror housing.

Parts1 part

Parts listed in the bulletin
Part	Part number	Qty
Foam pad	156089150	2

Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 6.

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

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
Part	Part number	Qty
Rear screen washer pipe repair kit	51922436	1

Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 11.

Glossary

Technical terms used in this guide.

ECM: Engine control module — the electronic unit that manages the engine
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
TC: Turbocharger — the exhaust-driven compressor that boosts engine power
Actuator: A motor or solenoid that moves a mechanical part on command
Control Module: A control unit for one of the vehicle's systems (engine, gearbox, brakes, body, and so on)
Intake Manifold: The housing that distributes air into the cylinders
Multi-Plug: A multi-pin electrical connector on a wiring harness
Receiver/Drier: The air-conditioning filter/dryer that removes moisture from the refrigerant
Re-Program: Update the software on a control module using the manufacturer's diagnostic tool
Solenoid: An electrically operated valve or actuator
Trouble Code: A standardised fault code stored by a control module, read with a diagnostic tool
Wiring Harness: The bundled cables that carry power and signals around the vehicle

Frequently asked questions

What are the common faults with the Alfa Romeo 159 2.4 JTDM 20V?

This guide contains 12 workshop bulletins for the Alfa Romeo 159 2.4 JTDM 20V. Of these, three concern the electrical and ignition and two the engine and fuel system. Symptoms, causes, repair steps and part numbers are shown where supplied.

Does every Alfa Romeo 159 2.4 JTDM 20V 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 2.4 JTDM 20V faults myself?

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