Engine & fuel system
5 documented faults — symptoms, causes and workshop fixes.
Poor driveability during warm up
Symptoms
Hesitation. Poor idling.
Cause
Incorrect calibration of the engine control module (ECM).
Repair
- Re-program engine control module (ECM).
Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 1.
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 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 5.
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 6.
Rattling noise from top of engine for several seconds when starting after the vehicle has stood for long periods
Overview
- Affects
- All models with 1.6/1.8/2.0 petrol engines.
- Remedy
- Fit modified part
- Parts
- 4 parts
Repair
- Engine No. →3575550. Remove cylinder head. Fit non-return valve to oil gallery of camshaft position (CMP) actuator. Refit cylinder head. Fit modified camshaft position (CMP) actuator. Fit new cylinder head cover gasket.
- Engine No. 3575550→. Fit modified camshaft position (CMP) actuator. Fit new cylinder head cover gasket.
Parts4 parts
| Part | Part number | Qty |
|---|---|---|
| Camshaft position (CMP) actuator | 71738360 | 1 |
| Non-return valve | 60677899 | 1 |
| Cylinder head cover gasket (JTS) | 60669492 | 1 |
| Cylinder head cover gasket (Twin spark) | 60655592 | 1 |
Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 7.
Electrical & ignition
1 documented fault — symptoms, causes and workshop fixes.
SRS warning lamp illuminated
Electrical resistance in seat belt pretensioner multi-plug under driver's or passenger's front seat. Fix: clean and lubricate.
Overview
- Affects
- All models.
- Remedy
- Clean & lubricate
Repair steps
- Ensure ignition switched OFF.
- Check and clean seat belt pretensioner multi-plug contacts.
- Secure harness/multi-plug to seat frame with cable tie.
- Diagnostic equipment required to reset SRS warning lamp.
Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 4.
Other
1 documented fault — symptoms, causes and workshop fixes.
Creaking noise from fascia
Cause
Fascia upper bolts loose.
Repair
- Tighten fascia upper bolts.
Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 3.
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
- 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
- CKP
- Crankshaft position sensor — tells the engine control module where the crankshaft is in its rotation
- CMP
- Camshaft position — a sensor that tells the engine control module where the camshaft is
- SRS
- Supplementary restraint system — the airbags and seat-belt pretensioners
- 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)
- Crankshaft Position
- Where the crankshaft is in its rotation — used for ignition and injection timing
- Fascia
- The dashboard and the surrounding interior panel
- Fault Memory
- The list of stored trouble codes in a control module
- Multi-Plug
- A multi-pin electrical connector on a wiring harness
- Oil Gallery
- An internal oil passage in the engine
- 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
- Calibration
- Setting a sensor or module so its readings match the real world
Frequently asked questions
What are the common faults with the Alfa Romeo Spider 1.8?
This guide contains seven workshop bulletins for the Alfa Romeo Spider 1.8. Of these, five concern the engine and fuel system and one the electrical and ignition. Symptoms, causes, repair steps and part numbers are shown where supplied.
Does every Alfa Romeo Spider 1.8 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 Spider 1.8 faults myself?
Many of them. The documented symptoms can be seen, heard or felt during a test drive.