Alfa Romeo2001–2003

Spider 2.0: Common faults & known problems

Common faults & known problems

7 known faults documented in workshop bulletins. 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.

Technical specifications

Engine & fuel system

5 documented faults — symptoms, causes and workshop fixes.

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 3.

Poor driveability

Affects All models.Fit new part

Symptoms

Intake noise from engine area. Lack of power.

Cause

Intake air pipe between air filter and throttle body split.

Repair

Fit new intake air pipe.

Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 4.

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 5.

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 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

Cause

Camshaft position (CMP) actuator drains after standing for long period.

Oil non-return valve not included at manufacture.

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

Parts listed in the bulletin
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 2.

Other

1 documented fault — symptoms, causes and workshop fixes.

Creaking noise from fascia

Affects All models.Adjust & tighten

Cause

Fascia upper bolts loose.

Repair

Tighten fascia upper bolts.

Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 1.

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
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
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 Spider 2.0?

This guide contains seven workshop bulletins for the Alfa Romeo Spider 2.0. 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 2.0 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 2.0 faults myself?

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