Workshop Manuals Factory service & repair Alfa Romeo
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Alfa Romeo 147 Factory Service Manual (2000-2004)22 · Fault diagnosis
22 · Diagnostics

Engine cuts out whilst driving

Make
Alfa Romeo
Model
147 Factory Service Manual
Year
2000–2004
Section
Engine › Engine cuts out whilst driving
Fault diagnosisEngine cuts out whilst driving

ENGINE CUTS OUT WHILST DRIVING

1.6 TS, 2.0 TS

The engine cuts out suddenly whilst driving. Later, after starting normally, it works again

Results of the tests
0PRELIMINARY CHECKSAll OKProblems metOperation

Preliminarily check:

  • that the earth is correctly fixed on the engine
  • that the battery earth is correctly fixed
  • correct fixing of the positive battery terminal and the leads connected to it
  • for any obstructions in the catalyzer
  • that there is no water or other fluids in the fuel tank
Continue to Step 1Earth leads incorrectly fixedRenew or, if necessary, replace the battery earth lead Op. 5530B22
Battery positive earth incorrectly fixedRestore battery positive lead Op. 5530B26
Catalytic converter or precatalyzers obstructedReplace the exhaust manifold Op. 1072C12
Presence of dirt in the fuel tankClean the fuel tank
1CHECKING WITH DIAGNOSTIC EQUIPMENTAll OKProblems metOperation

Connect the diagnostic equipment (Examiner or other instruments) to the diagnostic socket.

Check:

  • that there are no faults in the engine management control unit;
  • plausibility of all the parameters
Continue to Step 2Another error dectected in the control unitContinue following the instructions for the diagnostic equipment
Inconsistent parameterContinue following the instructions for the diagnostic equipment
2ROAD TEST WITH DIAGNOSTIC EQUIPMENTAll OKProblems metOperation

Road test the vehicle, reproducing the conditions in which the fault arises, keeping the diagnostic equipment connected.

Check:

  • that there are no faults in the engine management control unit;
  • plausibility of all the parameters
Continue to Step 3Error arises suddenly in the control unitContinue following the instructions for the diagnostic equipment
Inconsistent parameterContinue following the instructions for the diagnostic equipment
Loss of dialogue between the control unit and diagnostic instrumentRestore the control unit circuit supply See E5030 PETROL ENGINE ELECTRONIC MANAGEMENT
3CHECK ON FUEL PRESSURE ON ROADAll OKProblems metOperation

Road test the vehicle and check the fuel supply pressure Op. 0510C10

Make sure that the conditions in which the problem occurs are reproduced

Continue to Step 4Pressure not correct: obstructions in fuel delivery pipeRemove the obstructions in the fuel pipe, and if necessary replace it Op. 1040B30
Pressure not correct: tank insufficiently ventilatedRestsore the tank ventilation
Pressure not correct: fuel pump electrical circuit brokenRepair fuel pump electrical circuit See E5030 PETROL ENGINE ELECTRONIC MANAGEMENT
Pressure incorrect: fuel pump damagedReplace fuel pump assembly Op. 1040A70
4CHECK ON CORRECT OPERATIONAll OKProblems metOperation
Check that the fault is no longer presentFault persists: control unit defective

Replace control unit Op. 1056B82

Search for the fault starting from another symptom'

1.9 JTD 8V

The engine cuts out suddenly whilst driving. Later, after starting normally, it works again

Results of the tests
0PRELIMINARY CHECKSAll OKProblems metOperation

that there is fuel in the tank

the engine wiring is properly connected to earth

battery earth correctly fixed

correct fixing of positive battery terminal and that all leads are connected

no water in the fuel filter

Continue to Step 1No fuelIntroduce fuel
Fastenings slack or oxidizedRe-attach correctly
Presence of water in the fuel filterClean the tank and pipes and replace the filter element
1CHECKING WITH DIAGNOSTIC EQUIPMENTAll OKProblems metOperation

Connect the diagnostic equipment (Examiner or other instruments) to the diagnostic socket

Check:

  • for errors in the control unit
Continue to Step 2An error is detected in the control unitContinue following the instructions for the diagnostic equipment
2ROAD TEST WITH DIAGNOSTIC EQUIPMENTAll OKProblems metOperation

Road test the vehicle, reproducing the conditions in which the fault arises, keeping the diagnostic equipment connected.

Check:

  • that there are no errors in the control unit;
Continue to Step 3An error is detected in the control unitContinue following the instructions for the diagnostic equipment
3INJECTOR HIGH PRESSURE CHECKAll OKProblems metOperation
Check, as described in procedure 1060C, that diesel leaks from the injector recirculation connections are small and about the same as one another.Continue to Step 4Consistent leak from one injectorReplace the injector
4HIGH PRESSURE CHECKAll OKProblems metOperation

Connect the diagnostic equipment (Examiner or other instruments) to the diagnostic socket

Check that the diesel pressure parameter is correct See Test 1060D Check high pressure fuel circuit

Continue to Step 12Pressure not correctContinue to Step 5
5CHECK ON RETURN LOW PRESSUREAll OKProblems metOperation
Check that the pressure in the return pipe to the tank is less than 1 bar See Test 1060A Low return fuel pressure circuit checkContinue to Step 6Pressure above maximum limit: return pipe to tank blockedRepair the pipe; if necessary replace it.
6LOW SUPPLY PRESSURE CHECKAll OKProblems metOperation
Check that the diesel pressure between filter and pressure pump is between 2 and 3 bar See Test 1060B Low fuel pressure supply circuit checkContinue to Step 12Pressure below minimum limit or above maximum limitContinue to Step 7
7LOW SUPPLY PRESSURE CHECKAll OKProblems metOperation
Choke the return pipe from the pressure regulating valve and repeat the test with the pipe choked, checking that the pressure at the filter outlet is below 2 bar See Test 1060B Low fuel pressure supply circuit checkContinue to Step 8Pressure rises to 5 bar: blocked pressure regulation valve on filter supportReplace the valve Op. 1044B16
8LOW SUPPLY PRESSURE CHECKAll OKProblems metOperation
Check that the difference in pressure upstream and downstream of the filter is less than 1 barContinue to Step 9Difference in pressure greater than 1 barReplace the diesel filter cartridge Op. 1044B20
9LOW SUPPLY PRESSURE CHECKAll OKProblems metOperation
Check that the supply pump pressure at the filter inlet is over 2.2 barContinue to Step 12Pressure below 2.2 barContinue to Step 10
10LOW SUPPLY PRESSURE CHECKAll OKProblems metOperation
Measure the difference in pressure between electric pump outlet and filter inlet, checking that it is less than 0.3 barContinue to Step 11Difference in pressure greater than 0.3 barReplace the pipe
11LOW SUPPLY PRESSURE CHECKAll OKProblems metOperation
Check that the pump supply voltage is 12 V and that the absorbed current is between 2 and 10 amp. See Test 1040AA Check supply voltage and absorption currentContinue to Step 12Voltage < 12 VCheck electric wiring See E5050 DIESEL ENGINES ELECTRONIC MANAGEMENT
Current > 10 Amp: pump defectiveReplace the fuel pump assembly Op. 1040A70
Current < 2 Amp.: pump blockedReplace the fuel pump assembly Op. 1040A70and clean the fuel tank
12CORRECT OPERATION CHECKAll OKProblems metOperation
Replace the DRV high-pressure valve and check that the fault is no longer presentFault persistsContinue to Step 13
13CORRECT OPERATION CHECKAll OKProblems metOperation
Replace the pressure pump and check that the fault is no longer presentFault persists

Contact Technical Service for further information on the problem

Search for the fault starting from another symptom'

1.9 JTD 16V

The engine cuts out suddenly whilst driving. Later, after starting normally, it works again

Results of the tests
0PRELIMINARY CHECKSAll OKProblems metOperation

that there is fuel in the tank

the engine wiring is properly connected to earth

battery earth correctly fixed

correct fixing of positive battery terminal and that all leads are connected

no water in the fuel filter

Continue to Step 1No fuelIntroduce fuel
Fastenings slack or oxidizedRe-attach correctly
Presence of water in the fuel filterClean the tank and pipes and replace the filter element
1CHECKING WITH DIAGNOSTIC EQUIPMENTAll OKProblems metOperation

Connect the diagnostic equipment (Examiner or other instruments) to the diagnostic socket

Check:

  • for errors in the control unit
Continue to Step 2An error is detected in the control unitContinue following the instructions for the diagnostic equipment
2ROAD TEST WITH DIAGNOSTIC EQUIPMENTAll OKProblems metOperation

Road test the vehicle, reproducing the conditions in which the fault arises, keeping the diagnostic equipment connected.

Check:

  • that there are no errors in the control unit;
Continue to Step 3An error is detected in the control unitContinue following the instructions for the diagnostic equipment
3INJECTOR HIGH PRESSURE CHECKAll OKProblems metOperation
Check, as described in the procedure See Test 1060C Injector high pressure fuel circuit check, that diesel leaks from the injector recirculation connections are small and about the same as one another.Continue to Step 4Consistent leak from one injectorReplace the injector
4HIGH PRESSURE CHECKAll OKProblems metOperation

Connect the diagnostic equipment (Examiner or other instruments) to the diagnostic socket

Check that the diesel pressure parameter is correct See Test 1060D Check high pressure fuel circuit

Continue to Step 12Pressure not correctContinue to Step 5
5CHECK ON RETURN LOW PRESSUREAll OKProblems metOperation
Check that the pressure in the return pipe to the tank is less than 1 bar See Test 1060A Low return fuel pressure circuit checkContinue to Step 6Pressure above maximum limit: return pipe to tank blockedRepair the pipe; if necessary replace it.
6LOW SUPPLY PRESSURE CHECKAll OKProblems metOperation
Check that the diesel pressure between filter and pressure pump is between 2 and 3 bar See Test 1060B Low fuel pressure supply circuit checkContinue to Step 12Pressure below minimum limit or above maximum limitContinue to Step 7
7LOW SUPPLY PRESSURE CHECKAll OKProblems metOperation
Choke the return pipe from the pressure regulating valve and repeat the test with the pipe choked, checking that the pressure at the filter outlet is below 2 bar See Test 1060B Low fuel pressure supply circuit checkContinue to Step 8Pressure rises to 5 bar: blocked pressure regulation valve on filter supportReplace the valve Op. 1044B16
8LOW SUPPLY PRESSURE CHECKAll OKProblems metOperation
Check that the difference in pressure upstream and downstream of the filter is less than 1 barContinue to Step 9Difference in pressure greater than 1 barReplace the diesel filter cartridge Op. 1044B20
9LOW SUPPLY PRESSURE CHECKAll OKProblems metOperation
Check that the supply pump pressure at the filter inlet is over 2.2 barContinue to Step 12Pressure below 2.2 barContinue to Step 10
10LOW SUPPLY PRESSURE CHECKAll OKProblems metOperation
Measure the difference in pressure between electric pump outlet and filter inlet, checking that it is less than 0.3 barContinue to Step 11Difference in pressure greater than 0.3 barReplace the pipe
11LOW SUPPLY PRESSURE CHECKAll OKProblems metOperation
Check that the pump supply voltage is 12 V and that the absorbed current is between 2 and 10 amp. See Test 1040AA Check supply voltage and absorption currentContinue to Step 12Voltage < 12 VCheck electric wiring See E5050 DIESEL ENGINES ELECTRONIC MANAGEMENT
Current > 10 Amp: pump defectiveReplace the fuel pump assembly Op. 1040A70
Current < 2 Amp.: pump blockedReplace the fuel pump assembly Op. 1040A70and clean the fuel tank
12CORRECT OPERATION CHECKAll OKProblems metOperation
Replace the DRV high-pressure valve and check that the fault is no longer presentFault persistsContinue to Step 13
13CORRECT OPERATION CHECKAll OKProblems metOperation
Replace the pressure pump and check that the fault is no longer presentFault persists

Contact Technical Service for further information on the problem

Search for the fault starting from another symptom'

All versions

The engine cuts out suddenly whilst driving. Later, after starting normally, it works again

Results of the tests
0PRELIMINARY CHECKSAll OKProblems metOperation

Preliminarily check:

  • that the earth is correctly fixed on the engine
  • that the battery earth is correctly fastened; See E1020 EARTHS
  • that the positive battery terminal and the cables connected to it are correctly fastened See E1010 SUPPLY
  • control unit supply (including ignition switch)
Continue to Step 1Earth leads incorrectly fixedRenew or, if necessary, replace the battery earth lead Op. 5530B22
Battery positive earth incorrectly fixedRestore battery positive lead Op. 5530B26
inconsistent supplyrenew supply/earth
1CHECKING WITH DIAGNOSTIC EQUIPMENTAll OKProblems metOperation

Connect the diagnostic equipment (Examiner or other instruments) to the diagnostic socket

Check:

  • for errors in the control unit
  • the plausibility of all the parameters.
Continue to Step 2An error is detected in the control unitContinue following the instructions for the diagnostic equipment
Inconsistent parameterContinue according to the instructions for the diagnostic equipment
2ROAD TEST WITH DIAGNOSTIC EQUIPMENTAll OKProblems metOperation

Road test the vehicle, reproducing the conditions in which the fault arises, keeping the diagnostic equipment connected.

Check:

  • that there are no errors in the control unit;
  • the plausibility of all the parameters, in particular the rail pressure - rail pressure setting
Continue to Step 3Error arises suddenly in the control unitContinue according to the instructions for the diagnostic equipment
Inconsistent parameterContinue according to the instructions for the diagnostic equipment, analysing the causes that have led to the inconsistency
Loss of dialogue between the control unit and diagnostic instrumentRestore the control unit circuit supply See E5030 PETROL ENGINE ELECTRONIC MANAGEMENT
3LOW FUEL PRESSURE CIRCUIT CHECKAll OKProblems metOperation

Road test the vehicle and check the fuel supply pressure

Make sure that the conditions in which the problem occurs are reproduced

Continue to Step 4Pressure not correct: obstructions in the pipeRemove the obstructions in the fuel pipe, and if necessary replace it
Pressure incorrect: fuel pump damagedReplace fuel pump assembly Op. 1040A70
4COIL OPERATION AND SUPPLY CHECKAll OKProblems metOperation

Check the continuity/insulation of the supply circuit and coil operation;

in particular, make sure that the coil operating signal is present See E5030 PETROL ENGINE ELECTRONIC MANAGEMENT

Continue to Step 5faulty wiringrenew the wiring See E5030 PETROL ENGINE ELECTRONIC MANAGEMENT
wiring intact, no signalContinue to Step 5
5CHECK ON CORRECT OPERATIONAll OKProblems metOperation
Check that the fault is no longer presentEnd of diagnosisFault persists: control unit faultyReplace engine management control unit Op. 1056B82
The fault persists

3.2 V6

The engine cuts out suddenly whilst driving. Later, after starting normally, it works again

Results of the tests
0PRELIMINARY CHECKSAll OKProblems metOperation

Preliminarily check:

  • that the earth is correctly fixed on the engine
  • that the battery earth is correctly fastened; See E1020 EARTHS
  • that the positive battery terminal and the cables connected to it are correctly fastened See E1010 SUPPLY
  • no water in the fuel filter
Continue to Step 1Earth leads incorrectly fixedRenew or, if necessary, replace the battery earth lead Op. 5530B22
Battery positive earth incorrectly fixedRestore battery positive lead Op. 5530B26
Presence of water in the fuelReplace the fuel
1CHECKING WITH DIAGNOSTIC EQUIPMENTAll OKProblems metOperation

Connect the diagnostic equipment (Examiner or other instruments) to the diagnostic socket

Check:

  • for errors in the control unit
  • the plausibility of all the parameters.
Continue to Step 2An error is detected in the control unitContinue following the instructions for the diagnostic equipment
Inconsistent parameterContinue according to the instructions for the diagnostic equipment
2ROAD TEST WITH DIAGNOSTIC EQUIPMENTAll OKProblems metOperation

Road test the vehicle, reproducing the conditions in which the fault arises, keeping the diagnostic equipment connected.

Check:

  • that there are no errors in the control unit;
  • the plausibility of all the parameters, in particular the rail pressure - rail pressure setting
Continue to Step 3Error arises suddenly in the control unitContinue according to the instructions for the diagnostic equipment
Inconsistent parameterContinue according to the instructions for the diagnostic equipment, analysing the causes that have led to the inconsistency
Loss of dialogue between the control unit and diagnostic instrumentRestore the control unit circuit supply See E5030 PETROL ENGINE ELECTRONIC MANAGEMENT
3LOW FUEL PRESSURE CIRCUIT CHECKAll OKProblems metOperation

Road test the vehicle and check the fuel supply pressure

Make sure that the conditions in which the problem occurs are reproduced

Continue to Step 4Pressure not correct: obstructions in the pipeRemove the obstructions in the fuel pipe, and if necessary replace it
Pressure incorrect: fuel pump damagedReplace fuel pump assembly Op. 1040A70
4COIL OPERATION AND SUPPLY CHECKAll OKProblems metOperation
Check that the fault is no longer presentEnd of diagnosisFault persists: control unit faultyReplace control unit Op. 1056B82

Parts & tools for this job For 2000 Alfa Romeo 147

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