Workshop Manuals Factory service & repair Alfa Romeo
01 General information02 Specifications03 Manufacturing data and tolerances04 Tightening torques05 Fluids and lubricants06 Maintenance07 Diagnostic checks08 Engine09 Clutch10 Gearbox and differential11 Axles and driveshafts12 Brakes13 Steering14 Suspension and wheels15 Heating, air conditioning and auxiliary units16 Electrical equipment17 Body fittings18 Body panels and frame19 Wiring diagrams and electrical functions20 Wiring harnesses21 Connectors and pin-outs22 Fault diagnosis23 Special tools
Alfa Romeo 147 Factory Service Manual (2000-2004)22 · Fault diagnosis
22 · Diagnostics

Engine idle irregular

Make
Alfa Romeo
Model
147 Factory Service Manual
Year
2000–2004
Section
Engine › Engine idle irregular
Fault diagnosisEngine idle irregular

ENGINE IDLE IRREGULAR

1.6 TS, 2.0 TS

Results of the tests
0PRELIMINARY CHECKSAll OKProblems metOperation

Preliminarily check:

  • the state of the spark plugs and leads;
  • the condition of the air filter
  • the condition of the air intake circuit
Continue to Step 1Spark plugs dirty or defectiveReplace the spark plugs Op. 5510D10
Leads defectiveReplace the spark plug leads
Air filter blockedReplace the filter element Op. 1048A14
Fault in air intake circuitRestore the correct operation of the intake circuit
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 2'Supply system' error detectedSee table Z50 MIXTURE STRENGTH ERROR
Another error dectected in the control unitContinue following the instructions for the diagnostic equipment
Inconsistent parameterContinue following the instructions for the diagnostic equipment
2IDLE ACTUATOR CHECKAll OKProblems metOperation
Check that the system carries out the correct idle learning procedureContinue to Step 3Irregular idlingCarry out the idle learning procedure correctly
3PETROL VAPOUR RECOVERY SYSTEM CHECKAll OKProblems metOperation
Check the condition and seal of the petrol vapour recovery pipesContinue to Step 4Air seepageRestore the correct seal
Pipe between filter and intermediate coupling brokenReplace the pipe Op. 1080E61
Pipe between intermediate coupling and solenoid valve 1 Restore the correct sealReplace the pipe Op. 1080E63
4PETROL VAPOUR RECOVERY SOLENOID VALVE CHECKAll OKProblems metOperation
Carry out active diagnosis of solenoidContinue to Step 6Solenoid not workingContinue to Step 5
5SOLENOID VALVE ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT CHECKAll OKProblems metOperation
Check supply and earth of petrol vapour recovery solenoid See E5030 PETROL ENGINE ELECTRONIC MANAGEMENTContinue to Step 6Solenoid valve faultyReplace the solenoid valve Op. 1080E28
Connections not correctRestore the connections See E5030 PETROL ENGINE ELECTRONIC MANAGEMENT
6BRAKE SERVO AND PIPE CHECKAll OKProblems metOperation

Check condition of:

  • brake servo vacuum pipes;
  • brake servo
Continue to Step 7Brake servo pipe defectiveReplace the pipe Op. 3330D26
Brake servo defectiveReplace the brake servo/pump assembly Op. 3330D02
7CHECK ON FUEL PRESSUREAll OKProblems metOperation
Check the fuel supply pressure Op. 0510C10Continue to Step 8Insufficient fuel pressure: pipe obstructedEliminate the blockage; if necessary replace the pipe Op. 1040B30
Low fuel pressure: clogged filterReplace the pump assembly Op. 1040A70
Insufficient fuel pressure: regulator out of calibrationReplace the pump assembly Op. 1040A70
Low fuel pressure: defective pumpReplace the pump assembly Op. 1040A70
8CHECK THE VARIABLE VALVE TIMING SOLENOIDAll OKProblems metOperation

1.6 TS

120 CV

Carry out active diagnosis of variable valve timingContinue to Step 10Solenoid not workingContinue to Step 9
2.0 TSCarry out active diagnosis of variable valve timingContinue to Step 10Solenoid not workingContinue to Step 9
9CHECK VARIABLE VALVE TIMING ELECTRICAL CIRCUITAll OKProblems metOperation

1.6 TS

120 CV

Check power and earth of variable valve timing system solenoid See E5030 PETROL ENGINE ELECTRONIC MANAGEMENTContinue to Step 10Variable valve timing faultyReplace the phase transformer Op. 1036C40
Connections not correctRestore the connections See E5030 PETROL ENGINE ELECTRONIC MANAGEMENT
2.0 TSCheck power and earth of variable valve timing system solenoid See E5030 PETROL ENGINE ELECTRONIC MANAGEMENTContinue to Step 10Variable valve timing faultyReplace the phase transformer Op. 1036C40
Connections not correctRestore the connections See E5030 PETROL ENGINE ELECTRONIC MANAGEMENT
10TIMING VARIATOR CHECKAll OKProblems metOperation

1.6 TS

120 CV

Check the operation of the variable valve timing system by powering the solenoid of the variator directly.

There must be a significant variation in engine speed (surging or very irregular idling)

Continue to Step 11No speed changes: variable valve timing stuckReplace the phase transformer Op. 1036C40
2.0 TS

Check the operation of the variable valve timing system by powering the solenoid of the variator directly.

There must be a significant variation in engine speed (surging or very irregular idling)

Continue to Step 11No speed changes: variable valve timing stuckReplace the phase transformer Op. 1036C40
11CHECK ON TIMINGAll OKProblems metOperation
Check that the timing is correctContinue to Step 12Timing not correctRestore the correct timing Op. 1032B10
12CHECK ON CORRECT OPERATIONAll OKProblems metOperation
Check that the fault is no longer presentEnd of diagnosisFault persists: control unit defectiveReplace control unit Op. 1056B82

1.9 JTD 8V

Results of the tests
0PRELIMINARY CHECKSAll OKProblems metOperation

Check:

  • the condition of the air intake circuit
  • condition and correct operation of the air filter
Continue to Step 1Fault in air intake circuitRepair the air intake circuit
Air filter blockedReplace the filter element Op. 1048A14
1CHECKING WITH DIAGNOSTIC EQUIPMENTAll OKProblems metOperation

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

Check:

  • that there are no errors in the control unit
  • plausibility of all the parameters
  • carry out active diagnosis of E.G.R. solenoid
Continue to Step 2An error is detected in the control unitContinue following the instructions for the diagnostic equipment
Unreliable parametersContinue following the instructions for the diagnostic equipment
Lack of dialogue with the control unitRestore the connection between engine management control unit and diagnostic connector See E5050 DIESEL ENGINES ELECTRONIC MANAGEMENT
Solenoid not workingCheck the continuity of the wiring See E5050 DIESEL ENGINES ELECTRONIC MANAGEMENTand if necessary replace the solenoid
2CHECK ON FUEL FILTERAll OKProblems metOperation
Check the operation of the fuel filterContinue to Step 3Presence of water, petrol, paraffin or dirt detectedClean the tank and pipes and replace the diesel filter cartridge Op. 1044B20
3VALVE CLEARANCE CHECKAll OKProblems metOperation
Check that the valve tappet clearance is correct.Continue to Step 4Valve clearance not correctAdjust the tappets Op. 1036H10
4CHECK ON CYLINDER COMPRESSIONAll OKProblems metOperation
Carry out the cylinder compression testContinue to Step 6Cylinder compression insufficientContinue to Step 5
5CHECKING CAUSE OF INSUFFICIENT COMPRESSIONAll OKProblems metOperation
Carry out R.R. on head to check the valve seal and check the condition of the cylinders/piston ringsContinue to Step 6Insufficient valve sealOverhaul the cylinder head Op. 1016E10
6CHECK ON CORRECT OPERATIONAll OKProblems metOperation
Check that the fault is no longer presentEnd of diagnosisFault persists: control unit faultyReplace engine management control unit Op. 1060G80

1.9 JTD 16V

Results of the tests
0PRELIMINARY CHECKSAll OKProblems metOperation

Check:

  • the condition of the air intake circuit
  • condition and correct operation of the air filter
Continue to Step 1Fault in air intake circuitRepair the air intake circuit
Air filter blockedReplace the filter element Op. 1048A14
1CHECKING WITH DIAGNOSTIC EQUIPMENTAll OKProblems metOperation

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

Check:

  • that there are no errors in the control unit
  • plausibility of all the parameters
  • carry out active diagnosis of E.G.R. solenoid
Continue to Step 2An error is detected in the control unitContinue following the instructions for the diagnostic equipment
Unreliable parametersContinue following the instructions for the diagnostic equipment
Lack of dialogue with the control unitRestore the connection between engine management control unit and diagnostic connector See E5050 DIESEL ENGINES ELECTRONIC MANAGEMENT
Solenoid not workingCheck the continuity of the wiring See E5050 DIESEL ENGINES ELECTRONIC MANAGEMENTand if necessary replace the solenoid Op. 1080C74
2CHECK ON FUEL FILTERAll OKProblems metOperation
Check the operation of the fuel filterContinue to Step 3Presence of water, petrol, paraffin or dirt detectedClean the tank and pipes and replace the diesel filter cartridge Op. 1044B20
3CHECK ON CYLINDER COMPRESSIONAll OKProblems metOperation
Carry out the cylinder compression testContinue to Step 5Cylinder compression insufficientContinue to Step 4
4CHECKING CAUSE OF INSUFFICIENT COMPRESSIONAll OKProblems metOperation
Carry out R.R. on head to check the valve seal and check the condition of the cylinders/piston ringsContinue to Step 5Insufficient valve sealOverhaul the cylinder head Op. 1016E10
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. 1060G80

All versions

Results of the tests
0PRELIMINARY CHECKSAll OKProblems metOperation

Preliminarily check:

  • if there is service information on the subject
  • the condition of the air intake circuit
  • the condition of the spark plugs
Continue to Step 1Fault in air intake circuitRestore the correct operation of the intake circuit
Spark plugs worn, fouled or not the type recommended by the manufacturerReplace the spark plugs
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;
  • the plausibiilty of the parameters, in particular:
  • accelerator pedal position
  • throttle self-learning
  • target and actual idle speeds
  • rail pressure - rail pressure setting
Continue to Step 2An error is detected in the control unitContinue following the instructions for the diagnostic equipment
Inconsistent parameterAnaylze the factors that have caused this inconsistency
2PETROL VAPOUR RECOVERY SYSTEM CHECKAll OKProblems metOperation
Check the condition and the seal of the pipe between the canister solenoid valve and the intake manifoldContinue to Step 3Air seepageRestore the correct seal
Pipe between solenoid valve and manifold damagedReplace the pipe
3PETROL VAPOUR RECOVERY SYSTEM CHECKAll OKProblems metOperation
Carry out active diagnosis of solenoid; check that the air port opens and closes mechanically.Continue to Step 4Solenoid not workingCheck supply and earth of petrol vapour recovery solenoid See E5030 PETROL ENGINE ELECTRONIC MANAGEMENT
Mechanical failure: solenoid valve remains openReplace the solenoid valve
4BRAKE SERVO AND PIPE CHECKAll OKProblems metOperation

Check the condition of the brake servo vacuum pipes;

See Test 3330DA Check operation of brake servoCheck the operation of the single-active valve and the brake servo

Continue to Step 5Brake servo pipe defectiveReplace the pipe
Brake servo defectiveReplace the brake servo/pump assembly
5CHECK THE VARIABLE VALVE TIMING SOLENOIDAll OKProblems metOperation
Carry out active diagnosis of variable valve timingContinue to Step 8Solenoid not workingContinue to Step 6
6CHECK VARIABLE VALVE TIMING ELECTRICAL CIRCUITAll OKProblems metOperation
Check power and earth of variable valve timing system solenoid See E5030 PETROL ENGINE ELECTRONIC MANAGEMENTContinue to Step 7Connections not correctRestore the connections See E5030 PETROL ENGINE ELECTRONIC MANAGEMENT
7TIMING VARIATOR CHECKAll OKProblems metOperation
Check the operation of the variable valve timing system by powering the solenoid of the variator directly. There should be a considerable variation in the engine speed (very irregular idling or surging).Continue to Step 8No speed changes: variable valve timing stuckReplace the phase transformer Op. 1036C40
8CHECK ON TIMINGAll OKProblems metOperation
Check that the timing is correctContinue to Step 9Timing not correctRestore the correct timing
9CHECK ON INJECTORSAll OKProblems metOperation
Check the condition of the injectors, in particular make sure that there is no reduced fluxingContinue to Step 10Injector faultyReplace injector
10CHECK ON CYLINDER COMPRESSIONAll OKProblems metOperation
Carry out the cylinder compression test Op. 0510A10Continue to Step 12Cylinder compression insufficientContinue to Step 11
11CHECK ON CAUSE OF INSUFFICIENT COMPRESSIONAll OKProblems metOperation

Carry out R/R on head to check the valve seal

Check the condition of the cylinders/piston rings

Continue to Step 12Insufficient valve sealOverhaul the cylinder head
Cylinders/piston rings wornRepair the leak
12CHECK ON CORRECT OPERATIONAll OKProblems metOperation
Check that the fault is no longer presentEnd of diagnosisFault persists: control unit faultyReplace control unit Op. 1056B82

3.2 V6

Results of the tests
0PRELIMINARY CHECKSAll OKProblems metOperation

Preliminarily check:

  • the condition of the air filter
  • the condition of the air intake circuit
Continue to Step 1Air filter blockedReplace the filter element Op. 1048A14
Fault in air intake circuitRestore the correct operation of the intake circuit
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 2'Supply system' error detectedContinue as instructed in the Table See table Z50 MIXTURE STRENGTH ERROR
Another error dectected in the control unitContinue following the instructions for the diagnostic equipment
Inconsistent parameterContinue following the instructions for the diagnostic equipment
2PETROL VAPOUR RECOVERY SYSTEM CHECKAll OKProblems metOperation
Check the condition and the seal of the pipe between the canister solenoid valve and the intake manifoldContinue to Step 3Air seepageRestore the correct seal
Pipe between solenoid valve and manifold damagedReplace the pipe
3PETROL VAPOUR RECOVERY SOLENOID VALVE CHECKAll OKProblems metOperation
Carry out active diagnosis of solenoidContinue to Step 5Solenoid not workingContinue to Step 4
4SOLENOID VALVE ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT CHECKAll OKProblems metOperation

Check supply and earth of petrol vapour recovery solenoid

See E5030 PETROL ENGINE ELECTRONIC MANAGEMENT

Continue to Step 5Solenoid valve faultyReplace the solenoid valve Op. 1080E28
Connections not correctRestore the connections See E5030 PETROL ENGINE ELECTRONIC MANAGEMENT
5BRAKE SERVO AND PIPE CHECKAll OKProblems metOperation

Check the condition of the brake servo vacuum pipes;

Check the operation of the single-active valve and the brake servo See Test 3330DA Check operation of brake servo

Continue to Step 6Brake servo pipe defectiveReplace the pipe
Brake servo defectiveReplace the brake servo/pump assembly
6CHECK ON FUEL PRESSUREAll OKProblems metOperation
Check the fuel supply pressure Op. 0510C10Continue to Step 7Insufficient fuel pressure: pipe obstructedEliminate the blockage; if necessary replace the pipe
Low fuel pressure: defective pumpReplace the pump assembly Op. 1040A70
7CHECK ON TIMINGAll OKProblems metOperation
Check that the timing is correctContinue to Step 8Timing not correctRestore the correct timing
8CHECK ON CORRECT OPERATIONAll 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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