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 not running smoothly / (irregular operation)

Make
Alfa Romeo
Model
147 Factory Service Manual
Year
2000–2004
Section
Engine › Engine not running smoothly / (irregular operation)
Fault diagnosisEngine not running smoothly / (irregular operation)

ENGINE NOT RUNNING SMOOTHLY / (IRREGULAR OPERATION)

1.6 TS, 2.0 TS

During driving, the engine misses and loses performance

Results of the tests
0PRELIMINARY CHECKSAll OKProblems metOperation

Preliminarily check:

  • the condition of the air filter
  • the state of the spark plugs and leads;
  • battery earth correctly fixed See E1010 SUPPLY
Continue to Step 1Filter element dirty, damaged or incorrectly fittedReplace or refit filter element correctly Op. 1048A14
Spark plugs dirty or damagedReplace the spark plugs Op. 5510D10
Spark plug leads damagedReplace the spark plug leads
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
'Misfire' error detectedSee table Z56 UPSTREAM LAMBDA SENSOR SIGNAL ERROR
Another 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 3'Supply system' error detectedSee table Z50 MIXTURE STRENGTH ERROR
'Misfire' error detectedSee table Z56 UPSTREAM LAMBDA SENSOR SIGNAL ERROR
Another error dectected in the control unitContinue following the instructions for the diagnostic equipment
Inconsistent parameterContinue following the instructions for the diagnostic equipment
3CHECK ON FUEL PRESSUREAll OKProblems metOperation
Check, if necessary on the road (to reproduce the conditions in which the fault arises), the fuel supply pressure Op. 0510C10Continue to Step 4Pressure not correct: obstructions in fuel delivery pipeRemove the obstructions in the fuel pipe, and if necessary replace it Op. 1040A30
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 AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEMAll OKProblems metOperation
Road test the vehicle and check whether the fault is affected by whether or not the air conditioner is switched onContinue to Step 5Fault present only with the air conditioner onSee table L10 CLIMATE CONTROL NOT COOLING
5CHECK 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

During driving, the engine misses and loses performance

Results of the tests
0PRELIMINARY CHECKSAll OKProblems metOperation

Check, in order:

  • the condition of the air intake circuit
  • that there are no faults in the air filter
  • whether the diesel pipes are leaking
  • that there is no water, petrol, paraffin or dirt in the fuel tank and filter
  • that the battery earth is correctly fixed
Continue to Step 1Fault in air intake circuitRepair the air intake circuit
Air filter blockedReplace the filter element
Leak from diesel pipesEliminate the leaks
Presence of water, petrol, parffin or dirt detected.Clean the tank and pipes and replace the filter element
Loose battery earth terminalRestore the correct fixing of the earth cable
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
  • plausibility of all the parameters
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
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:

  • for errors in the control unit
  • plausibility of all the parameters
Continue to Step 3Error detected in control unitsContinue 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 the engine management control unit and the diagnostic connector.
3CHECK ON CORRECT OPERATIONAll OKProblems metOperation
Check that the fault is no longer presentFault persists: control unit defective

Replace control unit Op. 1060G80

Search for the fault starting from another symptom'

1.9 JTD 16V

During driving, the engine misses and loses performance

Results of the tests
0PRELIMINARY CHECKSAll OKProblems metOperation

Check, in order:

  • the condition of the air intake circuit
  • that there are no faults in the air filter
  • whether the diesel pipes are leaking
  • that there is no water, petrol, paraffin or dirt in the fuel tank and filter
  • that the battery earth is correctly fixed
  • that there no obstructions in the exhaust system
Continue to Step 1Fault in air intake circuitRepair the air intake circuit
Air filter blockedReplace the filter element
Leak from diesel pipesEliminate the leaks
Presence of water, petrol, parffin or dirt detected.Clean the tank and pipes and replace the filter element
Loose battery earth terminalRestore the correct fixing of the earth cable
Obstruction in the exhaust systemReplace the damaged system component
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
  • plausibility of all the parameters
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
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:

  • for errors in the control unit
  • plausibility of all the parameters
Continue to Step 3Error detected in control unitsContinue 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 the engine management control unit and the diagnostic connector.
3CHECK ON CORRECT OPERATIONAll OKProblems metOperation
Check that the fault is no longer presentEnd of diagnosisFault persists: control unit defective

Replace control unit Op. 1060G80

Search for the fault starting from another symptom'

All versions

During driving, the engine misses and loses performance

Results of the tests
0PRELIMINARY CHECKSAll OKProblems metOperation

Preliminarily check:

  • battery earth correctly fixed See E1010 SUPPLY
  • condition of the air intake circuit
  • the condition of the spark plugs
  • quality of the fuel
  • check engine wiring earths
Continue to Step 1Earth fastening not correctRestore correct fixing
Air intake circuit faultRestore the correct operation of the intake circuit
Spark plugs not the type recommended by the manufacturerReplace the spark plugs
Impurities in the fuelClean the fuel tank
Earths faultyRestore correct fixing
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
  • plausibility of all the parameters
Continue to Step 2Error detectedContinue following the instructions for the diagnostic equipment
Inconsistent parameterAnaylze the factors that have caused this inconsistency
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;
  • the plausibility of the parameters, in particular: rail pressure - rail pressure setting, injection times, revs (graphic acquisition of signal), engine temperature
Continue to Step 3Error detectedContinue following the instructions for the diagnostic equipment
Inconsistent parameterAnaylze the factors that have caused this inconsistency
3LOW PRESSURE CIRCUIT CHECKAll OKProblems metOperation
Check that the fuel pressure is correctContinue to Step 4Incorrect pressure: obstructions in the fuel delivery pipeRemove the obstructions in the fuel pipe, and if necessary replace it
Pressure not correct: tank insufficiently ventilatedRestsore the tank ventilation
Pressure not correct: petrol pump damaged or not correctly suppliedReplace fuel pump assembly Op. 1040A70
4RAIL PRESSURE SENSOR CHECKAll OKProblems metOperation
Check the operation of the rail sensorContinue to Step 5Pressure sensor faultyReplace sensor.
5PRESSURE REGULATOR CHECKAll OKProblems metOperation
Check that the voltage regulator is workingContinue to Step 6Pressure regulator faultyReplace the pressure regulator
6HIGH PRESSURE PUMP CHECKAll OKProblems metOperation
Check the operation of the high pressure pumpContinue to Step 7High pressure pump faultyReplace high pressure pump
7CHECK ON INJECTORSAll OKProblems metOperation
Check the continuity/insulation of the injector wiring; in particular, make sure that the injector operating signal is present See E5030 PETROL ENGINE ELECTRONIC MANAGEMENTContinue to Step 8No signal, wiring brokenRenew the wiring See E5030 PETROL ENGINE ELECTRONIC MANAGEMENT
No signal, wiring not brokenReplace engine management control unit
8IGNITION OPERATION CHECKAll OKProblems metOperation
Check the continuity/insulation of the supply circuit and the coil operation; in particular, make sure that the coil operating signal is present See E5030 PETROL ENGINE ELECTRONIC MANAGEMENTContinue to Step 9No supply/earthRenew the wiring See E5030 PETROL ENGINE ELECTRONIC MANAGEMENT
No operating signalCheck the wiring between the coils and the ECU and, if necessary, replace the control unit See E5030 PETROL ENGINE ELECTRONIC MANAGEMENT
9PHASE TRANSFORMER CHECK IN ACTIVE DIAGNOSISAll OKProblems metOperation
Check the operation of the phase transformer in active diagnosisContinue to Step 10Not workingUsing a voltmeter (graphic is best) check the transformer operating signal and, if necessary, replace the transformer See E5030 PETROL ENGINE ELECTRONIC MANAGEMENT
10MODULAR MANIFOLD CHECK IN ACTIVE DIAGNOSISAll OKProblems metOperation
Check the operation of the modular manifold in active diagnosisContinue to Step 11Not workingUsing a voltmeter (graphic is best) check the modular manifold operating signal and, if necessary, replace the modular manifold solenoid valve See E5030 PETROL ENGINE ELECTRONIC MANAGEMENT
11CHECK ON TIMINGAll OKProblems metOperation
Check that the timing is correctContinue to Step 12Timing not correctEnsure that the timing is correct
12CHECK ON CORRECT OPERATIONAll OKProblems metOperation
Check that the fault is no longer presentEnd of diagnosis

3.2 V6

During driving, the engine misses and loses performance

Results of the tests
0PRELIMINARY CHECKSAll OKProblems metOperation

Preliminarily check:

  • the condition of the air filter
  • battery earth correctly fixed See E1010 SUPPLY
Continue to Step 1Filter element dirty, damaged or incorrectly fittedReplace or refit filter element correctly Op. 1048A14
Earth fastening not correctRenew the wiring
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
'Upstream lambda sensor' error detectedContinue as instructed in the Table See table Z56 UPSTREAM LAMBDA SENSOR SIGNAL ERROR
Another 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 3'Supply system' error detectedContinue as instructed in the Table See table Z50 MIXTURE STRENGTH ERROR
'Upstream lambda sensor' error detectedContinue as instructed in the Table See table Z56 UPSTREAM LAMBDA SENSOR SIGNAL ERROR
Sudden occurrence of another error in the control unit detectedContinue following the instructions for the diagnostic equipment
Inconsistent parameterContinue following the instructions for the diagnostic equipment
3CHECK ON FUEL PRESSUREAll OKProblems metOperation
Check, if necessary on the road (to reproduce the conditions in which the fault arises), the fuel supply pressure Op. 0510C10Continue to Step 4Pressure not correct: obstructions in fuel delivery pipeRemove the obstructions in the fuel pipe, and if necessary replace it
Pressure incorrect: fuel pump damagedReplace fuel pump assembly Op. 1040A70
4CHECK AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEMAll OKProblems metOperation
Road test the vehicle and check whether the fault is affected by whether or not the air conditioner is switched onContinue to Step 5Fault present only with the air conditioner onContinue as instructed in the Table See table L10 CLIMATE CONTROL NOT COOLING
5CHECK ON CORRECT OPERATIONAll OKProblems metOperation
Road test the vehicle and check whether the fault is affected by whether or not the air conditioner is switched onEnd of diagnosisFault persists: control unit faultyReplace control unit Op. 1056B82

Parts & tools for this job For 2000 Alfa Romeo 147

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