Engine does not start / under no circumstances

Make: Alfa Romeo
Model: 147 Factory Service Manual
Year: 2000–2004
Section: Starting › Engine does not start / under no circumstances

‹ Prev Starter motor not working Next › Engine starts with difficulty

Fault diagnosisEngine does not start / under no circumstances

ENGINE DOES NOT START / UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES

1.6 TS, 2.0 TS

The engine does not start. When the key is turned, the instruments light up, the starter motor turns, but the engine will not start.

The MIL warning light should come on with the ignition on and go out once the engine has started;

The CODE warning light only comes on if there is a fault.

0	PRELIMINARY CHECKS	All OK	Problems met	Operation
		Results of the tests
	Turn the key to the ON position and check that the I.E and CODE lights come on for the start-up test The I.E light should come on for about 4 seconds and then switch off, while the CODE light should come on for about 1 second and the switch off. Check that the inertia switch has not been operated; the state of the spark plugs and leads; that there are no obstructions in the catalytic converter; that there is no water in the fuel	Continue to Step 1	that the I.E light remains on	See table K50 I.E. FAILURE WARNING LIGHT ON
			Both lights remain on	See table K51 I.E. WARNING AND CODE WARNING LIGHT BOTH ON
			The code light remains on	See table K52 CODE FAILURE WARNING LIGHT ON
			The I.E light does not cary out the start-up test	See table K53 I.E. FAILURE WARNING LIGHT OFF
			The CODE light does not carry out the start-up test	See table K54 CODE WARNING LIGHT OFF (INITIAL TEST NOT CARRIED OUT)
			The warning lights do not do the initial test	See table K49 I.E. FAILURE WARNING LIGHT AND CODE WARNING LIGHT BOTH OFF
			Operation of inertia switch	Restore correct operation
			Spark plugs dirty or worn	Replace the spark plugs Op. 5510D10
			Spark plug leads damaged	Replace the cables
			Catalytic converter's obstructed	Replace catalytic converter/s
			Water in the carburettor	Clean the tank
1	CHECKING WITH DIAGNOSTIC EQUIPMENT	All OK	Problems met	Operation
	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 2	An error is detected in the control unit	Continue following the instructions for the diagnostic equipment
		Continue to Step 2	unreliable parameters	Continue following the instructions for the diagnostic equipment
2	ACTIVE TESTING OF FUEL PUMP	All OK	Problems met	Operation
	Carry out active testing of fuel pump and check if it is working properly	Continue to Step 4	Pump not working	Continue to Step 3
3	CHECK PETROL PUMP ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT	All OK	Problems met	Operation
	Check the petrol pump supply and earth See E5030 PETROL ENGINE ELECTRONIC MANAGEMENT	Continue to Step 4	Connections not correct	Restore the connections See E5030 PETROL ENGINE ELECTRONIC MANAGEMENT
		Continue to Step 4	Pump faulty	Replace petrol pump Op. 1040A70
4	DELIVERY PRESSURE CHECK	All OK	Problems met	Operation
	Check that the fuel pressure is correct Op. 0510C10	Continue to Step 5	Pressure not correct	Eliminate any obstructions in the pipes If necessary, replace the pump assembly Op. 1040A70
5	CHECK ON CORRECT OPERATION	All OK	Problems met	Operation
	Check that the fault is no longer present	End of diagnosis	Fault persists: control unit faulty	Replace control unit Op. 1056B82

1.9 JTD 8V

The engine does not start. When the key is turned, the instruments light up, the starter motor turns, but the engine will not start.

The MIL warning light should come on with the ignition on and go out once the engine has started;

The CODE warning light only comes on if there is a fault.

0	PRELIMINARY CHECKS	All OK	Problems met	Operation
		Results of the tests
	Turn the ignition on and check that the CODE is working properly Check that the inertia switch has not cut in; that there is fuel in the tank air intake circuit; correct operation of the flow modulating valve; correct operation of the exhaust pipes. that there are no leaks from the high- and low-pressure fuel pipes	Continue to Step 1	CODE warning light on	See table K52
			Operation of inertia switch	Restore correct operation
			No fuel	Put fuel in the tank
			Air cleaner dirty or partially blocked	Replace the filter element Op. 1048A14
			Incorrect operation of flow modulating valve	Continue to Step 1
			Exhaust blocked	Repair the exhaust pipes
			There are leaks	Eliminate the leaks
1	CHECKING WITH DIAGNOSTIC EQUIPMENT	All OK	Problems met	Operation
	Carry out active diagnosis of flow modulating solenoid	Continue to Step 2	Solenoid not working	Check the continuity of the wiring See E5050 DIESEL ENGINES ELECTRONIC MANAGEMENTand if necessary replace the solenoid
2	CHECK ON FLOW MODULATING VALVE ACTUATOR	All OK	Problems met	Operation
	Check operation of pneumatic actuator	Continue to Step 3	Actuator not working	Replace electropneumatically-controlled throttle body Op. 1060G52
3	CHECKING WITH DIAGNOSTIC EQUIPMENT	All OK	Problems met	Operation
	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	Continue to Step 4	An error is detected in the control unit	Continue following the instructions for the diagnostic equipment
			unreliable parameters	Continue following the instructions for the diagnostic equipment
			Lack of dialogue with the control unit	Restore the connection between engine control unit and diagnostic connector
4	HIGH PRESSURE CHECK	All OK	Problems met	Operation
	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 15	Pressure not correct	Continue to Step 5
5	INJECTOR HIGH PRESSURE CHECK	All OK	Problems met	Operation
	Check that the diesel leaks from the injector recirculation connections are small and about the same as one another. See Test 1060C Injector high pressure fuel circuit check	Continue to Step 6	Consistent leak from one injector	Replace the injector
6	CHECK ON RETURN LOW PRESSURE	All OK	Problems met	Operation
	Check that the pressure in the return pipe to the tank is less than 1 bar See Test 1060A Low return fuel pressure circuit check	Continue to Step 7	Pressure above maximum limit: return pipe to tank blocked	Repair the pipe; if necessary replace it
7	LOW SUPPLY PRESSURE CHECK	All OK	Problems met	Operation
	Check that the diesel pressure between filter and pressure pump is between 2 and 3 bar See Test 1060B Low fuel pressure supply circuit check	Continue to Step 13	Pressure below minimum limit or above maximum limit	Continue to Step 8
8	LOW SUPPLY PRESSURE CHECK	All OK	Problems met	Operation
	Choke the return pipe below the valve, checking that the filter outlet pressure remains below 2 bar See Test 1060B Low fuel pressure supply circuit check	Continue to Step 9	Pressure rises to 5 bar: blocked pressure regulation valve on filter support	Replace the valve Op. 1044B16
9	LOW SUPPLY PRESSURE CHECK	All OK	Problems met	Operation
	Check that the difference in pressure upstream and downstream of the filter is less than 1 bar	Continue to Step 10	Difference in pressure greater than 1 bar	Replace the fuel filter cartridge Op. 1044B20
10	CHECK DELIVERY LOW PRESSURE	All OK	Problems met	Operation
	Check that the supply pump pressure at the filter inlet is over 2.2 bar	Continue to Step 13	Pressure below 2.2 bar	Continue to Step 11
11	LOW SUPPLY PRESSURE CHECK	All OK	Problems met	Operation
	Measure the difference in pressure between electric pump outlet and filter inlet and check that it is less than 0.3 bar	Continue to Step 12	Difference in pressure greater than 0.3 bar	Replace the pipe
12	LOW SUPPLY PRESSURE CHECK	All OK	Problems met	Operation
	Check that the pump's supply voltage is 12V and that the absorbed current is between 2 and 10 amp. See Test 1040AA Check supply voltage and absorption current	Continue to Step 13	Voltage < 12 V	Check electric wiring See E5050 DIESEL ENGINES ELECTRONIC MANAGEMENT
			Current > 10 Amp: pump defective	Replace the fuel pump assembly Op. 1040A70
			Current < 2 Amp.: pump blocked	Replace the fuel pump assembly Op. 1040A70and clean the fuel tank
13	CHECK ON CORRECT OPERATION	All OK	Problems met	Operation
	Replace the DRV high-pressure regulating valve and check that the fault is no longer present.	End of diagnosis	Fault persists	Continue to Step 14
14	CHECK ON CORRECT OPERATION	All OK	Problems met	Operation
	Replace the pressure pump and check that the fault is no longer present	End of diagnosis	Fault persists	Contact Technical Service for further information on the problem Search for the fault starting from another symptom'
15	CHECK ON CORRECT OPERATION	All OK	Problems met	Operation
	Replace the engine management control unit and check that the fault is no longer present	End of diagnosis	Fault persists	Contact Technical Service for further information on the problem

1.9 JTD 16V

The engine does not start. When the key is turned, the instruments light up, the starter motor turns, but the engine will not start.

The MIL warning light should come on with the ignition on and go out once the engine has started;

The CODE warning light only comes on if there is a fault.

0	PRELIMINARY CHECKS	All OK	Problems met	Operation
		Results of the tests
	Turn the ignition on and check that the CODE is working properly Check: that the inertia switch has not cut in; that there is fuel in the tank air intake circuit; correct operation of the flow modulating valve; correct operation of the exhaust pipes. that there are no leaks from the high- and low-pressure fuel pipes	Continue to Step 1	CODE fault message present	Continue as instructed in the Table See table K52 CODE FAILURE WARNING LIGHT ON
			Operation of inertia switch	Restore correct operation
			No fuel	Put fuel in the tank
			Air filter dirty or partly obstructed	Replace the filter element Op. 1048A14
			Incorrect operation of flow modulating valve	Continue to Step 1
			Exhaust blocked	Repair the exhaust pipes
			There are leaks	Eliminate the leaks
1	CHECKING WITH DIAGNOSTIC EQUIPMENT	All OK	Problems met	Operation
	Connect the diagnostic equipment (Examiner or other instruments) to the diagnostic socket check that there are no errors in the control unit Carry out active diagnosis of flow modulating solenoid	Continue to Step 2	An error is detected in the control unit	Continue following the instructions for the diagnostic equipment
		Continue to Step 2	Solenoid not working	Check the continuity of the wiring See E5050 DIESEL ENGINES ELECTRONIC MANAGEMENTand if necessary replace the solenoid Op. 1060G56
2	CHECK ON FLOW MODULATING VALVE ACTUATOR	All OK	Problems met	Operation
	Check operation of pneumatic actuator	Continue to Step 3	Actuator not working	Replace electropneumatically-controlled throttle body Op. 1060G52
3	CHECKING WITH DIAGNOSTIC EQUIPMENT	All OK	Problems met	Operation
	Connect the diagnostic equipment (Examiner or other instruments) to the diagnostic socket Check as described in the test See Test 1060D Check high pressure fuel circuitthat the diesel pressure parameter is correct.	Continue to Step 14	Pressure not correct	Continue to Step 4
4	INJECTOR HIGH PRESSURE CHECK	All OK	Problems met	Operation
	Check, as described in the test 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 5	Consistent leak from one injector	Replace the injector
5	CHECK ON RETURN LOW PRESSURE	All OK	Problems met	Operation
	Check as described in the test See Test 1060A Low return fuel pressure circuit checkthat the pressure in the return pipe to the tank is under 1 bar	Continue to Step 6	Pressure above maximum limit: return pipe to tank blocked	Repair the pipe; if necessary replace it
6	LOW SUPPLY PRESSURE CHECK	All OK	Problems met	Operation
	Check as described in the test See Test 1060B Low fuel pressure supply circuit checkthat the diesel pressure between filter and pressure pump is between 2 and 3 bar	Continue to Step 12	Pressure below minimum limit or above maximum limit	Continue to Step 12
7	LOW SUPPLY PRESSURE CHECK	All OK	Problems met	Operation
	Choke the return pipe below the valve and repeat the test See Test 1060B Low fuel pressure supply circuit checkwith the pipe choked, checking that the filter outlet pressure remains below 2 bar	Continue to Step 8	Pressure rises to 5 bar: blocked pressure regulation valve on filter support	Replace the valve Op. 1044B16
8	LOW SUPPLY PRESSURE CHECK	All OK	Problems met	Operation
	Check that the difference in pressure upstream and downstream of the filter is less than 1 bar	Continue to Step 9	Difference in pressure greater than 1 bar	Replace the fuel filter cartridge Op. 1044B20
9	LOW SUPPLY PRESSURE CHECK	All OK	Problems met	Operation
	Check that the supply pump pressure at the filter inlet is over 2.2 bar	Continue to Step 12	Pressure below 2.2 bar	Continue to Step 10
10	CHECK DELIVERY LOW PRESSURE	All OK	Problems met	Operation
	Measure the difference in pressure between electric pump outlet and filter inlet and check that it is less than 0.3 bar	Continue to Step 11	Difference in pressure greater than 0.3 bar	Replace the pipe
11	LOW SUPPLY PRESSURE CHECK	All OK	Problems met	Operation
	Check as described in the test See Test 1040AA Check supply voltage and absorption currentthat the pump's supply voltage is 12V and that the absorbed current is between 2 and 10 amp.	Continue to Step 12	Voltage < 12 V	Check electric wiring See E5050 DIESEL ENGINES ELECTRONIC MANAGEMENT
			Current > 10 Amp: pump defective	Replace the fuel pump assembly Op. 1040A70
			Current < 2 Amp.: pump blocked	Replace the fuel pump assembly Op. 1040A70and clean the fuel tank
12	CHECK ON CORRECT OPERATION	All OK	Problems met	Operation
	Replace the DRV high-pressure regulating valve and check that the fault is no longer present.	End of diagnosis	Fault persists:	Continue to Step 13
13	CHECK ON CORRECT OPERATION	All OK	Problems met	Operation
	Replace the pressure pump and check that the fault is no longer present	End of diagnosis	Fault persists	Contact Technical Service for further information on the problem
14	CHECK ON CORRECT OPERATION	All OK	Problems met	Operation
	Replace the engine management control unit and check that the fault is no longer present	End of diagnosis	Fault persists	Contact Technical Service for further information on the problem

All versions

The engine does not start. When the key is turned, the instruments light up, the starter motor turns, but the engine will not start.

The MIL warning light should come on with the ignition on and go out once the engine has started;

The CODE warning light only comes on if there is a fault.

0	PRELIMINARY CHECKS	All OK	Problems met	Operation
		Results of the tests
	Check, in order: that there is no CODE system failure that the inertia switch has not been operated exhaust system not obstructed the condition of the spark plugs quality of the fuel	Continue to Step 1	CODE failure present	Continue as instructed in the Table See table K52 CODE FAILURE WARNING LIGHT ON
			Operation of inertia switch	Restore correct operation
			Exhaust blocked	Renew the exhaust system
			Spark plugs worn/damaged	Replace the spark plugs
			Impurities in the fuel	Clean the tank
1	CHECKING WITH DIAGNOSTIC EQUIPMENT	All OK	Problems met	Operation
	Connect the diagnostic equipment (Examiner or other instruments) to the diagnostic socket and check the engine management control unit: for errors in the control unit the plausibility of all the parameters (by starting) in particular: engine rpm and timing, rail pressure - rail pressure setting, engine temperature.	Continue to Step 2	An error is detected in the control unit	Continue according to the instructions for the diagnostic equipment
		Continue to Step 2	unreliable parameters	Continue as instructed by the diagnostic equipment and analyze the factors that could cause these inconsistencies
2	LOW PRESSURE CIRCUIT CHECK	All OK	Problems met	Operation
	Carry out the active diagnosis of the fuel pump and check the operating pressure and the max. pressure	Continue to Step 3	Pressure not correct	Check that the fuel pump is correctly supplied, that there are no blockages in the exhaust pipe and, if necessary, replace the petrol pump
3	IGNITION OPERATION CHECK	All OK	Problems met	Operation
	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 MANAGEMENT	Continue to Step 4	No supply/earth	Renew the wiring See E5030 PETROL ENGINE ELECTRONIC MANAGEMENT
		Continue to Step 4	No operating signal	Check the wiring between the coils and the ECU and, if necessary, replace the control unit See E5030 PETROL ENGINE ELECTRONIC MANAGEMENT
4	INJECTOR OPERATING SIGNAL CHECK	All OK	Problems met	Operation
	Check the continuity/insulation of the injector wiring; in particular, make sure that the injector operating signal is present See E5030 PETROL ENGINE ELECTRONIC MANAGEMENT	Continue to Step 5	No signal, wiring broken	Renew the wiring See E5030 PETROL ENGINE ELECTRONIC MANAGEMENT
		Continue to Step 5	No signal, wiring not broken	Replace engine management control unit
5	ENGINE TIMING CHECK	All OK	Problems met	Operation
	Check that the timing is correct	Continue to Step 6	Timing not correct	Carry out the valve gear timing
6	CHECK ON CORRECT OPERATION	All OK	Problems met	Operation
	Check that the fault is no longer present	End of diagnosis

3.2 V6

The engine does not start. When the key is turned, the instruments light up, the starter motor turns, but the engine will not start.

The MIL warning light should come on with the ignition on and go out once the engine has started;

The CODE warning light only comes on if there is a fault.

0	PRELIMINARY CHECKS	All OK	Problems met	Operation
		Results of the tests
	Check, in order: that the CODE fault message is not present at the matrix that the inertia switch has not been operated	Continue to Step 1	CODE fault message present at the matrix	Continue as instructed in the Table See table K108 DISPLAY FAULT CODE ON MATRIX
		Continue to Step 1	Operation of inertia switch	Restore correct operation
1	CHECKING WITH DIAGNOSTIC EQUIPMENT	All OK	Problems met	Operation
	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 2	An error is detected in the control unit	Continue according to the instructions for the diagnostic equipment
		Continue to Step 2	unreliable parameters	Continue according to the instructions for the diagnostic equipment
2	ACTIVE TESTING OF FUEL PUMP	All OK	Problems met	Operation
	Carry out active testing of fuel pump and check if it is working properly	Continue to Step 4	Pump not working	Continue to Step 3
3	CHECK PETROL PUMP ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT	All OK	Problems met	Operation
	Check the petrol pump supply and earth See E5030 PETROL ENGINE ELECTRONIC MANAGEMENT	Continue to Step 4	Connections not correct	Restore the connections See E5030 PETROL ENGINE ELECTRONIC MANAGEMENT
		Continue to Step 4	Pump faulty	Replace petrol pump Op. 1040A70
4	DELIVERY PRESSURE CHECK	All OK	Problems met	Operation
	Check that the fuel pressure is correct Op. 0510C10	Continue to Step 5	Incorrect pressure: front pipes obstructed	Remove obstruction If necessary, replace the pipe
	Check that the fuel pressure is correct Op. 0510C10	Continue to Step 5	Incorrect pressure: faulty fuel pump assembly	Replace the pump assembly Op. 1040A70
5	CHECK ON CORRECT OPERATION	All OK	Problems met	Operation
	Check that the fault is no longer present	End of diagnosis	Fault persists: control unit faulty	Replace engine management control unit Op. 1056B82

‹ Prev Starter motor not working Next › Engine starts with difficulty

Parts & tools for this job For 2000 Alfa Romeo 147

Links open Amazon search results in a new tab. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.