22 · Diagnostics

Engine starts with difficulty

Make: Alfa Romeo
Model: 147 Factory Service Manual
Year: 2000–2004
Section: Starting › Engine starts with difficulty

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Fault diagnosisEngine starts with difficulty

ENGINE STARTS WITH DIFFICULTY

1.6 TS, 2.0 TS

The engine, especially when cold, starts with difficulty only after repeated attempts. When the key is turned, the instruments light up as normal, the starter motor turns, but the engine has difficulty in starting.

0	PRELIMINARY CHECKS	All OK	Problems met	Operation
		Results of the tests
	Preliminarily check: the state of the spark plugs and relevant leads that the air filter is not blocked the condition of the air intake circuit	Continue to Step 1	Spark plugs worn	Replace the spark plugs [ Op. 5510D10
			Cables damaged	Replace leads
			Air intake circuit component damaged	Repair or replace the defective component
			Air filter blocked	Replace the filter element [ Op. 1048A14
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	PETROL VAPOUR RECOVERY SYSTEM CHECK	All OK	Problems met	Operation
	Check that the petrol vapour recovery system is working properly	Continue to Step 3	Air leaks	Restore the correct seal
			Engine oil vapour intake pipe broken	Replace the pipe Op. 1080D14
			Pipe between filter and intermediate coupling broken	Replace the pipe Op. 1080E61
			Pipe from intermediate joint to solenoid broken	Replace the pipe Op. 1080E63
3	DELIVERY PRESSURE CHECK	All OK	Problems met	Operation
	Check that the fuel pressure is correct Op. 0510C10	Continue to Step 4	Insufficient fuel pressure: pipe obstructed	Eliminate the blockage; if necessary replace the pipe Op. 1040B30
	Check that the fuel pressure is correct Op. 0510C10	Continue to Step 4	Insufficient fuel pressure: pump faulty.	Replace the pump assembly Op. 1040A70
4	CHECK ON TIMING	All OK	Problems met	Operation
	Check that the timing is correct	Continue to Step 5	Timing not correct	Restore the correct timing Op. 1032B10
5	CHECK ON CYLINDER COMPRESSION	All OK	Problems met	Operation
	Carry out the cylinder compression test Op. 0510A10	Continue to Step 7	Cylinder compression insufficient	Continue to Step 6
6	CHECK ON CAUSE OF INSUFFICIENT COMPRESSION	All OK	Problems met	Operation
	Carry out R/R on head to check the valve seal Check the condition of the cylinders/piston rings	Continue to Step 7	Insufficient valve seal	Overhaul the cylinder head Op. 1016E10
		Continue to Step 7	Cylinders/piston rings worn	Repair the leak
7	CHECK ON CORRECT OPERATION	All OK	Problems met	Operation
	Check that the fault is no longer present		Fault persists: control unit faulty	Replace control unit Op. 1056B82 Search for the fault starting from another symptom'

1.9 JTD 8V

0	PRELIMINARY CHECKS	All OK	Problems met	Operation
		Results of the tests
	Check, in order: the condition of the air intake circuit seal of the diesel pipes; the condition of air filter that there is no petrol, water, paraffin or dirt in the diesel filter.	Continue to Step 1	Fault in air intake circuit	Repair the air intake circuit
			Leaks from the diesel pipes	Retighten the pipes, and if necessary replace them.
			Filter blocked	Replace the diesel filter cartridge Op. 1044B20
			Presence of water, petrol, paraffin or dirt detected	Clean the tank and pipes and replace the diesel filter cartridge Op. 1044B20
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
			unreliable parameters	Continue following the instructions for the diagnostic equipment
			Lack of dialogue with the control unit	Restore the connection between engine management control unit and diagnostic connector
2	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 10	Pressure not correct	Continue to Step 3
3	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 4	Pressure above maximum limit: return pipe to tank blocked	Repair the pipe; if necessary replace it
4	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 10	Pressure below minimum limit or above maximum limit	Continue to Step 5
5	LOW SUPPLY PRESSURE CHECK	All OK	Problems met	Operation
	Choke the return pipe from the pressure regulating valve, making sure that the pressure at the filter outlet remains below 2 bar See Test 1060B Low fuel pressure supply circuit check	Continue to Step 6	Pressure rises to 5 bar: blocked pressure regulation valve on filter support	Replace the valve Op. 1044B16
6	LOW SUPPLY PRESSUR 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 7	Difference in pressure greater than 1 bar	Replace the diesel filter cartridge Op. 1044B20
7	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 10	Pressure below 2 bar	Continue to Step 8
8	LOW SUPPLY PRESSURE CHECK	All OK	Problems met	Operation
	Measure the difference in pressure between electric pump outlet and filter inlet, checking that it is less than 0.3 bar	Continue to Step 9	Difference in pressure greater than 0.3 bar	Replace the pipe
9	LOW SUPPLY PRESSURE CHECK	All OK	Problems met	Operation
	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 current	Continue to Step 10	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
10	CORRECT OPERATION CHECK	All OK	Problems met	Operation
	Replace the DRV high pressure valve and check that the fault is no longer present	End of diagnosis	Fault persists	Continue to Step 11
11	CORRECT OPERATION CHECK	All OK	Problems met	Operation
	Replace the pressure pump and check that the fault is no longer present	End of diagnosis	Fault persists	Continue to Step 12
12	CHECK ON CYLINDER COMPRESSION	All OK	Problems met	Operation
	Carry out the cylinder compression test	Continue to Step 13	Cylinder compression insufficient	Continue to Step 13
13	CHECK ON CAUSE OF INSUFFICIENT COMPRESSION	All OK	Problems met	Operation
	Carry out R.R. on head to check the valve seal Check the condition of the cylinders/piston rings	Continue to Step 14	Insufficient valve seal	Overhaul the cylinder head Op. 1016E10
		Continue to Step 14	Cylinders/piston rings worn	Repair the leak
14	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. 1060G80 Search for the fault starting from another symptom'

1.9 JTD 16V

0	PRELIMINARY CHECKS	All OK	Problems met	Operation
		Results of the tests
	Check, in order: that there are no obstructions in the air filter; the condition of the air intake circuit seal of the diesel pipes; that there is no petrol, water, paraffin or dirt in the diesel filter. the correct operation of the exhaust pipes.	Continue to Step 1	Air intake circuit component	Repair or replace the defective component
			Filter blocked	Replace the air filter Op. 1048A10
			Filter blocked	Replace the diesel filter cartridge Op. 1044B20
			Leaks from the diesel pipes	Retighten the pipes, and if necessary replace them.
			Presence of water, petrol, paraffin or dirt detected	Clean the tank and pipes and replace the diesel filter cartridge Op. 1044B20
			Obstruction in the exhaust system	Replace the damaged system component
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	HIGH PRESSURE CHECK	All OK	Problems met	Operation
	Connect the diagnostic equipment 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 10	Pressure not correct	Continue to Step 3
3	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 4	Pressure above maximum limit: return pipe to tank blocked	Repair the pipe; if necessary replace it
4	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 the filter and pressure pump is between 2 and 3 bar	Continue to Step 10	Pressure below minimum limit or above maximum limit	Continue to Step 5
5	LOW SUPPLY PRESSURE CHECK	All OK	Problems met	Operation
	Close the return pipe downstream of the low pressure regulator valve, located in the fuel filter cover, using the special tool and carry out the test See Test 1060B Low fuel pressure supply circuit checkagain with the pipe closed, checking that the filter outlet pressure remains below 2 bar	Continue to Step 6	Pressure rises to 5 bar: blocked pressure regulation valve on filter support	Replace the diesel filter cover Op. 1044B16
6	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 7	Difference in pressure greater than 1 bar	Replace the diesel filter cartridge Op. 1044B20
7	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 10	Pressure below 2 bar	Continue to Step 8
8	LOW SUPPLY PRESSUR CHECK	All OK	Problems met	Operation
	Measure the difference in pressure between electric pump outlet and filter inlet, checking that it is less than 0.3 bar	Continue to Step 9	Difference in pressure greater than 0.3 bar	Replace the pipe
9	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 amps.	Continue to Step 10	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
10	CORRECT OPERATION CHECK	All OK	Problems met	Operation
	Replace the DRV high-pressure regulator and check that the fault is no longer present	End of diagnosis	Fault persists	Continue to Step 11
11	CORRECT OPERATION CHECK	All OK	Problems met	Operation
	Replace the pressure pump and check that the fault is no longer present	End of diagnosis	Fault persists	Continue to Step 12
12	CHECK ON CYLINDER COMPRESSION	All OK	Problems met	Operation
	Carry out the cylinder compression test	Continue to Step 13	Cylinder compression insufficient	Continue to Step 13
13	CHECK ON CAUSE OF INSUFFICIENT COMPRESSION	All OK	Problems met	Operation
	Carry out R.R. on head to check the valve seal Check the condition of the cylinders/piston rings	Continue to Step 14	Insufficient valve seal	Overhaul the cylinder head Op. 1016E10
		Continue to Step 14	Cylinders/piston rings worn	Repair the leak
14	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. 1060G80 Search for the fault starting from another symptom'

All versions

0	PRELIMINARY CHECKS	All OK	Problems met	Operation
		Results of the tests
	Preliminarily check: if there is service information on the subject the condition of the air intake circuit remove the spark plugs and check the condition of the spark plugs and make sure that the gap is correct	Continue to Step 1	Air intake circuit component damaged	Repair or replace the defective component
			Air filter blocked	Replace the filter Op. 1048A10
			Spark plugs damaged	Replace the spark plugs
			Spark plugs wet	Dry the spark plugs Continue to Step 1
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 the plausibility of the parameters in particular the Rail pressure - rail pressure setting (check especially during starting) engine temperature	Continue to Step 2	An error is detected in the control unit	Continue according to the instructions for the diagnostic equipment
			unreliable parameters	Continue according to the instructions for the diagnostic equipment
			Pressure measured differs greatly from the setting	Proceed with checking the low pressure circuit, high pressure pump, pressure regulator, wiring, control unit
2	LOW SUPPLY PRESSURE CIRCUIT CHECK	All OK	Problems met	Operation
	Check that the fuel pressure is correct Op. 0510C10	Continue to Step 3	Fuel pressure too low: supply pipe obstructed	Eliminate the blockage; if necessary replace the pipe
	Check that the fuel pressure is correct Op. 0510C10	Continue to Step 3	Low fuel pressure: defective pump	Replace the pump assembly Op. 1040A70
3	CHECK ON TIMING	All OK	Problems met	Operation
	Check that the timing is correct	Continue to Step 4	Timing not correct	Restore the correct timing Op. 1032B14
4	CHECK ON CYLINDER COMPRESSION	All OK	Problems met	Operation
	Carry out the cylinder compression test	Continue to Step 6	Cylinder compression insufficient	Continue to Step 5
5	CHECK ON CAUSE OF INSUFFICIENT COMPRESSION	All OK	Problems met	Operation
	Carry out R/R on head to check the valve seal Check the condition of the cylinders/piston rings	Continue to Step 6	Insufficient valve seal	Overhaul the cylinder head Op. 1016E10
			Cylinders/piston rings worn	Repair the leak
			Faulty coupling between head/cylinder block-crankcase	Restore correct coupling
6	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

3.2 V6

0	PRELIMINARY CHECKS	All OK	Problems met	Operation
		Results of the tests
	Preliminarily check: that the air filter is not blocked the condition of the air intake circuit	Continue to Step 1	Air intake circuit component damaged	Repair or replace the defective component
		Continue to Step 1	Air filter blocked	Replace the filter Op. 1048A10
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	CHECKING WITH DIAGNOSTIC EQUIPMENT	All OK	Problems met	Operation
	Carry out active diagnosis of canister solenoid	Continue to Step 3	Solenoid valve faulty	Replace the solenoid valve Op. 1080E26
3	PETROL VAPOUR RECOVERY SYSTEM CHECK	All OK	Problems met	Operation
	Check the petrol vapour recovery system seal	Continue to Step 4	Air leaks	Restore the correct seal
	Check the petrol vapour recovery system seal	Continue to Step 4	Pipes connected to supply broken	Replace the pipes Op. 1080E48
4	DELIVERY PRESSURE CHECK	All OK	Problems met	Operation
	Check that the fuel pressure is correct Op. 0510C10	Continue to Step 5	Fuel pressure too low: supply pipe obstructed	Eliminate the blockage; if necessary replace the pipe
	Check that the fuel pressure is correct Op. 0510C10	Continue to Step 5	Low fuel pressure: defective pump	Replace the pump assembly Op. 1040A70
5	CHECK ON TIMING	All OK	Problems met	Operation
	Check that the timing is correct Op. 0510A20	Continue to Step 6	Timing not correct	Restore the correct timing Op. 1032B14
6	CHECK ON CYLINDER COMPRESSION	All OK	Problems met	Operation
	Carry out the cylinder compression test Op. 0510A10	Continue to Step 8	Cylinder compression insufficient	Continue to Step 7
7	CHECK ON CAUSE OF INSUFFICIENT COMPRESSION	All OK	Problems met	Operation
	Carry out R/R on head to check the valve seal Op. 1016C10 Check the condition of the cylinders/piston rings	Continue to Step 8	Insufficient valve seal	Overhaul the cylinder head Op. 1016E10
		Continue to Step 8	Cylinders/piston rings worn	Repair the leak
8	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

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