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 GT Factory Service Manual (2003-2010)22 · Fault diagnosis
22 · Diagnostics

Engine starts with difficulty''

Make
Alfa Romeo
Model
GT Factory Service Manual
Year
2003–2010
Section
Starting › Engine starts with difficulty''
Fault diagnosisEngine starts with difficulty''

ENGINE STARTS WITH DIFFICULTY''

1.9 JTD 16V

The engine, particularly when cold, starts with difficulty and only after repeated attempts. When the key is turned the instruments light up as normal, the starter motor turns, but the engine is difficult to start.

1.8 T.SPARK

Results of the tests
0PRELIMINARY CHECKSAll OKProblems encounteredOperation

First, check:

  • status of spark plugs and leads;
  • that there are no obstructions in the air filter;
  • that there are no obstructions in the exhaust
  • the condition of the air intake circuit
Move on to Step 1Spark plugs worn

Replace the spark plugs [ Op.

Op. 5510D10 SPARK PLUGS - R+R

Leads damagedReplace the leads
Air intake circuit component damagedRepair or replace the damaged component
Exhaust blockedRepair or replace the damaged component
Air filter blocked

Replace the filter element

Op. 1048A14 AIR CLEANER FILTERING ELEMENT - REPLACE.

1INTAKE AND EXHAUST SYSTEM LEAKAGE TESTAll OKProblems encounteredOperation

Check the intake and exhaust system for leaks by carrying out Test 1072OA

See Test 1072 INLET AND EXHAUST MANIFOLDS

Move on to Step 2Air leaks to the intake circuitRestore seal
2CHECK USING DIAGNOSTIC EQUIPMENTAll OKProblems encounteredOperation

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

Check

  • that there are no errors in the control unit;
  • parameter plausibility
Move on to Step 3Error detected in the control unitContinue following the instructions for the diagnostic equipment
Parameters not plausibleContinue following the instructions for the diagnostic equipment
3PETROL VAPOUR RECOVERY SYSTEM CHECKAll OKProblems encounteredOperation
Check that the petrol vapour recovery system is working properlyMove on to Step 4Air leaksRestore the correct seal
Engine oil vapour intake pipe broken

Replace the pipe

Op. 1080D14 PIPE FROM ENGINE OIL VAPOUR SEPARATOR TO INTAKE - R + R

Pipe from filter to intermediate coupling broken

Replace the pipe

Op. 1080E61 FUEL VAPOUR PIPE FROM VAPOUR FILTER TO INTERMEDIATE COUPLING - R.R.

Pipe from intermediate coupling to solenoid valve broken

Replace the pipe

Op. 1080E63 FUEL VAPOR HOSE BETWEEN RIGID PIPE AND CUT OFF SOLENOID R R

4SUPPLY PRESSURE CHECKAll OKProblems encounteredOperation

Check that the fuel supply pressure is correct by carrying out Test 1056BY

See Test 1056 PETROL INJECTION SYSTEM

Move on to Step 5Fuel pressure too low: pipe obstructed

Eliminate the obstructions, if necessary, replace the pipe

Op. 1040B30 TUBAZIONE DI MANDATA COMBUSTIBILE (UNICA) - S.R.

Fuel pressure too low: pump faulty

Replace the fuel pump assembly

Op. 1040A70 SUBMERGED PUMP ASSEMBLY COMPLETE WITH LEVEL GUAGE CONTROL - R + R

5INJECTOR SEAL CHECKAll OKProblems encounteredOperation

Check correct injector seal by carrying out Test 1056BZ

See Test 1056 PETROL INJECTION SYSTEM

Move on to Step 6Injectors defectiveReplace the injectors
6TIMING CHECKAll OKProblems encounteredOperation
Check that the valve gear timing is correctMove on to Step 7Valve gear timing not correctOp. 1032B10 TOOTHED TIMING BELT - R + R FOR TIMING ADJUSTMENT OR REPLACEMENT
7CYLINDER COMPRESSION CHECKAll OKProblems encounteredOperation

Carry out the cylinder compression check

Op. 0510A10 CYLINDER COMPRESSION - CHECK FOR LOOSE SPARK PLUGS OR INJECTORS

Move on to Step 8Cylinder compression insufficientMove on to Step 6
8CHECK ON CAUSE OF INSUFFICIENT COMPRESSIONAll OKProblems encounteredOperation
  • R/R head for valve leakage test
  • Check condition of cylinders/piston rings
Move on to Step 9Valve seal insufficient

Overhaul the head

Op. 1016E10 SINGLE CYLINDER HEAD, REMOVED - OVERHAUL

Cylinders/piston rings wornRestore the seal
9CHECK ON CORRECT OPERATIONAll OKProblems encounteredOperation
Check that the fault is no longer presentEnd of diagnosisFault persists: control unit defective

Replace the control unit

Op. 1056B82 CENTRALINA (UNICA) DELL''IMPIANTO INIEZIONE/ACCENSIONE - S.R.

1.9 JTD 16V

Results of the tests
0PRELIMINARY CHECKSAll OKProblems encounteredOperation

Check the following, in order:

  • that there are no obstructions in the air filter;
  • the condition of the air intake circuit
  • diesel pipe seal;
  • absence of fuel, water, paraffin or dirt in the diesel filter.
  • correct operation of the exhaust manifolds
Move on to Step 1 1air intake circuit componentRepair or replace the damaged component
Filter blocked

replace the air filter Op.

Op. 1048A10 AIR CLEANER FILTERING ELEMENT - REPLACE

Leaks from the diesel pipesAdjust pipe tightness to correct setting and replace if necessary.
Water, petrol, paraffin or dirt found to be present

Clean the tank and pipes and replace the diesel filter cartridge Op.

Op. 1044B20 FUEL FILTER FILTERING ELEMENT - REPLACE

obstruction in the exhaust systemReplace the damaged system component
1CHECK USING DIAGNOSTIC EQUIPMENTAll OKProblems encounteredOperation

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

Check:

  • that there are no errors in the control unit;
  • parameter plausibility
Move on to Step 2 1Error detected in the control unitContinue following the instructions for the diagnostic equipment
Parameters not plausibleContinue following the instructions for the diagnostic equipment
2HIGH PRESSURE CHECKAll OKProblems encounteredOperation

With the diagnostic equipment connected to the diagnostic socket.

Check as described in the Test

See Test 1060D ELECTRONIC DIESEL INJECTION CONTROL

that the diesel pressure parameter is correct

Move on to Step 10 1Pressure not correctMove on to Step 3 1
3LOW RETURN PRESSURE CHECKAll OKProblems encounteredOperation

Check as described in the Test

See Test 1060A LOW RETURN FUEL PRESSURE CIRCUIT CHECK

that the pressure in the return pipe to the tank is less than 1 bar

Move on to Step 4 1Pressure above the maximum limit: return pipe to the tank obstructedRepair the pipe, if necessary, replace it
4LOW SUPPLY PRESSURE CHECKAll OKProblems encounteredOperation

Check as described in the Test

See Test 1060B LOW FUEL PRESSURE SUPPLY CIRCUIT CHECK

check that the diesel pressure between the filter and the pressure pump is between 2 and 3 bar

Move on to Step 10 1Pressure below the minimum limit or above the maximum limitMove on to Step 5 1
5LOW SUPPLY PRESSURE CHECKAll OKProblems encounteredOperation

Clse the return pipe downstream of the low pressure regulator valve, in the fuel filter cover, using the special tool, and carry out the Test again

See Test 1060B LOW FUEL PRESSURE SUPPLY CIRCUIT CHECK

with the pipe closed, checking that the filter outlet pressure remains below 2 bar

Move on to Step 6 1Pressure rises to 5 bar: pressure regulator valve on filter mounting incorrectly adjustedReplace the diesel filter cover
6LOW SUPPLY PRESSURE CHECKAll OKProblems encounteredOperation
Check that the difference in pressure upstream and downstream of the filter is less than 1 barMove on to Step 7 1Difference in pressure more than 1 bar

Replace the diesel filter cartridge Op.

Op. 1044B20 FUEL FILTER FILTERING ELEMENT - REPLACE

7LOW SUPPLY PRESSURE CHECKAll OKProblems encounteredOperation
Check that the supply pump pressure at the filter inlet is more than 2.2 barMove on to Step 10 1Pressure below 2 barMove on to Step 8 1
8LOW SUPPLY PRESSURE CHECKAll OKProblems encounteredOperation
Measure the difference in pressure between the electrical pump outlet and the filter inlet checking that it is less than 0.3 barMove on to Step 9 1Difference in pressure more than 0.3 barReplace the pipe
9LOW SUPPLY PRESSURE CHECKAll OKProblems encounteredOperation
Check, as described in, that the pump supply voltage is equal to 12 volt and that the current absorbed is between 2 and 10 AmpereMove on to Step 10 1Voltage < 12 volt

Check electrical wiring See

See E5050 DIESEL ENGINES ELECTRONIC MANAGEMENT

Current > 10 Amps: pump defective

Replace the fuel pump assembly Op.

Op. 1040A70 SUBMERGED PUMP ASSEMBLY COMPLETE WITH LEVEL GUAGE CONTROL - R + R

Current < 2 Amps: pump obstructed

Replace the fuel pump assembly Op.

Op. 1040A70 SUBMERGED PUMP ASSEMBLY COMPLETE WITH LEVEL GUAGE CONTROL - R + R

and clean the fuel tank

10CHECK CORRECT OPERATIONAll OKProblems encounteredOperation
Replace the DRV high pressure regulator and check that the fault is no longer presentEnd of diagnosisFault persistsMove on to Step 11 1
11CHECK CORRECT OPERATIONAll OKProblems encounteredOperation
Replace the high pressure pump and check that the fault is no longer presentEnd of diagnosisFault persistsMove on to Step 12 1
12CYLINDER COMPRESSION CHECKAll OKProblems encounteredOperation
Carry out the cylinder compression checkMove on to Step 14 1Cylinder compression insufficientMove on to Step 13 1
13CHECK ON CAUSE OF INSUFFICIENT COMPRESSIONAll OKProblems encounteredOperation

- R/R head [PR_1016C10] for valve leakage test

  • Check condition of cylinders/piston rings
Move on to Step 14 1Valve seal insufficient

Overhaul the cylinder head Op.

Op. 1016E10 SINGLE CYLINDER HEAD, REMOVED - OVERHAUL

Cylinders/piston rings wornRestore the seal
14CHECK ON CORRECT OPERATIONAll OKProblems encounteredOperation
Check that the fault is no longer presentEnd of diagnosisFault persists: control unit defective

Replace the engine management control unit Op.

Op. 1060G80 DS ELECTRIC INJECTION CONTROL UNIT - R R

2.0 JTS

The engine, particularly when cold, starts with difficulty and only after repeated attempts. When the key is turned the instruments light up as normal, the starter motor turns, but the engine is difficult to start.

Results of the tests
0PRELIMINARY CHECKSAll OKProblems encounteredOperation

First, check:

  • if there is sevice information on the subject

The condition of the air intake circuit

Remove the spark plugs and check their state and that the electrode gap is correct

Move on to Step 1 1Air intake circuit component damagedRepair or replace the damaged component
Air filter blocked

Replace the filter Op.

Op. 1048A10 AIR CLEANER FILTERING ELEMENT - REPLACE

Spark plugs damaged

Replace the spark plugs Op.

Op. 5510D10 SPARK PLUGS - R+R

Spark plugs wet

Dry the spark plugs

Move on to Step 1 1

1CHECK USING DIAGNOSTIC EQUIPMENTAll OKProblems encounteredOperation

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

Check:

  • That there are no errors in the control unit;
  • Parameter plausibility in particular
  • Rail pressure setting (check during starting in particular)
  • Engine temperature
Move on to Step 2 1Error detected in the control unitProceed as instructed by the diagnostic tester
Parameters not plausibleProceed as instructed by the diagnostic tester
Pressure measured differs greatly from settingProceed with checking the low pressure circuit, high pressure pump, pressure regulator, wiring, control unit
2LOW SUPPLY PRESSURE CIRCUIT CHECKAll OKProblems encounteredOperation

Check that the fuel pressure is correct Op.

Op. 0510C10 FUEL SYSTEM - CHECK DELIVERY PRESSURE

Move on to Step 3 1Fuel pressure too low: supply pipe obstructedEliminate the obstructions, if necessary, replace the pipe
Fuel pressure too low: pump defective

Replace the pump assembly Op.

Op. 1040A70 SUBMERGED PUMP ASSEMBLY COMPLETE WITH LEVEL GUAGE CONTROL - R + R

3TIMING CHECKAll OKProblems encounteredOperation

Check that the valve gear timing is correct Op.

Op. 0510A20 TIMING GEAR WITH BELT DRIVE - CHECK - CARRY OUT OPERATION WITH CAM COVER(S) REMOVED AND TAPPETS ADJUSTED

Move on to Step 4 1Valve gear timing not correct

Restore the correct valve gear timing Op.

Op. 1032B10 TOOTHED TIMING BELT - R + R FOR TIMING ADJUSTMENT OR REPLACEMENT

4CYLINDER COMPRESSION CHECKAll OKProblems encounteredOperation

Carry out the cylinder compression check Op.

Op. 0510A10 CYLINDER COMPRESSION - CHECK FOR LOOSE SPARK PLUGS OR INJECTORS

Move on to Step 6 1Cylinder compression insufficientMove on to Step 5 1
5CHECK ON CAUSE OF INSUFFICIENT COMPRESSIONAll OKProblems encounteredOperation

- R/R head [PR_1016C10] for valve leakage test

  • Check condition of cylinders/piston rings
Move on to Step 6 1Valve seal insufficient

Overhaul the cylinder head Op.

Op. 1016E10 SINGLE CYLINDER HEAD, REMOVED - OVERHAUL

Cylinders/piston rings wornRestore the seal
Cylinder head/cylinder block-crankcase matching faultyRestore correct matching
6CHECK ON CORRECT OPERATIONAll OKProblems encounteredOperation
Check that the fault is no longer presentEnd of diagnosisFault persists: control unit defective

Replace the engine management control unit Op.

1056F82

3.2 V6

The engine, particularly when cold, starts with difficulty and only after repeated attempts. When the key is turned the instruments light up as normal, the starter motor turns, but the engine is difficult to start.

Results of the tests
0PRELIMINARY CHECKSAll OKProblems encounteredOperation

First, check:

  • That there are no obstructions in the air filter;
  • The condition of the air intake circuit
Move on to Step 1 1Air intake circuit component damagedRepair or replace the damaged component
Air filter blocked

Replace the filter Op.

Op. 1048A10 AIR CLEANER FILTERING ELEMENT - REPLACE

1CHECK USING DIAGNOSTIC EQUIPMENTAll OKProblems encounteredOperation

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

Check:

  • That there are no errors in the control unit;
  • Parameter plausibility
Move on to Step 2 1Error detected in the control unitProceed as instructed by the diagnostic tester
Parameters not plausibleProceed as instructed by the diagnostic tester
2CHECK USING DIAGNOSTIC EQUIPMENTAll OKProblems encounteredOperation
Carry out the active diagnosis for the canister solenoid valveMove on to Step 3 1Solenoid valve faultyReplace the solenoid valve Op. 1080E24
3PETROL VAPOUR RECOVERY SYSTEM CHECKAll OKProblems encounteredOperation
Check the seal of the petrol vapour recovery systemMove on to Step 4 1Air leaksRestore the correct seal
Pipes connected to the supply brokenReplace the pipes Op. 1080E48
4SUPPLY PRESSURE CHECKAll OKProblems encounteredOperation

Check that the fuel pressure is correct Op.

Op. 0510C10 FUEL SYSTEM - CHECK DELIVERY PRESSURE

Move on to Step 5 1Fuel pressure too low: supply pipe obstructedEliminate the obstructions, if necessary, replace the pipe
Fuel pressure too low: pump defective

Replace the pump assembly (see Op.

Op. 1040A70 SUBMERGED PUMP ASSEMBLY COMPLETE WITH LEVEL GUAGE CONTROL - R + R

5TIMING CHECKAll OKProblems encounteredOperation

Check that the valve gear timing is correct Op.

Op. 0510A20 TIMING GEAR WITH BELT DRIVE - CHECK - CARRY OUT OPERATION WITH CAM COVER(S) REMOVED AND TAPPETS ADJUSTED

Move on to Step 6 1Valve gear timing not correct

Restore the correct valve gear timing Op.

Op. 1032B10 TOOTHED TIMING BELT - R + R FOR TIMING ADJUSTMENT OR REPLACEMENT

6CYLINDER COMPRESSION CHECKAll OKProblems encounteredOperation

Carry out the cylinder compression check Op.

Op. 0510A10 CYLINDER COMPRESSION - CHECK FOR LOOSE SPARK PLUGS OR INJECTORS

Move on to Step 8 1Cylinder compression insufficientMove on to Step 7 1
7CHECK ON CAUSE OF INSUFFICIENT COMPRESSIONAll OKProblems encounteredOperation

R/R heads Op. 1016D11

to check the valve seal.

Check condition of cylinders/piston rings

Move on to Step 8 1Valve seal insufficient

Overhaul the cylinder heads Op.

Op. 1016E26 CYLINDER HEADS - OVERHAUL

Cylinders/piston rings wornRestore the seal
8CHECK ON CORRECT OPERATIONAll OKProblems encounteredOperation
Check that the fault is no longer presentEnd of diagnosisFault persists: control unit defective

Replace the control unit Op.

1056B82

Parts & tools for this job For 2003 Alfa Romeo GT

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