Vehicle Market Segment:
Compact family car / hatchback, positioned as a stylish and sporty offering in its class.
Key Competitors:
Volkswagen Golf, Ford Focus, Opel Astra, Renault Mégane, Fiat Bravo/Brava.
Brand Emphasis:
Alfa Romeo's characteristic sporty handling, distinctive Italian styling, and engaging driving experience.
Manual User Profile:
Professional automotive technicians, dealership service departments, and enthusiastic DIY car owners seeking in-depth repair and maintenance information.
Manual Benefit:
Empowers owners to perform maintenance and repairs themselves, saving on labor costs and ensuring proper upkeep of their Alfa Romeo 145/146.
Engine Systems:
Detailed diagnostics, repair, overhaul, and maintenance procedures for various engine variants including Twin Spark and JTD diesel engines.
Transmission Systems:
Manual and automatic transmission repair, clutch service, gear shift linkage adjustments, and fluid specifications.
Braking Systems:
Front and rear brake system diagnosis, pad and disc replacement, caliper service, hydraulic system bleeding, and ABS functionality.
Suspension Steering:
Front and rear suspension component replacement (struts, springs, control arms, bushings), wheel alignment specifications, power steering system service, and steering rack repair.
Electrical Systems:
Comprehensive wiring diagrams, troubleshooting guides for lighting, ignition, charging system, starter motor, body control modules, and sensor diagnostics.
Fuel Systems:
Fuel injection system diagnosis, fuel pump and filter replacement, injector service, and fuel pressure specifications.
Exhaust Systems:
Exhaust system component inspection, replacement of catalytic converters, mufflers, and pipework.
Cooling Systems:
Radiator service, water pump replacement, thermostat diagnostics, cooling fan operation, and coolant specifications.
Climate Control HVAC:
Air conditioning system service, refrigerant types, compressor operation, heater core replacement, and cabin filter replacement.
Body And Chassis:
Body panel alignment, door and window mechanism repair, interior trim removal and installation, and chassis structural information.
Routine Maintenance:
Detailed periodic maintenance charts, oil change procedures, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, and fluid level checks.
Troubleshooting:
Step-by-step troubleshooting guides for common and complex issues, including diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and their interpretations.
Engine Overhaul:
Complete engine disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly procedures, including piston, crankshaft, and cylinder head work.
Transmission Overhaul:
Detailed overhaul procedures for manual gearboxes and automatic transmissions, including torque converter service.
Brake System Repair:
Complete brake component replacement, bleeding procedures, and ABS system diagnostics.
Electrical Diagnostics:
Wiring diagrams for all circuits, component testing, and fault finding procedures.
Suspension And Steering Repair:
Replacement of all suspension and steering components, alignment procedures.
Diagnostic Procedures:
On-board diagnostics (OBD-II) information and fault code lookup.
Body And Trim Repair:
Procedures for removing and refitting interior and exterior trim pieces.
Depth Of Information:
Suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts. Covers everything from basic maintenance to complex component overhauls and diagnostics.
Engine Options 145 146:
Petrol: 1.4 Twin Spark (8V/16V), 1.6 Twin Spark (8V/16V), 1.8 Twin Spark (16V), 2.0 Twin Spark (16V). Diesel: 1.9 JTD.
Typical Hp Range:
80 HP (1.4) to 155 HP (2.0 Twin Spark) depending on engine variant.
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (MPI) for petrol engines. Common Rail Direct Injection (CRDI) for JTD diesel.
Common Engine Codes:
e.g., AR372.03 (1.4 TS), AR321.04 (1.6 TS), AR323.01 (1.8 TS), AR323.10 (2.0 TS), 937A2000 (1.9 JTD).
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000-15,000 km or 12 months, depending on driving conditions and specific engine variant. Consult manual for precise intervals.
Timing Belt Interval:
Crucial for Twin Spark engines. Interval varies by engine code, commonly around 60,000-90,000 km or 5-6 years. Failure is catastrophic.
Engine Oil Specification:
e.g., Selenia 20K (API SL/CF, ACEA A3/B3) or equivalent SAE 10W-40 or 10W-30, depending on climate and engine. Manual specifies exact grades.
Coolant Specification:
Paraflu UP (or equivalent) - typically a 50/50 mix of antifreeze/coolant and deionized water.
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 4.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 gear oil.
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
ATF DEXRON III or equivalent.
Common Twin Spark Issues:
Timing belt failure (if not replaced on schedule), coil pack issues, ECU problems, Alfa Romeo's proprietary engine management systems can be complex to diagnose.
Common Rust Areas:
Wheel arches, sill panels, rear tailgate, and subframes can be prone to corrosion, especially in certain climates.
Electrical Gremlins:
Intermittent issues with central locking, windows, and dashboard warning lights can occur due to aging wiring or grounding points.