Market Position:
The Alfa Romeo 145 and 146 were positioned as stylish, compact hatchbacks, appealing to buyers seeking an engaging driving experience and distinctive Italian design within the premium compact segment.
Competitors:
Competed against other European premium compacts such as the Volkswagen Golf, Ford Focus, Peugeot 306, and Opel Astra, as well as some Japanese offerings like the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla.
Key Features:
Sporty handling characteristics, distinctive Alfa Romeo styling, available Twin Spark engines known for their smoothness and responsiveness, practical hatchback body styles.
Target Audience:
Suitable for both the experienced professional mechanic and the enthusiastic DIY car owner looking to perform maintenance and repairs on their Alfa Romeo 145 or 146.
Engine Systems:
Engine mechanicals, ignition system, fuel system, lubrication system, cooling system, emission control systems.
Drivetrain Systems:
Clutch, manual transmission, transaxle, driveshafts, differential.
Chassis Systems:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, braking system (including ABS), wheels, tires.
Electrical Systems:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting system, instrumentation, body electricals, power accessories, engine control module (ECM) wiring, ABS wiring.
Body And Trim:
Body panels, doors, windows, interior trim, exterior trim, body repair procedures.
Air Conditioning Heating Ventilation:
Covers system operation, component identification, refrigerant handling (with safety warnings), diagnosis, and repair of HVAC components.
Fuel And Exhaust:
Detailed information on fuel pump, fuel filter replacement, fuel injectors, throttle body operation, exhaust system components, and emissions control devices (catalytic converter, lambda sensors).
Instrumentation And Gauges:
Covers the function and troubleshooting of the dashboard instruments, warning lights, and various gauges (speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, temperature gauge).
Maintenance Procedures:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement, brake pad replacement, tire rotation.
Repair Procedures:
Engine overhaul, transmission repair, brake caliper overhaul, suspension component replacement, electrical component diagnosis and replacement, fuel injector service.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for engine performance, electrical faults, braking system issues, and other common problems, often with symptom-based troubleshooting charts.
Technical Specifications:
Torque specifications for all fasteners, fluid capacities, component tolerances, engine timing specifications, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).
Wheel Alignment And Balancing:
Provides specifications for wheel alignment angles (camber, caster, toe) and procedures for balancing wheels and tires.
Body And Paint Repair:
May include basic guidance on body panel alignment, minor dent repair, and paint care, though extensive body shop procedures might be covered in separate documentation.
Engine Diagnostics:
Detailed diagnostic procedures for engine performance issues, including checking ignition timing, fuel pressure, compression, and using diagnostic tools for engine control module (ECM) data.
Engine Rebuilding:
Detailed procedures for engine disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly, including piston ring replacement, bearing replacement, cylinder head servicing, and valve adjustments.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds. Includes detailed exploded views and diagnostic flowcharts.
Diagrams And Illustrations:
Features high-quality, step-by-step exploded view diagrams and electrical wiring schematics for clarity during repairs.
Troubleshooting Charts:
Includes symptom-based troubleshooting guides to help diagnose common problems effectively.
Engine Options Summary:
The manual covers a range of Alfa Romeo's renowned Twin Spark engines, including 1.4L, 1.6L, 1.8L, and 2.0L inline-4 gasoline engines, as well as potential diesel variants (though less common for this generation in many markets).
Typical Performance 1.6L:
Approx. 103-120 hp (depending on variant and market), 140-170 Nm torque.
Typical Performance 2.0L:
Approx. 150-155 hp, 180-195 Nm torque.
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch Motronic electronic fuel injection (MPI) on most Twin Spark engines. Specifics on fuel pressure, injector resistance, and testing procedures are detailed.
Engine Variants:
Alfa Romeo Twin Spark engines (e.g., 1.4 TS, 1.6 TS, 1.8 TS, 2.0 TS) renowned for their DOHC 16-valve design and dual spark plug per cylinder configuration for improved combustion efficiency and performance.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000-15,000 km (6,000-9,000 miles) or 12 months, whichever comes first, depending on driving conditions and specific engine oil used. Manual will provide precise intervals.
Timing Belt Interval:
Crucial for Twin Spark engines. Typically every 60,000-80,000 km (37,000-50,000 miles) or 4-5 years. Failure can cause catastrophic engine damage. The manual will specify exact intervals and replacement procedures, including tensioner and water pump recommendations.
Engine Oil Type:
Specific viscosity grades like 10W-40 or 5W-40 are typically recommended, often meeting API SG/SH or ACEA A2/A3 specifications. Manual will confirm exact specifications and capacities.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol based coolant, usually a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Manual will detail specific coolant type and capacity.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid. Manual will specify the correct type and bleeding procedures.
Power Steering Fluid:
Specific type of power steering fluid is recommended, often an ATF Dexron II or equivalent. Manual will confirm.
Manual Transmission Fluid:
Specific gear oil specification (e.g., SAE 75W-80 or 75W-90 API GL-4) will be detailed. Manual confirms exact type and capacity.
Common Issues:
Timing belt failure if not replaced on schedule, potential issues with the electrics (especially sensors and wiring harnesses over time), minor oil leaks from engine seals, wear in suspension components (bushings, ball joints), and corrosion in certain areas.
Twin Spark Maintenance Notes:
The Twin Spark ignition system, while providing excellent performance, requires proper maintenance. Spark plugs (two per cylinder) need regular replacement. The manual will detail the specific plug types and gap settings.
