🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Alfa Romeo

Model:

145 / 146

Year:

1997

Body Styles Covered:

3-door hatchback (145), 5-door hatchback (146)

👋 Introduction

Target Audience:

Alfa Romeo 145/146 owners, DIY enthusiasts, independent mechanics

Manual Source:

Actual Genuine Factory Service Manuals (not 3rd party)

Benefits:

Enables owners to perform maintenance and repairs, saving significant labor costs ($50-$60/hr)

User Friendliness:

Easy to use, no advanced computer skills required; print pages as needed

📋 Manual Details

General Maintenance:

Included

Troubleshooting:

Included

Engine Service Repair:

Included

Transmission Service Repair:

Included

Brake System:

Included

Wiring Diagrams:

Included

Electrical System:

Included

Suspension:

Included

Periodic Lubrication:

Included

Steering:

Included

Cooling System:

Included

Fuel Injection Fuel System:

Included

Emission System:

Included

HVAC System:

Included

Engine Control System:

Included

Chassis Body:

Included

Restraint System:

Included

Interior Trim:

Included

Differential Drive:

Included

Axle Systems:

Included

All Styles Covered:

Yes

Estimated Pages:

Hundreds (specific count not provided, but described as complete)

Type:

Factory Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Digital Format:

PDF Download (provided as ISO file initially, but accessible as PDF)

Printability:

Printable without restriction (pages or entire manual)

Text Search:

Yes (implied by digital format and user description)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Management:

Covers Engine Control System, Fuel Injection, Ignition, Emissions

Powertrain:

Detailed coverage of Engine and Transmission service/repair

Chassis And Suspension:

Includes Suspension, Steering, Axles, Differential, Chassis/Body

Braking And Wheel Systems:

Comprehensive Brake System coverage, plus Axle and Differential

Electrical And Electronics:

Detailed Electrical System coverage and Wiring Diagrams

Comfort And Convenience:

Includes HVAC (Heater/Air Conditioning) and Interior systems

Safety And Restraints:

Covers Restraint System (likely airbags, seatbelts)

Diagnostic Procedures:

Advanced troubleshooting guide for problem diagnosis and correction

Repair And Rebuild:

Step-by-step repair procedures for all covered systems, including rebuilds

Maintenance And Lubrication:

Covers General Maintenance and Periodic Lubrication

Tuning And Performance:

Implied by 'tuning' mentioned in description, likely related to engine parameters.

Depth:

Comprehensive: covers fundamentals to advanced repair, mirroring factory technician knowledge

Visual Aids:

Includes all necessary illustrations, diagrams, photos, and enlarged insets

Guidance Method:

Numbered instructions, detailed substeps, notes, cautions, warnings

📊 Manual Specifications

Download Format:

ISO file (containing PDF)

Resolution:

High Resolution (ensures clarity of diagrams and text)

Delivery Method:

Digital Download (immediate after purchase)

Print Media:

N/A (digital, user prints as needed)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Options 1997:

Likely includes Twin Spark 4-cylinder engines (e.g., 1.4L, 1.6L, 1.8L) and potentially the 2.0L V6 (Busso V6 for some 145/146 variants, though less common for the standard 1997 models).

Typical Hp Range:

Approx. 90-140 hp for 4-cylinder Twin Spark; up to 150-170 hp for 2.0L variants or V6.

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) is standard across all engines for this year.

🔧 Transmission

Gearbox Type:

Manual transmission is standard on most models. Likely 5-speed.

Automatic Availability:

Automatic transmission may be an option on some variants, though manual was more prevalent.

Transmission Coverage:

Detailed Service/Repair procedures for both manual and potential automatic transmissions.

📐 Dimensions

Body Styles:

145: 3-door hatchback; 146: 5-door hatchback.

Curb Weight Range:

Approx. 1150 - 1250 kg depending on engine and specification.

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Data:

Euro NCAP ratings from that era would be relevant, though specific results for the '97 models might be limited. Generally, vehicles of this period had moderate safety features.

Typical Active Safety:

ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) likely standard or optional on higher trims.

Typical Passive Safety:

Front airbags for driver and passenger. Seatbelt pre-tensioners.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory fitted radio/cassette or CD player. Aftermarket upgrades are common.

Driver Aids:

ABS was available. Traction control (ASR) was an option on higher-spec models.

Connectivity Features:

No advanced connectivity features like Bluetooth or USB as standard for 1997 models. Typically basic radio functionality.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 10,000-15,000 km or 12 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used.

Engine Oil:

Refer to manual for specific viscosity (e.g., 10W-40 or 15W-40 often used for Twin Spark, V6 might require different). API SL/CF or higher recommended.

Coolant:

Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, mixed 50/50 with distilled water. Specific Alfa Romeo or Fiat approved coolant may be recommended.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 4 brake fluid.

Transmission Fluid Manual:

API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 or similar manual transmission gear oil.

Common Problems Alfaromeo:

Potential issues can include minor electrical gremlins, wear on suspension components (bushings, ball joints), exhaust system corrosion, and on older Twin Spark engines, potential oil consumption or thermostat issues. Proper maintenance is key.

📚 Vehicle History

Alfa Romeo Legacy:

Alfa Romeo is renowned for its sporty driving dynamics, distinctive Italian styling, and passionate engineering.

145 146 Lineage:

The 145 and 146 were part of Alfa Romeo's move to more mainstream compact and small family car segments, replacing models like the 33. They shared platforms and many components, with the 145 being the sportier 3-door and the 146 the more practical 5-door hatchback.

Production Years:

145: 1994–2000; 146: 1995–2000.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Industry Acclaim:

While specific awards for the 145/146 might not be widely publicized, Alfa Romeo as a brand consistently receives accolades for design and driving dynamics. The Twin Spark engines were generally well-regarded for their performance characteristics.