🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Alfa Romeo

Model:

145 & 146

Product Name:

Alfa Romeo 145 & 146 Service Repair Manual

Product Type:

Digital Repair Manual (PDF format)

Platform Code:

Type 930 (145) / Type 930 (146)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact/Small family car segment.

Brand Perception:

Alfa Romeo is known for its sporty handling, stylish Italian design, and a passionate driving experience, often associated with a more enthusiast-oriented market.

Competitors:

Competed against vehicles like the Volkswagen Golf, Ford Focus, Fiat Bravo/Brava, Opel/Vauxhall Astra, and Peugeot 306 during its production era.

Sales Point Of Manual:

Consolidates multiple paper manuals into one digital resource, offers ease of use and durability, cost-effective compared to antique paper manuals.

Vehicle Selling Points:

Sporty driving dynamics, distinctive Italian styling, efficient engines (particularly the Twin Spark), practical hatchback body styles.

📋 Manual Details

Applicable Models:

Alfa Romeo 145, Alfa Romeo 146

Applicable Years:

Not explicitly stated, but typically covers the production run of both models (1994-2000 for 145, 1995-2000 for 146).

Estimated Pages:

Likely extensive, covering all listed systems. Specific count not provided, but typical for comprehensive factory service manuals.

Type:

Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual

Language:

Not specified, but most factory manuals for European brands are originally in Italian, with translations to English being common for international markets.

Format:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Engine mechanical, engine control system, fuel system, cooling system, emission control systems, ignition system, lubrication system, drive belt, exhaust system.

Transmission:

Manual transaxle system, automatic transaxle system, clutch system, transmission control cable, transmission valve body, transmission revolution sensor.

Brakes:

Brake system, brake booster, brake master cylinder, brake fluid, parking brake system, parking brake cable, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) components (e.g., skid control sensor, brake actuator).

Electrical:

Ignition system, charging system, starting system, lighting system, audio & visual system, instrument panel, wiring diagrams, wire harness repair, power window control system, power door lock control system, power mirror control system.

Body And Chassis:

Body repair, chassis repair, front suspension system, rear suspension system, front suspension arm, rear suspension, front stabilizer bar, front wheel alignment, rear wheel alignment, steering system, steering column, wheels and tires, front bumper, rear bumper, hood, doors, back door, roof headlining, windshield glass, rear door glass.

Safety And Restraints:

Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), airbag systems (front, side, curtain shield), seat belt warning system, seat belts.

Climate Control:

Heater & air conditioner, air conditioning system, air conditioning refrigerant, heater radiator Assy, heater or boost ventilator control.

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, fluid checks and changes, filter replacements, belt inspections and replacements, brake pad replacement, tire rotation.

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting common faults, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) interpretation, electrical system diagnosis, component testing procedures.

Repair:

Engine overhaul, transmission repair, brake system overhaul, suspension component replacement, steering component replacement, electrical component repair, body panel repair, interior trim replacement.

Overhaul:

Detailed procedures for engine, transmission, and major component overhauls.

Wiring Diagrams:

Comprehensive wiring schematics for all electrical systems.

Depth:

Comprehensive. Covers everything from basic maintenance to advanced engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures and electrical troubleshooting.

Diagnostic Detail:

Includes symptom-based troubleshooting trees and component-specific diagnostic steps.

Torque Specs:

Detailed torque specifications for all fasteners across all systems.

Clearances:

Includes critical component clearances such as valve clearance, bearing clearances, etc.

📊 Manual Specifications

Quality:

High quality PDF, suitable for printing specific pages.

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable, allowing for quick information retrieval.

Feature:

Printable pages for on-the-go use, preventing damage to the original digital file.

Type:

N/A (Digital PDF format)

Type:

N/A (Digital PDF format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Family:

Alfa Romeo Twin Spark (TS) engines. Also likely covered are Fiat-derived engines for some variants.

Typical Displacement 145:

1.4L (1370cc), 1.6L (1598cc), 1.8L (1747cc), 2.0L (1970cc) Twin Spark.

Typical Displacement 146:

1.4L (1370cc), 1.6L (1598cc), 1.8L (1747cc), 2.0L (1970cc) Twin Spark.

Horsepower Range:

Approx. 90 hp to 155 hp depending on engine size and variant.

Torque Range:

Approx. 124 Nm to 187 Nm depending on engine size and variant.

Induction:

Multi-point fuel injection (MPI), often with electronic engine control units (ECU).

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (Petrol).

Valve Train:

DOHC (Double Overhead Camshaft), often 16 valves for Twin Spark variants. Twin Spark engines feature two spark plugs per cylinder.

Engine Management:

Electronic engine control, including camshaft position sensor, knock sensor, etc.

🔧 Transmission

Type:

5-speed Manual Transaxle

Type:

Optional 4-speed Automatic Transaxle (available on some engine variants).

Clutch Type:

Hydraulically actuated diaphragm spring clutch.

Manual Transmission Fluid:

API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 gear oil (specific recommendations may vary; refer to manual for precise specs).

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Dexron II/III or equivalent (specific recommendations may vary; refer to manual for precise specs).

📐 Dimensions

Body Style:

3-door hatchback (145) / 5-door hatchback (146).

Length:

Approx. 4200-4250 mm (varies slightly between 145 and 146).

Width:

Approx. 1700-1740 mm.

Height:

Approx. 1420-1460 mm.

Curb Weight:

Approx. 1150-1250 kg, depending on engine and equipment.

Gross Vehicle Weight:

Typically around 1650-1750 kg.

🛡️ Safety Features

Euro Ncap Early:

Euro NCAP ratings from this era are available but may not be as comprehensive as modern tests. Expect moderate safety performance for its time.

ABS:

Available as an option on many models, standard on higher trims.

Traction Control:

Rarely available, usually only on top-tier models.

Airbags:

Driver airbag standard on most models. Passenger airbag and side airbags optional or standard on later/higher trims.

Seatbelts:

Front seatbelts with pre-tensioners, rear seatbelts.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory-fitted radio/cassette or CD players, often with 4 or 6 speakers. Upgradeable to modern head units with adapter kits.

Controls:

Manual climate controls, analogue gauges for speedometer, tachometer, fuel, and temperature. Combination meter for warning lights.

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System available on many models, enhancing braking stability.

Features:

Basic connectivity for the era, primarily focused on the audio system. No modern connectivity features like Bluetooth or USB.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 10,000-15,000 km or annually, whichever comes first. (Refer to manual for exact spec based on engine and oil type).

Timing Belt Replacement:

Crucial for Twin Spark engines. Interval typically 80,000-100,000 km or 5 years. Failure can cause severe engine damage.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Twin Spark engines require replacement of all 8 spark plugs. Interval typically 60,000-80,000 km.

Engine Oil Type:

API SJ/SL or ACEA A2/A3, viscosity typically 10W-40 or 10W-50 for Twin Spark engines. (Refer to manual for exact spec).

Coolant Type:

Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze with corrosion inhibitors. Typically pink or red, meeting Fiat 9.55523 specification or equivalent.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4

Twin Spark Wear:

The 'wear' on the timing belt tensioner and oil leaks from the cam cover gaskets are common. Piston ring wear can also be an issue on higher mileage engines.

Rust:

As with many cars of this era, rust can be a concern, particularly around wheel arches, sills, and the rear suspension mounting points.

Electrical Gremlins:

Intermittent electrical issues can occur, often related to aging wiring looms, connectors, or components like the airflow meter or lambda sensor.

Suspension Wear:

Worn suspension bushings, ball joints, and shock absorbers are common wear items, affecting ride quality and handling.

📚 Vehicle History

Marque Focus:

Alfa Romeo boasts a long heritage of sporty, stylish, and performance-oriented vehicles, dating back to 1910.

145 Origin:

The 145 was introduced in 1994 as a replacement for the 33, designed to compete in the popular compact hatchback segment with a more modern platform and styling. It featured a distinctive 'scudetto' grille.

146 Origin:

Launched in 1995, the 146 was the five-door sibling to the 145, offering more practicality while sharing many mechanical components and styling cues. It aimed to capture a broader market segment.

Production Period 145:

1994 - 2000

Production Period 146:

1995 - 2000

Manufacturing Location:

Primarily manufactured in Italy.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Design Awards:

Alfa Romeo vehicles are generally recognized for their attractive Italian design, contributing to brand appeal. Specific awards for the 145/146 are not prominently documented but the styling was a key selling point.

Reliability Perception:

Historically, Alfa Romeo's reliability perception has been mixed, often requiring more attentive maintenance than some German or Japanese competitors, but praised for driving dynamics.