Segment:
Compact family car / sporty hatchback.
Competitors:
Volkswagen Golf, Ford Focus, Opel Astra, Fiat Bravo/Brava, Renault Mégane.
Design Philosophy:
Known for its distinctive Italian styling, engaging driving dynamics, and sporty character, offering a more passionate alternative to mainstream competitors.
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides DIY enthusiasts and professional mechanics with the complete, official factory information required to maintain, diagnose, and repair the Alfa Romeo 145 and 146 efficiently and accurately.
Engine Service Repair:
Comprehensive engine diagnostics, disassembly, reassembly, and tuning for all variants.
Transmission Service Repair:
Detailed procedures for manual and potentially automatic transmissions (depending on specific models covered), including clutch, gearbox, and driveline components.
Brake System:
Inspection, repair, and maintenance of disc and drum brakes, ABS systems (if applicable), hydraulic lines, and components.
Electrical System Wiring Diagrams:
In-depth troubleshooting, component testing, and detailed wiring diagrams for all electrical circuits, including lighting, ignition, starting, charging, and accessories.
Suspension Steering:
Repair and maintenance of front and rear suspension systems, steering rack, power steering, wheel alignment, and related components.
Cooling Fuel Emission Systems:
Service and repair of radiator, cooling fan, water pump, fuel injection system, fuel pump, fuel filter, emission control devices, and catalytic converter.
Chassis Body Interior:
Body repair, chassis adjustments, interior trim removal/installation, seat mechanisms, and restraint systems (airbags, seatbelts).
Fuel Injection System:
Detailed diagnostics, component testing, and calibration for fuel injectors, fuel pressure regulator, throttle body, and sensors.
Engine Control System:
In-depth coverage of ECU functions, sensor inputs, actuator outputs, and diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).
Heater Air Conditioning:
Service and repair of HVAC system, including refrigerant handling (if applicable), blower motor, controls, and ducting.
Restraint System:
Information on airbag system components, deployment mechanisms, and diagnostic procedures.
Differential Drive Axle:
Service and repair of differentials, driveshafts, CV joints, and wheel bearings.
Emission System:
Diagnosis and repair of emission control components, including EVAP system, EGR valve (if equipped), and secondary air injection.
Chassis Body Work:
Information on jacking points, structural components, panel replacement, and corrosion protection.
General Maintenance Periodic Lubrication:
Routine checks, fluid changes (oil, coolant, brake fluid), lubrication points, filter replacements, and recommended service intervals.
Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic procedures and fault finding for common and uncommon issues across all vehicle systems.
Disassembly Reassembly:
Step-by-step instructions for complete disassembly and reassembly of major components and systems.
Technical Illustrations:
Hundreds of photos, drawings, and detailed illustrations to guide each procedure.
Notes Cautions Warnings:
Critical safety and technical information highlighted throughout the manual.
Numbered Instructions:
Step-by-step instructions for clarity and ease of execution.
Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to in-depth engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical diagnostics and bodywork.
Engine Variants:
Likely covers Alfa Romeo's Twin Spark engines (e.g., 1.4, 1.6, 1.8, 2.0 liters) and possibly diesel variants (JTD common rail).
Typical Horsepower Range:
Approximately 90 hp to 155 hp, depending on engine size and specification.
Injection Type:
Bosch Motronic or similar electronic multi-point fuel injection (MPI) or direct injection (for JTD).
ECU Type:
Likely covers engine control units (ECUs) from Bosch or Magneti Marelli.
Timing Belt Replacement Interval:
Critical for Twin Spark engines, typically around 60,000-75,000 miles or 5 years, with specific instructions in the manual.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Specific torque values and gap settings for Twin Spark plugs will be detailed.
Thermostat Replacement:
Detailed procedure for replacing the engine thermostat and related cooling system components.
Engine Oil Change:
Typically every 10,000-15,000 km or 12 months, using specific synthetic oil as per manual.
Coolant Type:
Antifreeze coolant, usually a 50/50 mix of ethylene glycol and deionized water, with specific Alfa Romeo approval if possible.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid, depending on system requirements. Manual will specify.
Engine Oil Specification:
Likely requires a fully synthetic SAE 10W-40 or 5W-40 engine oil meeting specific ACEA or API specifications (e.g., ACEA A3/B3).
Common Problems:
Twin Spark engine timing belt tensioner wear, ignition coil issues, minor electrical gremlins, suspension wear (bushings, ball joints), and potential rust in certain areas.
Oil Filter Example:
Specific part numbers vary by engine and filter manufacturer. Manual will provide OEM or equivalent numbers.
