There’s just something about Alfa Romeo cars. They have a certain style, and the badge conjures up images of sun-kissed drives along lanes passing by Italian vineyards. All very dolce vita. Of course, the reality is that most people just want their Alfa Romeo 147 to cope with a wet Monday on the A3, and to deal with a weekly shopping trip to the supermarket. And to do it all as cheaply as possible.
However, it’s also fair to say that Alfas can be prone to the odd hissy fit. And that’s when you want to be able to sort anything as quickly and inexpensively as possible. That’s where Haynes Autofix can help, because we can guide you through common problems and help you to make everything right again, skipping costly labour charges along the way.
What recalls has the Alfa Romeo 147 been subject to?
The Alfa Romeo 147 has been recalled on a number of occasions, as have most cars, but the good news is that it hasn’t been too badly afflicted.
The bonnet caused one recall, because it would fail to lock in the closed position, with the potential that it could fly open when the car was being driven at speed. The bonnet hinges and safety catch required lubrication, both as part of the recall and at every subsequent maintenance service.
Some early cars were recalled because of defective tyres, but these will have long been replaced by now, so this should be of no concern. Then 687 examples were recalled because of faulty flexible brake hoses.
A faulty retaining clip between the clutch pedal and clutch cylinder meant a recall of 5355 147 models, after which 3950 cars were hauled back to dealers because of a dodgy vehicle dynamics control unit, which had to be replaced.
A cracked fuel tank forced another recall, while a small number of diesel models were recalled because of an incorrect fuse for the engine coolant booster heater. This posed a fire risk.
What common problems does the Alfa Romeo 147 have?
The Alfa Romeo 147 fitted with the 1.6-litre TS engine can suffer an issue that causes an untoward noise to emanate from under the bonnet. The problem can be traced to faulty exhaust manifold brackets.
Some owners have reported that their cars have noisy rear suspension, while others have reported similarly distressing noises coming from the front suspension.
A sluggish Alfa 147 is no one’s idea of fun, but the car is known to hesitate and feel lethargic at times, while the ESP system can also play up on occasion.
Does the Alfa Romeo 147 make bad exhaust noises?
Several owners of the Alfa Romeo 147 have reported an issue that manifests itself through untoward noises issuing from under the bonnet when the car is moving.
This creaking/rattling noise can be traced to faulty exhaust manifold brackets (part numbers: 55187460 and 55187461), which will need to be replaced.
The Haynes 147 Autofix can guide you through the procedure for checking your exhaust and will show you how to replace various components.
So, don’t delay – just invest in a new manifold mounting kit and start twirling those spanners.
Is the rear suspension of your Alfa Romeo 147 noisy?
The Alfa Romeo 147 can be prone to an issue that causes the rear suspension to emit an untoward creaking/squeaking noise.
A faulty lower suspension arm bush is the cause, and an easy way to resolve the issue is to replace the whole arm. Sounds complicated, but actually isn’t, and you’ll save a load of money by carrying out the repair yourself.
So, raise the car and set it on axle stands, then follow the technical drawings contained in your Haynes 147 Autofix, as well as part of the procedure to remove the rear shock absorber, and you’ll soon have the faulty arm off.
Then it’s just a case of fitting the new arm (part number: 51749713).
If you’re doing one side, it’s always best to do the other at the same time, and then it’s a good idea to get the alignment checked.
Why is your Alfa Romeo 147 sluggish?
Alfa Romeo cars are known for providing a reasonable turn of pace – it’s part of what makes them good to live with.
However, there have been numerous reports of an issue that makes the petrol-powered 147 sluggish when accelerating, and can also make the car hesitate at the most inopportune moments.
The problem can usually be traced to a faulty mass airflow meter, and the only course is to replace it.
So, disconnect the battery, according to your Haynes 147 Autofix, then unplug the connector and unbolt the mass airflow meter from place, then replace it with a new component. It’s a job that shouldn’t take too long.
Does your Alfa Romeo 147 have ESP problems?
The electronic stability program (ESP) system in your Alfa Romeo 147 is there to keep things pointing the right way when drastic action is suddenly required in an emergency.
However, it’s decidedly disconcerting if the system starts to do its thing when you’re just driving along normally.
If it does, the first thing to do is to plug in a fault-code reader (click here for our test of the best fault-code readers you can buy). If it generates the code C1315, then the issue is likely a faulty steering angle sensor, and replacement is necessary.
If, however, the system continues to play up, then it’s the ABS/ESP control unit that is at fault, and this will also have to be replaced.
What’s that knocking from your Alfa 147 front suspension?
Driving along and suddenly becoming aware of a knocking or rattling noise from the front suspension of your Alfa 147 is definitely going to add a few clouds to your day. After all, it’s the sort of noise that you’ll hear over every bump.
The problem is the front anti-roll bar, because the bushes are too soft. The solution is to replace the anti-roll bar with a new item that has harder bushes fitted.
The Haynes 147 Autofix can give you extensive technical drawings of the area, together with torque settings for when you're tightening everything back up again after replacing the bar.
