Fixing Fiat & Alfa Romeo Problems

We have extensive knowledge of servicing & repair of Italian cars, including Alfa Romeos and Fiats.

Below we have listed some common faults with Alfas and Fiats. If you can't find your car's fault listed below, ask the Car Doctor on Facebook.  If your fault is show, we can diagnose and fix it for you!
Common Faults in Alfa Romeos
Alfa Romeo 159(all models up to 10/06)
Fault: non-starter: fuel pump relay is faulty and requires replacement.

Alfa Romeo 147 (all models) VIN numbers 3327094-3354034 and VIN numbers 5213889-5234805
Fault: premature operation of electronic stability program (ESP).
Remedy: carry out electrical, mechanical and component tests (as applicable) to eliminate any other possible causes.  If no fault found replace ABS/ESP control module.

Alfa Romeo 147 (VIN numbers 3235929-5141453)
Fault: condensation in front indicator lamps: seal in bulb holder is missing: renew bulb holder.

Alfa Romeo 147 (all models with manual temperature control)
Fault: A/C heater flap motors do not relate to AC control settings and AC/heater function control panel symbols not illuminated.
Remedy: Replace all bulbs in AC/heater function control panel.

Alfa Romeo Spider (1.6, 1.8 & 2.0 petrol engines)
Fault: rattling noise from top of engine for several seconds when starting after the vehicle has stood for long periods.
Remedy (vehicles up to VIN Number 3575550): oil non-return valve not included at manufacture: remove cylinder head and fit non-return valve to oil gallery of camshaft position (CMP) actuator, replacing CMP actuator with modified unit.  Fit new cylinder head cover gasket.
VIN number 3575550 onwards: camshaft position (CMP) actuator drains after standing for long periods.  Replace CMP actuator with modified unit.  Fit new cylinder head cover gasket.
Convertible Roof Faults
Sometimes the roof may fail to fully open or close fully, especially if it has not been used for a while or if the car battery is not in tip top condition.  This is not necessarily a big job to rectify.  The roof will need to be pulled manually from the closed to open position and the fault cleared from the memory.  This will in most cases remedy the fault as the roof re-calibrates its movements from closed to open.
Fiat Punto and Fiat 500 1.2: mis-fire on 2 cylinders: Engine Control Unit (ECU) faulty and requires renewal along with a set of coils as the coils have caused the fault within the ECU and if they are not replaced at the same time they will damage the new one.
 
Fiat Punto models up to 2005: loss of power steering: fault with the power steering control unit which is part of the steering column and requires replacement.
Common Problems with Fiat Cars
Fiat Ulysse (all  models) VIN numbers 03000041-03047417
Fault: poor engine performance and engine management light on.
Remedy: turbo hose split: renew hose and clamps.

Fiat Ulysse (all models with 2.0 JTD engine)
Fault: lack of power and engine management light on.
Remedy: Diagnostic test required.  If there is a fault code on the memory relating to incorrect calibration of the engine control module it requires re-programming with modified software.  Erase fault codes from memory.

Fiat Multipla (all petrol engines)
Fault: engine management light on.
Remedy: check wiring connector and resistance of knock sensor.  Replace parts as necessary.

Fiat Multipla (all models)
Fault: brakes lightly applied without pedal being depressed.
Remedy: adjust brake pedal position switch.

Fiat Panda (all models without 4 wheel drive, VIN 571559-581000)
Fault: ABS warning light on and fault relating to front wheel speed sensors recorded in memory.
Remedy: requires replacement of front ABS wheel speed sensor(s) as necessary.

Fiat Panda (all models with electric power steering (EPS)
Fault: ESP warning light on and unable to carry out steering angle sensor calibration using diagnostic equipment
Remedy: ensure steering angle sensor is fitted correctly.  If not, re-set to central position.  Carry out steering angle sensor calibration using diagnostic equipment.