Recalls: Alfa Romeo Mk.2 Spider
Overview
Manufacturers, or importers, issue recalls for defects or faults which have the potential to cause injury. Generally, manufacturers will inform the original buyers if their vehicle is subject to a recall and of the steps required to remedy the defect or fault. Please note that the number of recalls should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or its safety more generally.
Recalls: Alfa Romeo Mk.2 Spider
- In March 2009, a recall was issued for Alfa Romeo Mk.2 Spider vehicle that had automatic transmissions and 3.2-litre V6 engines. In these vehicles, a malfunction could cause the brake pedal to be stiff when depressed for the first few times after starting the engine when cold (PRA 2009/10687).
Problems and faults: Alfa Romeo Mk.2 Spider
Overview
This section identifies potential problems, causes and fixes based on the experiences of owners and repairers, online sources and technical service bulletins. This information is provided solely for reference purposes and AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that only properly qualified persons carry out repairs or modifications. Furthermore, the number of items below should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur.
To report a problem or fault to the AustralianCar.Reviews team, please use the Contact Us form. Note that AustralianCar.Reviews does not offer advice on automotive problems or disputes; such enquiries will not receive a reply. For vehicles purchased from dealers after 1 January 2011, please see our Australian Consumer Law fact sheet.
2.2 JTS: stretched timing chain
For the Alfa Romeo Mk.2 Spider’s 2.2 JTS engine, there have been reports of stretched timing chains and worn sprockets – this has variously been attributed to:
- Oil starvation that occurs because an oil jet which lubricates the chain becomes blocked;
- The chain is a single-row, simplex design; and,
- Long oil change intervals. For this reason, more frequent oil changes are recommended.
A stretched timing chain may cause the engine management light (EML) to illuminate in the instrument cluster due to the cam timing being out of specification. Error codes for this problem include P0010, P0011, P0013, P0014 and P0016. Furthermore, a rattling noise from the engine bay on start-up may be due to a worn timing chain tensioner or guide.
A stretched timing chain may also cause the oil control solenoid valves to become stuck or faulty and require replacement.
3.2 JTS V6: stretched timing chain
The Alfa Romeo Mk.2 Spider’s 3.2 JTS V6 engine has two simplex roller chains and, at the bottom of the engine, a plate chain. There have been reports of the bottom chain stretching and this has, in part, been attributed to the long oil change intervals. It is estimated, however, that stretched timing chains for the 3.2 JTS V6 engine are far less common than for the 2.2 JTS engine.
A stretched timing chain may cause the engine management light (EML) to illuminate in the instrument cluster due to the cam timing being out of specification. Error codes for this problem include P0010, P0011, P0013, P0014 and P0016. Furthermore, a rattling noise from the engine bay on start-up may be due to a worn timing chain tensioner or guide.
A stretched timing chain may also cause the oil control solenoid valves to become stuck or faulty and require replacement.
Steering rack and fluid
In early Alfa Romeo Mk.2 Spider vehicles, it is understood that there was a design fault with a baffle in the power steering fluid reservoir which could become loose and restrict flow, causing the fluid to froth up and leak. As a result, the driver may hear groaning or whining noises at slow speeds or after heavy acceleration. If left unchecked, the steering rack could fail and require replacement.
The steering rack is understood to be sensitive to the power steering fluid used. Selenia, which produced the green GI/R and red GI/E power steering fluid, recommend that the green GI/R is used for all Alfa Romeo 159, Brera and Mk.2 Spider models regardless of engine.
There have been reports of play in the steering rack which may be repaired by replacing one of the inner track rod ends. However, the steering rack may fail and require replacement due to failed seals.
2.2 JTS: flat spots
For Alfa Romeo Mk.2 Spider models with the 2.2-litre JTS engine, higher than expected revs may be required when accelerating from rest and there may be flat spots low in the rev range – this is normal and due to the engine mapping. After-market reprogramming of the ECU, however, can overcome this characteristic.
Front tyre wear
On front wheel drive Alfa Romeo Mk.2 Spider vehicles, the inner edges of the front tyres could wear prematurely – it may be possible to reduce this by reducing the toe out to near parallel.
