Alfa Romeo 1.9 JTDM
The 1.9-litre JTDM 16V with 150 hp and Multijet injection — the more modern JTD version with multiple injection events per stroke for smoother running and improved emissions. A good compromise of economy and pull in the 147. The GT with this engine is the sensible entry point: frugal, torque-rich, with the handsome Pininfarina coupé design.
Diesel Coupe with Sporting Ambition
150 hp JTDM in the GT coupe: sounds like a compromise, drives brilliantly. The diesel suits the elegant coupe body — powerful and stylish.
Engine Weaknesses 6
Soot deposits from EGR coke up the intake manifold. Swirl flaps can break and cause severe damage as foreign bodies in the cylinders. Well-known issue on the 1.9 JTDM of the 159/147.
Symptoms: Power loss, black smoke, metallic knocking, possible engine damage
The VTG turbocharger clogs with soot deposits. Vane ring jams, leading to power loss and boost pressure faults.
Symptoms: Power loss, unstable boost pressure, engine warning light P0236
The DPF clogs with predominantly short-trip driving. Regular motorway runs are required for regeneration.
Symptoms: Engine warning light, power loss, elevated fuel consumption
The swirl flap actuator linkage in the intake tract wears and can break. Flaps then fall into the combustion chamber and cause engine damage. Blanking kit as permanent solution. Revised bush (part no. 55210201) can be retrofitted.
Symptoms: Engine warning light P2279/P2075, power loss, stumbling, elevated fuel consumption, smoke
The mass air flow (MAF) sensor on the 1.9 JTD becomes contaminated by oil vapour from the crankcase ventilation. Cleaning with MAF cleaner is often ineffective — replacement is necessary. When replacing, pay attention to compatible brands (Bosch/Magneti Marelli differences).
Symptoms: Loss of power, elevated fuel consumption, stumbling, engine warning light, air temperature sensor fault
The alternator freewheel (overrunning pulley) wears and causes whistling or squealing, especially on cold starts around 2,000 rpm. The freewheel can be tested and replaced separately while the alternator is installed using a Hazet tool. Often only the freewheel is defective, not the entire alternator.
Symptoms: Whistling or squealing on cold start around 2,000 rpm, noise disappears when warm
Vehicle Weaknesses 6
Foam insulation inside the sills absorbs moisture, causing rust to form from the inside outwards. Incorrect jack positioning damages the sills further. Fully rusted-through sills result in MOT failure.
Brake hoses become porous with age and can be flagged at an MOT. Original brake hoses have a limited service life, especially on vehicles regularly driven in winter.
The GT 937 with dual-zone climate control frequently only cools on the passenger side while the driver's side stays warm. Cause is either insufficient refrigerant (correct fill quantity 650 g vs. the frequently used 550 g) or a failed blend flap actuator.
The electric windows on the GT 937 fail through faulty control units or worn cable drives. The GT shares this problem with the 147 on the same platform. Repair cost 100–300 €, motor replacement 150–250 €.
The front control arms on the GT 937 typically wear at around 60,000 km. Cracking and squealing over bumps is characteristic. Replacing both control arms costs 300–600 € including labour.
The rubber soft-touch surface on the GT 937 door handles and interior trim peels off over time and becomes unpleasantly sticky. A typical quality issue from around 8–10 years of vehicle age. Cosmetic fault with no safety relevance.