Alfa Romeo 2.0 JTDM
The 2.0-litre JTDM with 163–170 hp replaces the old 1.9 JTD as the new volume diesel. Less displacement than the five-cylinder, but lighter and more frugal. Multijet II injection for improved emissions and smoother running. In the 159, Brera and Spider the most sensible diesel choice — enough power for daily use, lower running costs than the five-cylinder.
Diesel Convertible: Unusual, Acceptable
170 hp diesel in the Spider: fundamentally solid and economical, but the sound in the open air disappoints compared to the petrol. Reason beats emotion.
Engine Weaknesses 6
Like all JTDM engines on the 939 platform, the 2.0 JTDM tends to have the intake manifold coked by the EGR system. Swirl flaps can break.
Symptoms: Power loss, black smoke, limp mode, swirl flap risk
The VTG turbocharger on the 2.0 JTDM clogs with soot deposits. Vane ring jamming leads to power loss.
Symptoms: Power loss, unstable boost pressure, engine warning light
Identical to 939B1: the O-ring gasket between oil pump and oil sump flange of the 2.0 JTDm 170 hp (939B3) hardens and loses its seal. Brief oil pressure warning after cold start. Aluminium O-ring as permanent fix. Replace at the same time as the timing belt.
Symptoms: Brief oil pressure warning after cold start (~3 sec), then normal oil pressure
The dual-mass flywheel (DMF) of the 2.0 JTDm 939B3 (170 hp) wears like all JTDm derivatives. Higher torque and short-trip driving accelerate wear. Total dealer cost approximately 2,700 €.
Symptoms: Vibrations when pulling away, judder during rev changes, noises at idle
The swirl flaps of the 2.0 JTDm 939B3 share the well-known JTDm weakness. EGR soot deposits on flaps and linkage bush wear are the most common triggers. Blanking kit recommended.
Symptoms: Engine warning light P2279, power loss, stumbling, smoke
The EGR cooler on the 2.0 JTDM develops cracks in the core, allowing coolant into the EGR path and causing white smoke. A common temporary fix is deactivating the EGR cooler, but this violates emissions regulations.
Symptoms: White smoke from the exhaust, coolant level dropping with no visible external leak, engine warning light with EGR fault
Vehicle Weaknesses 4
The electric folding hood of the Spider 939 has known weak points: plastic gears in the flap motors break, hydraulic fluid becomes contaminated with water. Control units no longer available. Repair: €1,500–3,000, aftermarket aluminium gears approx. €85.
Brake discs on the Spider 939 rust extremely fast after short standstill periods (even 4 days). Seized discs cause significantly extended stopping distances and loud grinding. Returns to normal only after approx. 10 km of driving. Particularly problematic for infrequently used convertibles.
The Spider 939 shares with the 159 and Brera the weakness of leaking A/C condensers caused by stone chips. Refrigerant escapes slowly, only detectable via UV tracer after several days. Condenser replacement €300–600, A/C service €60–100.
The Spider 939 (1.9/2.0 diesel) has known power steering problems caused by a dislodged sleeve in the intake port that draws in air. A revised reservoir (51880990) with green Tutela GI/R fluid fixes the issue. Cost: €35–400.