Alfa Romeo 2.2 JTS
The 2.2-litre JTS with 185 hp is the entry petrol with sufficient power for the 159 and Brera. The direct injection delivers better throttle response than the MPI, and the 185 hp moves the heavy 159 adequately. In the Brera and Spider as the entry variant attractive — the Giugiaro design is available even with the smaller engine. Inlet valve carbonisation and oil dilution from direct injection remain the typical JTS concerns.
Open-Top JTS Pleasure
185 hp JTS in the Spider 939 — light-footed, eager to rev, sonically fine in the open air. Open-top motoring makes the JTS a true pleasure engine.
Engine Weaknesses 6
The 2.2 JTS uses direct injection, which means intake valves do not self-clean as they do with port injection. Deposits can form from around 80,000 km.
Symptoms: Rough engine running, power loss, misfires
Ignition coil failures are known on the 2.2 JTS and manifest as misfires. Fault code P0300–P0304 points to individual cylinders.
Symptoms: Misfires, engine stumbling, engine warning light
The dual-mass flywheel (DMF) of the 2.4 JTDm 20V (939A5) shows identical problems to 939A6: spring element wear, especially with short-trip driving. First failure can occur as early as 85,000 km. Sachs uprated kits as an alternative to OEM.
Symptoms: Idle vibrations, metallic judder when pulling away, rumbling noises during rev changes
The turbocharger actuator on the 2.4 JTDm sticks due to soot deposits between the actuator pin and VNT vane ring. Regular cleaning every 10,000–20,000 km with turbo cleaner is recommended. Also affects 939A6.
Symptoms: Delayed boost build-up, insufficient boost pressure, engine warning light, noticeable power loss in the mid-rev range
The 2.2 JTS tends towards elevated oil consumption from age-related valve stem seal failure. Consumption of 0.5–1 L/1,000 km is frequently documented. Regular oil level checks are essential, as engine damage through oil starvation is possible.
Symptoms: Elevated oil consumption, bluish smoke on start and during load changes, oil smell in exhaust gas
The cam phaser solenoids (P0013/P0014) become contaminated or fail electrically. An oil change can temporarily clear the fault, but the solenoid must be replaced. Ideally both solenoids are changed at the same time.
Symptoms: Engine warning light P0013/P0014, sluggish throttle response, power loss in the lower rev range, poor cold running
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.