2.2 JTS hesitation - now with new IMPORTANT information

I have a 159 2.2 JTS that I bought used from an Alfa Dealer. I'm experiencing a need for higher than expected revs when setting off from a standstill and a lack of torque with some hesitation/flat spots low down in the rev range. I took it back to Alfa and they claim there's nothing wrong and this is a characteristic of the engine. Must say, If this is so I'm disappointed (and frankly sceptiical as their analysis equipment doesn't test the engine under load).

The 2.0 powerplant in my old 156 didn't share this "characteristic". Have others experienced this problem?

It's the same for everyone. Auto Delta do a map to improve low speed driving.

You need to get it remapped it will be much better i hear.

Why Alfa don't do a map upgrade is beyond me though!

Yup, This is how the car is meant to be.

The only fix available so far is to have a chat with
AutoDelta and get their super silky smooth remap
loaded.

Not a cheap remap, but I wouldn't drive a 2.2
for very long without it.

Thanks for the advice, much apprectiated.

Talked to Auto Delta as a result, and Jano sounded very helpful. Unfortunately the fix involves a 600 mile round journey from the grim north so I'll have to wait for suitable excuse to visit the big smoke (unless the improved service promised from my local alfa dealer when selling the car includes taking it to there for me )

Originally Posted by Ran Sid

Unfortunately the fix involves a 600 mile round journey from the grim north so I'll have to wait for suitable excuse to visit the big smoke

You think you've got a long trip?
from: London NW10 6ST to: antibes - Google Maps




(And I had to do it twice 'cause my dealer wiped the first remap! )

Yes my 2.2 Brera is just the same, is there not any other dealers that can remap them.

I've learnt to drive around it but it can still make me look like Maureen off Driving School if I'm not concentrating

Filled with V Power today. It runs so much better on the good stuff mind you

I'm driving a lovely 2.2 JTS GT at the moment (on loan), dont notice it being too bad off the line.

You do need to finesse the clutch a bit but nothing to funny I thought.

It is a little gutless low down in second, but I think 1st is very Zingy

The sound isn't quite as cultured as the T-spark but it has a pleasant enough burble, and certainly better than most modern mainstream 4 cylinder cars.

BTW did you consider posting your ECU to Jano, after discussion fo course
This was possible for GTA ECUs at least, but the remapping process could be different for JTS ECUs.

Originally Posted by Trailbraker

I'm driving a lovely 2.2 JTS GT at the moment (on loan),

Just to confirm - a GT with a 2.2 engine? Is this another Trailbraker special? Please spill the beans

Doh typo, 2.0 JTS of course!

But I think the GT would fly with a 2.2 JTS

Originally Posted by Trailbraker

You do need to finesse the clutch a bit but nothing to funny I thought.

It's specifically a 2.2 issues.
The engine lurches around 1100rpm

To be honest you adapt to it by keeping
the revs away from 1100-1300rpm band
by booting through it or maybe dipping the clutch
and blipping the throttle when you feel
it going.


But once you've experienced a remapped
car, the standard mapped car is almost
undriveable in stop-start traffic compared to it.

Originally Posted by Ran Sid

I have a 159 2.2 JTS that I bought used from an Alfa Dealer. I'm experiencing a need for higher than expected revs when setting off from a standstill and a lack of torque with some hesitation/flat spots low down in the rev range. I took it back to Alfa and they claim there's nothing wrong and this is a characteristic of the engine. Must say, If this is so I'm disappointed (and frankly sceptiical as their analysis equipment doesn't test the engine under load).

The 2.0 powerplant in my old 156 did'nt share this "characteristic". Have others experienced this problem?

I'm not sure this is right. I had the GTV 2.0 and moved to Brera 2.2 JTS. There's definitely a lot more torque in the low end of the 2.2, although there is one funny spot at around 1600-1800 revs where basically the power climbs really really steeply so if you come off the power abruptly the car jerks if in gear. What you are describing may or may not be normal???

I have the hesitation, and flat spots, it is a typical problem.
I can't imagine any other premium car brand releasing a car with this problem and not updating the mapping

Originally Posted by tony44