Alfa 147 Diesel: Fuel Pump Warning Signs & Fixes

Faced a similar situation with my 2011 Alfa GT Diesel last summer. I have some experience working on cars but leave major repairs to professionals. The symptoms match exactly what I encountered, engine stalling, rough running, and increased fuel consumption. A failing fuel pump can definitely cause these car performance issues. After the initial diagnosis, my mechanic found a loose cable connection at the fuel pump, which was causing intermittent electrical problems in the fuel system. The repair was straightforward, they fixed the defective cable connection and cleaned the surrounding connectors. Total cost was 95 Euro including diagnostic time. The car has been running perfectly since, with no engine stalling or starting issues. Before suggesting specific fixes, could you share: Current mileage on your 147? When was the last fuel filter change? Any recent work done on the fuel system? Are you getting any specific error codes? This info would help determine if your issue is identical to what I experienced or if there might be other underlying problems causing these symptoms.

After checking my service records, the last major service was at 132000 KM which included a full fuel system check. My current mileage is 134708 KM. The automotive diagnosis revealed error code P0087 related to low fuel rail pressure, strengthening the fuel pump failure theory. The rough running and engine stalling has gotten worse over the past week, especially during cold starts. A local shop suggested replacing both the fuel pump and filter as a preventive measure, quoting 450 Euro for parts and labor. Before proceeding, I wanted to confirm if this approach makes sense given the symptoms and if others found success with similar repairs. The gasoline delivery has become very inconsistent, sometimes the car runs fine for short trips but struggles significantly on longer drives. Would appreciate insights on whether additional testing is needed before committing to the fuel pump replacement.

Those error codes and symptoms definitely match my experience with fuel pump issues. When my GT had similar problems, the inconsistent fuel delivery was a key indicator, exactly like what youre describing with the varying performance between short and long trips. Based on your mileage and the P0087 code, replacing both the fuel pump and filter is a smart preventive auto repair approach. While my issue was resolved with just the electrical connection fix, Ive learned through the car mechanics forum that fuel system problems often cascade if not addressed comprehensively. The 450 Euro quote seems reasonable for the full job. When they replace the fuel pump, make sure they also inspect the fuel pressure regulator and fuel lines while the system is open. This helps prevent future pump failure and ensures the entire fuel system is working properly. Your symptoms have progressed just like mine did, starting with occasional issues and getting worse with cold starts. The fact that its deteriorating quickly suggests you should get it fixed soon to prevent potential damage to other fuel system components. Looking back, I wish Id done the complete replacement when I first noticed the symptoms. The electrical fix worked for me, but given your specific error code and progression of symptoms, youre making the right call going for the full replacement.

Thanks for sharing the details about the fuel system check and current mileage. That P0087 code definitely points to fuel pump issues, which aligns with all the symptoms I'm experiencing. The quoted 450 Euro repair cost sounds reasonable considering both parts and labor. After your electrical connection experience and the comprehensive repair suggestion, I think moving forward with both fuel pump and filter replacement makes sense. The symptoms are getting worse quickly, especially during cold starts, so addressing it soon seems prudent. My fuel delivery has become extremely unreliable, just yesterday the car completely stalled twice during a longer drive. Based on the car performance issues and error codes, I'll schedule the repair this week. I'll make sure to ask them to inspect the fuel pressure regulator and fuel injector system while they have everything opened up. Quick question though, did your shop mention any typical repair timeframe for this kind of job? Just need to plan for alternative transportation while the auto repair is being done.