C3153 Alfa Romeo 179 Diagnostic Trouble Code

C3153 Alfa Romeo 179 code definition:
C3153 is a kind of OBD-II Diagnostic C-Chassis Diagnostic Trouble Code for Alfa Romeo 179.

C3153 Alfa Romeo 179 is defined as Knock Sensor Circuit Range Performance (Bank 1 or Single Sensor). This refers to camshaft timing, which in this case is over-retarded. There are two wires dedicated for each coil; one is battery feed which usually comes from the distribution center, and the other one for the coil driver circuit from the PCM. The PCM grounds or ungrounds the circuit to activate or deactivate the coil.

Symptoms

Symptoms of a C3153 Alfa Romeo 179 diagnostic trouble code may include:

Carbon Buildup on O2 Sensor
Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illuminated
Hesitation upon acceleration
Reduction in engine performance, especially at low RPM levels

Possible Causes :

Dirty air cleaner element Damaged DPF
A plugged converter will cause of host of driveability problems as well as set this code. A severely plugged converter will result in the inability to increase rpm when under load. Look for a code such as P0421 -- catalytic converter efficiency below threshold if the converter indicating a faulty converter.
Some aftermarket accessories and performance modifications

Common Misdiagnoses

Control Module Throttle Actuator Position Performance Problem
Air Conditioning (A/C) Clutch Feedback Circuit High Voltage Problem
Cruise Vehicle Speed/Set Speed Difference Too High Problem
Kick-Down Switch Failed Short Problem
Park/Neutral Postion (PNP) Switch Circuit Engine Torque Signal Circuit Problem

Repair Processes :

If the engine displays a miss and there wasn't a code, determine which cylinder is misfiring. If the exhaust manifold is visible, spay or pour a small amount of water on each cylinder exhaust port. Water will evaporate immediately on good cylinders and slowly on the missing cylinder. If this can't be accomplished pull the plugs and check the condition. It should be pretty close to battery voltage (12 volts). If not, then this is the circuit that has the problem. Look for damage to the tank indicating impact that may have damaged the fuel pump or sender.

Process Tips

Diagnostic trouble code C3153 Alfa Romeo 179 is not difficult to diagnose and repair. Thus, it always pays to have a qualified technician to look after your vehicle should this error code arise.

Diagnosing this code requires the engine to be in good running shape, without unmetered air entering the engine. If other codes that relates to misfiring condition, lean running or air entering the engine is present, then you must first fix those error codes before C3153 Alfa Romeo 179.

Fortunately, C3153 Alfa Romeo 179 is a fairly common OBD code, meaning that it applies to all makes and models of vehicles made after 1996.