CriticalCommonTransmission

Alfa Romeo 147: Selespeed automated-manual clutch, actuator and hydraulic pump failure

Selespeed automated-manual clutch, actuator and hydraulic pump failure is a common transmission fault on the Alfa Romeo 147 on the 2000–2010 cars, and we rate it critical. Putting it right costs $1,200 to $4,000 at New Zealand independent workshop rates. Below is what goes wrong, the symptoms to notice on a test drive, where to look, and what to ask the seller before you hand over any money. It is one of 8 documented faults on the Alfa Romeo 147.

Vehicle: Alfa Romeo 147
Years: 2000–2010
Gearbox: auto
System: Transmission

This page covers the Alfa Romeo 147 as a model. Some faults only affect particular engines or build years — enter a plate below to narrow the list to one car.

All Alfa Romeo 147 faults8 documented faults on this model

What you are looking at

No photograph available

We do not hold a verified photograph of the Clutch yet. We would rather show none than show a picture of a different part.

What goes wrong

Many 147 'automatics' are actually Selespeed - a robotised manual with an electro-hydraulic actuator, pump and pressure accumulator. It is one of the most common owner complaints: the hydraulic power unit (pump) fails, the clutch and clutch actuators wear out (actuators often only last 80,000-100,000 km, the clutch sometimes from 60,000 km), and the array of position/pressure sensors throw 'gearbox error' messages. Symptoms are jerky or delayed changes, refusal to select a gear, and limp mode. Parts and specialist labour are expensive relative to the car's value, so a failing Selespeed can economically write off a cheap 147. Genuine manual cars avoid the problem entirely.

What you would notice

Jerky, slow or delayed gear changes
'Gearbox error' or transmission warning message on the display
Refusal to engage a gear or select reverse
Car stuck in one gear or limp mode
Whine or buzzing from the hydraulic pump running frequently

How to check it

Where to look. Selespeed hydraulic power unit and clutch actuator on the transmission at the front/left of the engine bay

Confirm first whether the car is a Selespeed or a true manual, as it changes the risk and the value. On the test drive make many slow-speed changes and hill starts, watching for jerky shifts, hesitation or any gearbox warning - faults commonly emerge from 60,000-100,000 km. Ask for evidence of Selespeed fluid services (due about every 30,000 km) and any clutch, actuator or pump replacement. A pre-purchase scan of the Selespeed module for stored actuator and pressure faults is well worth it.

Parts involved: Clutch.

What it costs to put right

$1,200 to $4,000 at New Zealand independent workshop rates. That is for this job on its own, not for the car.

An estimate, in NZD, for the repair as normally carried out. What a specific car costs depends on which part has failed and what it damaged on the way — treat this as the floor for a negotiation, not a quote.

Ask the seller

“Is this a Selespeed or a conventional manual?”
“Have the clutch, actuators or hydraulic pump ever been replaced, and at what odometer?”
“When was the Selespeed hydraulic fluid last serviced?”
“Has it ever shown a gearbox error or gone into limp mode?”

Now check the Alfa Romeo 147 you are actually looking at

Everything above is true of the model, and it is free. What it does not tell you is whether THIS car has been looked after: its odometer history and whether the reading has ever gone backwards, whether there is still money owing on it, whether it has been reported stolen, how many owners it has had and what it is really worth today. That comes from the official records for that plate. Enter the plate for the free details, or get the full history and a market valuation from $13.49.

Not sure what you would be paying for? See what a full KickTyres check includes.

Where this comes from

The failure described above is documented in the sources below. The inspection instructions and the cost estimate are KickTyres’ own interpretation of them.

Alfa Romeo 147 buyer questions

Is selespeed automated-manual clutch, actuator and hydraulic pump failure serious on a Alfa Romeo 147?

We rate it critical and common on the Alfa Romeo 147. Many 147 'automatics' are actually Selespeed - a robotised manual with an electro-hydraulic actuator, pump and pressure accumulator. It is one of the most common owner complaints: the hydraulic power unit (pump) fails, the clutch and clutch actuators wear out (actuators often only last 80,000-100,000 km, the clutch sometimes from 60,000 km), and the array of position/pressure sensors throw 'gearbox error' messages. Symptoms are jerky or delayed changes, refusal to select a gear, and limp mode. Parts and specialist labour are expensive relative to the car's value, so a failing Selespeed can economically write off a cheap 147. Genuine manual cars avoid the problem entirely.

How much does it cost to fix on a Alfa Romeo 147?

$1,200 to $4,000 at New Zealand independent workshop rates. That figure is for this job on its own. A car showing the symptoms on this page is usually worth either walking away from or negotiating down by at least the repair figure.

Which Alfa Romeo 147 years are affected?

Our research records this fault on the 2000–2010 Alfa Romeo 147. Build dates move around, especially on imported cars, so treat the range as the years to look hardest at rather than a guarantee either way. The official records tell you the exact build and first registration date for the car in front of you.