2024-2026 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Water Pump Coolant Leak Inspection

Owners of 2024-2026 Alfa Romeo Stelvio, Jeep, and Dodge Hornet vehicles may experience a coolant odor or observe fluid leakage under their vehicle. This issue, described in Manufacturer Communication S2607000003, focuses on the inspection and repair of coolant leaks originating from the GMET4 DOHC water pump and its various interfaces. This document, released in February 2026, provides technicians with detailed steps to identify the precise source of a suspected engine coolant leak before performing any parts replacement. This information is crucial for accurately diagnosing and resolving the problem, ensuring the longevity and proper function of your vehicle's cooling system. The 2024 Alfa Romeo Stelvio manufacturer_communication provides guidance for technicians.

Symptoms

Owners typically notice a coolant odor or observe fluid leakage under their vehicle. These are direct indicators of a potential engine coolant leak. A significantly reduced coolant level may also be present, suggesting an ongoing issue with the cooling system.

Diagnosis and Trigger Conditions

Technicians are instructed to begin by checking the coolant level before starting the engine. If the coolant level is significantly reduced, a visual inspection of the entire engine cooling system is performed using a UV light. This comprehensive check includes all cooling system hoses, the hot bottle/coolant reservoir/expansion tank, radiator, and HVAC heaters to pinpoint the leak source.

The communication highlights several specific areas where coolant leaks can originate from the water pump assembly:

• Pump to Block Interface: Leaks here are often due to gasket damage or loss of compression. Technicians inspect the gasket for breakage, tears, splits, or loss of compression.
• Internal Pump Gasket: Evidence of coolant originating from the pump housing to cover interface indicates an internal gasket issue.
• Inlet Pipe to Pump Interface: Coolant leaks at this point are typically caused by a loss of torque in the fasteners.
• Pump Weep Hole: The presence of 'wet' coolant at the weep hole is a key indicator. For new vehicles (under 500 miles), trace coolant residue is normal, but liquid coolant dripping is not. For vehicles over 500 miles or with original water pumps, any dripping coolant or liquid traces at the weep chamber necessitate pump replacement.
• Inlet Pipe Nipple: Signs of coolant pooling or dripping around the nipple interface indicate a leak in this area.

For weep hole inspections, if coolant is dripping, the vehicle is raised, and the engine is run at idle with repeated speed variations between 2000 and 4000 rpm for 15 minutes. If dripping continues, the water pump is deemed faulty. If it stops, no further action is required beyond cleaning the area.

Repair Procedure Summary

The repair procedure depends on the identified leak location. Technicians are advised to review all potential leak sources before replacing parts, as detailed in the 2024 Alfa Romeo Stelvio manufacturer_communication.

• Pump to Block Interface Leaks: If gasket damage is found, the gasket is replaced. The water pump can be reused if it spins without obvious sticking; otherwise, the entire pump assembly is replaced.
• Internal Pump Gasket Leaks: If the leak originates from the internal pump gasket, the entire pump assembly is replaced.
• Inlet Pipe to Pump Interface Leaks: These leaks require the replacement of the inlet tube and its gasket.
• Pump Weep Hole Leaks: If liquid coolant continues to drip from the weep hole after the diagnostic test, the water pump is replaced. If dripping stops, the area is cleaned, and no further action is needed.
• Inlet Pipe Nipple Leaks: If coolant pooling or dripping is observed at the nipple interface, the inlet pipe assembly is replaced.

After any defective water pump is identified and replaced, technicians are required to submit a Quick Incident Report (QIR) using the Service Library system. This report must include pictures showing the source of the leak. Additionally, the appropriate Labor Operation Procedure (LOP) for the repair must be documented to help engineering identify root causes and improve future service processes.

Important Warnings and What Owners Should Know

Owners should be aware that this manufacturer communication does not authorize warranty repairs. This document serves as a record of past experiences and does not provide conclusions about what is wrong with a specific vehicle. Technicians are considered the experts responsible for deciding the appropriate course of action.

It is important to note that some coolant residues may be found at the water pump weep hole plug area, which can be normal. However, coolant should not be dripping from this location. If a solution cannot be found, technicians are advised to contact the STAR Center or their Technical Assistance Center via TechCONNECT or eCONTACT ticket.

Source: NHTSA ID 11028893