Alfa 156 Engine Control System Failure

[AAR156]

Just a quick question:


I'm driving an Alfa 156 2004 module JT 2.0.

Since last Sunday, it keeps showing a warning light of "engine system control failure", the light does not flash, it just stays there.

Also, I'm living in Southeastern suburb, could any one recommend a nice private workshop with nice price?

I could try Dealer at Princes Highway at Oakleigh, but it would cost me a fortune.

Thanks guys:)

I just try this question in google, and find this Alfa Romeo forum, couldn't believe there're so many ppl crazy about this Italian stuff like me.

[Cool Jesus]

Your best bet is to find out what the DTC (trouble code) is that has activated your failure warning light. It would be best to go to either the dealer initially or specialist Alfa mechanic with the electronic equipement to read the ECU. That costs about $60 at the dealerships in Sydney, then at least you know what needs fixing and start getting quotes. If you have no other symptoms, all you can do is find out what the warning light is telling you. Not certain on the 156s, but a normal mechanic should also be able to hook up their generic diagnostic reader to read the DTCs, you'd have to ask them what they will charge you for the privilege though.

By Oakleigh, I assume your in Melbourne? You've got a bunch of indi Alfa mechanics down there check out the sponsor page...

http://www.alfaclubvic.org.au/forum/index.php?topic=4393.0

[AAR156]

Thanks so much buddy!

I know I can get some wonderful tips here:)

Well, I sent my car to Fiat/Alfa Romeo dealer at Oakleigh this morning, their diagnostic charge is $143

Anyway, I'm crossing my fingers now, hopefully it wont'be too bad...

Your best bet is to find out what the DTC (trouble code) is that has activated your failure warning light. It would be best to go to either the dealer initially or specialist Alfa mechanic with the electronic equipement to read the ECU. That costs about $60 at the dealerships in Sydney, then at least you know what needs fixing and start getting quotes. If you have no other symptoms, all you can do is find out what the warning light is telling you. Not certain on the 156s, but a normal mechanic should also be able to hook up their generic diagnostic reader to read the DTCs, you'd have to ask them what they will charge you for the privilege though.

By Oakleigh, I assume your in Melbourne? You've got a bunch of indi Alfa mechanics down there check out the sponsor page...

http://www.alfaclubvic.org.au/forum/index.php?topic=4393.0

[Paul Gulliver]

I have the mechanical skills of Mr Ed , so bear that in mind . However my son has a 156 and it has had similar problem. It turn out to be the catalytic convertor failure, common problem with the 156.  The sensors are in the exhaust manifold & very expensive to replace. But it is not doing any future damage , but annoying warning light. Resident guru uncle Col Col should see this post & pipe  in with some good common sense advice.
Failing that you might be best to ring Hugh Harrison at Monza Motors in Bayswater ( see sponsors page) to get a diagnostic check . He could probably do it on a Saturday morning if you rang & asked nicely.

[AAR156]

Hey Paul,


Thank heaps for your wonderful idea. I'll keep it in mind.

The Alfa Romeo Dealer at Oakleigh just rang me and basically told me the same problem as you explained (sth wrong about exhaust system and failure bout converter, blahblah). Very luckily, they said the sensor doesn't have to be replaced at this stage, the warning light is off for some reason, hopefully it's not coming back soon:)

Cheers!

I have the mechanical skills of Mr Ed , so bear that in mind . However my son has a 156 and it has had similar problem. It turn out to be the catalytic convertor failure, common problem with the 156.  The sensors are in the exhaust manifold & very expensive to replace. But it is not doing any future damage , but annoying warning light. Resident guru uncle Col Col should see this post & pipe  in with some good common sense advice.
Failing that you might be best to ring Hugh Harrison at Monza Motors in Bayswater ( see sponsors page) to get a diagnostic check . He could probably do it on a Saturday morning if you rang & asked nicely.

[colcol]

I was getting the dreaded warning "ENGINE CONTROL SYSTEM FAILURE GO TO DEALER", last year, and i read on some UK Alfa Service providers, that they reccomend changing the Lambda sensors every 100,000klms, when i would take off from the lights it would stumble, and the light would come on.
So i got some prices and the FOUR Lambda sensors landed in Australia were about $500, replaced them and the warning light went away, Colin.

[Davidm1600]

X2 what Uncle Col has suggested.

I too have sequentially replaced all four lambda sensors in my JTS.  All is fine now. I also put a new battery in.  I don't know what it is like over there but all your dealers/service agents are definitely onto a good thing $ wise in such charges for diagnosing the problems.  Down here in Hobart, I have had this always done for free, nicks, niente.  Afterall it takes literally but a few moments to figure out what is the problem.  Best of all my mechanic has also put in the last two lambda sensors for free.  Afterall it is only a 5 minute job, if you know what you are doing.

So, like Col suggests I would get onto EB Spares pronto, and order the necessary parts, make sure you know which ones you need as there are two top and two bottom lambda sensors.  In talking it through with both Alfa mechanics down here, both suggested that the Cat is unlikely to be the cause for engine management system failures and besides they cost a bomb, anywhere between $1400-2400 depending on whether you get a generic one or factory replacement item.

Oh and yes my car now has around 124,000km the first lambda sensor failed around the high 90,000km mark.

[colcol]

And i pulled the 4 Lambda sensors out and they were as dirty as each other, so do all 4, but if you are not sure, have it scanned to see that the Lamda's are worn out, my old VL Commodore used to run rough and i would replace the ONE Lamda, and it would run better, and the were $35 each, Colin.

[Cool Jesus]

4 lamda sensors, WTF 
I've found these sensors to be interchangeable, the only difference is the connector and perhaps the size of the sensor collector (bit that enters the exhaust system)
I just swapped a failed sensor in the Wrangler I just pimped up with a sensor off a wrecked Ford Ka... and I used the Fords' sensor as the 147's sensor was a little larger in its collector size and wouldn't fit into the capture nut on the exhaust. All I did was solder the wrangler's connector onto the sub sensor and happy days... It would run over rich prior, it now runs perfect. DTC no longer present. So, as long as the sensor fits that captured nut you'll find yourself saving a bunch of coin.

[colcol]

If you are concerned about saving money you could try a generic brand of Lambda sensor, there are sites on ebay that just sell Lambda Sensors, Repco have a large range as well.
The JTS has FOUR Lambda's, so that the mixture is kept absolutely lean as possible, thats how they get great fuel consumption, i have been told, but never checked that early twin sparks have 2 Lambda's, later twin sparks have 3, and the V-6's have different numbers as well.
All Lambda's must be basically the same, except for different lengths that go into the exhaust, different wire lengths and different connectors, Colin.

[Cool Jesus]

Yeah, money wasn't the main motivation, time was a factor in splicing in a different sensor. I did check the wiring diagrams for the various sensors which led me to throwing in a sensor from a different vehicle. I was only caught out by the differing sized sensor probe. Anyhow, had a win with this on the jeep build. Ill just add, damn they can certainly get locked in to their fitting. I though for sure I'd either round off the nut or shred/shear something. Lucked out on this occasion I feel. It also certainly made a difference to how the engine ran. I believe I read somewhere that backyard wannabe motor modders, disable the rear or all sensors to force the ECU into a failsafe mode and run the mixture rich. I bet they also stick on those plastic side vents. Actual, I've seen these on someone's doors LMFAO.

[colcol]

And when you run the mixture rich, you clog up the 2 Catylitic Convertors costing around $3500 for new ones, you can only imagine how many engineers are working at Alfa Romeo and Fiat, getting the best power and fuel consumption and backyarders think they know better.
Cool Jesus, you mention those stick on vents, any idea where you get them?, i have been after some for years, i need them to go with 'MY FAMILY' stickers, Colin.

[Cool Jesus]

BWAH Ha, best leave this one alone. Actually haven't we got a thread on stupid accessories