'Motor Control System Failure'

mario147 · June 25, 2009, 10:49:01 PM

This topic has probably come up many times before, but being a newbie, I thought I'd bring it up anyway.

I'm not a stranger to exotic Italian vehicles... prior to my 147 Selespeed, I owned a Ducati 999s. What a sweet machine! So I know Italian vehicles are not electronically perfect and require constant mechanical care. But how can you not love them??!!

Anyway, I filled up my tank the other night and as I left the service station, I suddenly lost power and a message came up on the dash - "Motor Control System Failure". As I came to a stop, I put the car in neutral and gave it a few revs, as it was idling quite rough. It seemed to work and I took off again. The car made it home, but the message came up a couple more times, each time when I accelerated from start. And both times, I lost power for a brief moment. I definitely put unleaded fuel, but it was normal 91 Octane, not 95. I also used Shell, rather than the usual BP.

The message hasn't come up since, but the car seems to be going through fuel at double the rate as before I filled up.

Does anyone have any idea what it could be? The car is still under factory warranty, so I will get it diagnosed no matter what, but I'm real curious to figure it out, since it may be days before I can get in to see the dealer.

saratoga · June 30, 2009, 04:47:07 PM

Hi

I drive a 156 2Lt JTS and when I have had that message come up it has been individual electric coils on the spark plugs. They deteriorate over time however they will work intermittently hence loss of power and rough idiling but they will eventually fail. Not too expensive to fix, book into a specialist otherwise they wont have the gear to check it out properly. I wouldn't be using 91 RON petrol either,,,check your manual, I'd be surprised if it was to run on 95 minimum,,especially under warranty!!

mario147 · July 03, 2009, 10:15:43 AM

Thanks for the advice. I know it was wrong to use 91 Octane fuel. I only ever used 98 Octane in my bike, but that was only a 15Lt tank. But I'll never use 91 again. Do you find there's a difference in fuel type, i.e. BP, Shell, etc?

I've booked it in to my Alfa dealer. Hopefully I'll have the problem sorted out soon. Btw, if it is plugs, that wouldn't be covered by warranty would it? They would obviously claim it is a general wear and tear item, right?

MYAR156 · July 21, 2009, 06:00:42 PM

I have a 2004 156 and the motor control system failure light is a permanent fixture on the dash. There is a minor problem with the catalytic convertor that misfires from time to time but does not effect performance, fuel consumption etc. The light stays on until reset by a service computer. The replacement cost for the catalytic converter is mega bucks so I live with the light

alfaboy156 · July 21, 2009, 09:36:11 PM

hi fellow alfisti

my 2003 156 jts has just done the same thing MOTOR CONTROL SYSTEM FAILURE
and identical to MYAR156 its the cat converter- performance is still perfect as well as fuel consumption jut got it reset today and am going to live with it my mechanic has assued no need to spend the $$$ for replacemnt cat - so im not going to

also i needed 2 litres of oil after 4000km from service- i only do city driving and work maybe 15 mins from perth city (where i live) the journey is mainly heavy traffic - i am surprised with that amt used - i have that other jts owners have experienced consumption but thought 2 litres in 4000km was a bit excessive? woould love to hear some other jts oil thirsty info. thanx

1564eva

Jamie alfa · September 09, 2009, 02:01:33 AM

This may help http://www.alfaworkshop.co.uk/alfa_diagnostic.shtml

John Hanslow · September 09, 2009, 07:05:58 AM

Hi 1564 EVA.

The oil usage does sound a bit excessive but Australian driving conditions are somewhat extreme in comparison to European conditions. I assume that the oil used is of the standard recommended in the handbook and aso the mechanic is an Alfa Specialist.

Some cars use oil and some cars use do not. So do not risk engine damage (and engine replacement is not cheap) and use the correct oil. The dealers use Selenia, the Alfa Specialists I know use Martini and I am sure these are other options.

In looking at Autobarn purchase, the closest oil I can find is 10w/60 spec - that's the one - Castrol Edge Sport for about $80 - not cheap but thats the oil spec advised.

If you car was not serviced by a specialist, get it diagnosed on an Alfa Analyser or by someone who knows as the JTS has an issue with the coils as previously mentioned. Correct diagnosis will solve your problems.

Cheers.