problems with 147 day one of ownership - welcome back to the club!

[Sheldon McIntosh]

You haven't got a handsfree hooked in through the radio or anything simple like that have you?  And is it the standard stereo or an aftermarket?

Sounds like it would be a simple thing to fix, finding it might be the hard part.  Have you asked the previous owner about the problem?

I would suggest joining alfaowner.com.  It's a British site with many more members than our one, and answers to most problems.  I just searched for 'battery' under 147/156 and got 9 pages of results.

[tony8028]

You haven't got a handsfree hooked in through the radio or anything simple like that have you?  And is it the standard stereo or an aftermarket?
Sounds like it would be a simple thing to fix, finding it might be the hard part.  Have you asked the previous owner about the problem?

No, nothing is plugged in that would drain the radio. As I said earlier, first time this happened i noticed that the radio had come on by itself.

This time when i got in the car was totally dead - thats not to say that the radio might not have also been to blame.

Its a standard ALFA 147 stereo. I'd actually feel more confident with an after market one because it would be far less likely to be riddled with the electrical problems that come with everything ALFA.

I cant tell you the stress this is causing me - thats why i am writing this at 4.30am. I have taken out a finance for 13k on this car and I can see myself paying off a loan AND having to buy another shit box car to get around while this ALFA is off the road.

Have spoken to the previous owner and guess what - "has never had a flat battery in the whole time he owned the car". Yeah right.

The FIRST time i went to start it it was dead as a door nail!

[tony8028]

who did the inspections? not that i'm blaming them for missing that one mind you...
shame u're not in Vic, I could recommend you a list of people... a good auto electrician is a must, but a few of the top alfa specialists would also be able to figure it out...

It was just a normal inspections company , not an Alfa specialist. So theres another lesson.

I know it ought not be so, but not being mechanically minded with second hand (or even new!) alfas is akin to gambling.... That said, don't be quick to rule out the simple answer!
a multimeter and a charger could easily rule the battery out... we're talking $35 worth of tools here... i mean in total.

Yes I agree with you. Dont worry, it wont be happening again. I absolutely love Alfas to look at and drive but the stress and inconvenience this is causing us is just not worth it.

So forgive my ignorance, but what would the multimeter do for me at the moment, with the battery being dead?

thanks

[tony8028]

Update - my mechanic has replaced the radio.....so far so good.

Luckily i was able to source a used one for 170 rather than the 1200 replacement part cost!

hopefully i can fall back in love with the car this weekend.

[wankski]

Update - my mechanic has replaced the radio.....so far so good.

Luckily i was able to source a used one for 170 rather than the 1200 replacement part cost!

hopefully i can fall back in love with the car this weekend.

what now???!! 

crims.

worst comes to worst, aftermarket... bit harder to make look good in a 147 cf 156... thats why i hate integrated stereos...

to answer your question... below 12v switched off, the battery is toast. below 14.4v while running, alty suspect.

HTH

[tony8028]

Update - my mechanic has replaced the radio.....so far so good.

Luckily i was able to source a used one for 170 rather than the 1200 replacement part cost!

hopefully i can fall back in love with the car this weekend.

what now???!!  

crims.

worst comes to worst, aftermarket... bit harder to make look good in a 147 cf 156... thats why i hate integrated stereos...

to answer your question... below 12v switched off, the battery is toast. below 14.4v while running, alty suspect.

HTH

You can buy an adapter on Ebay for $30 that allows you to fit an stereo in the dash of a 147. It has the metal surround with a square in it for a standard deck. i like the look of the alfa one. Just wish it had an Aux in.

[wankski]

You can buy an adapter on Ebay for $30 that allows you to fit an stereo in the dash of a 147. It has the metal surround with a square in it for a standard deck. i like the look of the alfa one.

Oh yeh, it's possible, just bit harder than 156. Insert HU removal tool (or wire coat hanger/ 4 pop rivets) pull out unit, job done...
By integrated i don't mean 147, i mean those ugly big contiguous front ends on some cars out there that combine MFD/stereo/climate control in one... eg, current ford GT... that would be an operation...
Also i did use the key words 'look good'....    very few HUs suit that facelift interior IMHO

i like the look of the alfa one. Just wish it had an Aux in.

it does... well can...

U can plug modules into the cd stacker input that allow ipod/mp3/sdcard/aux in connectivity... (not all in same unit)

not perfect, but at least in the case of 156, u can have 5 folders of x99 songs ea per usb stick or sd card...

better than nothing.

I'll let u know how i go with mine...

[tony8028]

I'll let u know how i go with mine...

Dont you need a special sort of cable ? like, not something readily available....

I know it doesnt charge it, but that would worry me because i have a cig lighter charger for my iphone anyway....

[wankski]

it's a stand alone cd-changer emulator, so it's a module box.

Whole unit with everything u need tho only cost around 50 quid +shipping.

the iPod version may well charge it, (uses proprietary connector)... i'm buying the USB version.

The module in question is the 'connects2' usb or iPod. Google away!