Sticking gear selector on a 166

[Rocco166]

Hi All,

lately, after starting the car in the morning I have had some difficulties moving the gear selector on my 166 - it simply won't move from Park  - if I take my foot off the brake and re-apply it the selector will move (almost always on the first re-try).  Is this just a "glitch" with the auto or the beginning of something more sinister? The car has only travelled 77,000 k's and has always been serviced by Alfa Romeo specialists in Perth so it should not be a maintenance issue....

Any ideas or suggestions?

Thanks 

[Frank Musco]

Do you see any condensation on the inside of the windscreen indicating a leaking heater core?

My Fathers 166 had the heater core leak into the transmission computer. One symptom was sticking in park, once out of park it would proceed in limp mode. Changed heater core and transmission comp, and running normal again.

[Rocco166]

Thanks for the "heads up" on that one.

I did get the heater replaced last year because it has started to leak (I could smell coolant when the heater was on) but the mechanic said that it was only weeping a tiny amount of fluid from the join in the plastic tank not dripping coolant over anything. 

I'll get the computer checked when it's in for a service, once it's in gear it's fine it's just getting it out of park that's frustrating.

[Fast Eddie]

Rocco,
what year and model, colour is your 166?

i just had a transmission "issue" with my 07 166 3.0 Ti but after having it checked all was fine, just an electronic reset at Barbagallo's.

ed

[Rocco166]

Hello ed,

it's a 2002 166 with a sunroof, dark metallic blue (the AR code is odessia - i think), it's got 18" 166 Ti rims on it so it stands out from the crowd a bit - I intended to bring it to the Italian Car show this year but got rear-ended by my neighbour reversing at full speed into my driveway in his 4x4 so took my Fiat Argenta instead.  I'll get the transmission checked when it's in for it's 80,000 klm service - hopefully it's just a re-set.
cheers