Alfa Romeo Forum - View Single Post

gazza82 · 16-07-2008

Originally Posted by rt05492

I did see your previous comments on the MAF but it was one of the things I changed first for a genuine Bosch item (or a very good quality copy ?).

NTK make a lambda sensor for the 156 and that's useless as it's 4 ohms not 8, so pattern parts may not always be the same.

Originally Posted by rt05492

I notice there are about 8 torx bolts holding down what I would call a black plastic 'rocker cover' on top of the head. If I remove this cover will I be able to inspect the cam sensor and at least work out whether I have a chance of changing it myself ?

I think it still requires the timing belt to come off and that is a big job.

Originally Posted by rt05492

Now I have the correct ECU installed I may get the codes read again. There seem to be hand held readers on the net for as little as £25 ie less than the garage will charge. Anybody know of one that will definitely work with the Bosch 1.5.5 system that mine appears to have ?

Unlikely as most are ODB-II and EOBD compatible .. go for AlfaDiag (alfadiag.net) and get a VAG-COM KKL USB cable from ebay (even the ones from HK work!). You'll need a laptop with a USB port of course. The early 156 wasn't subject to the standards imposed by the EU from 2001, so Alfa/Fiat used a proprietary system based on OBD, but not quite the same as anyone else.

You've gone far beyond anything I had to when mine played up. That was a straight actuator problem in the end after replacing the Oil Separator valve that was missing on mine ... led to a 1400 rpm idle speed!

The only think you don't mention (at least I can't see) is whether the garages have tried resetting the idle actuator (idle speed sensor) using a diagnostic system. This is where AlfaDiag paid for itself for me. I couldn't get the throttle to remain steady at 2500-3000 rpm ... the fast idle speed for the MOT emissions test ... it was only after I'd tried cleaning the throttle and attaching the actuator back AFTER the throttle cable, that I tried this and the idle remained steady and the jerkiness went. For all the time and money you have spend, the €59.95 for the software and around £10 quid for an interface cable are well worth it. It pays for itself with two uses ...

16-07-2008	#43 (Post Link)
gazza82 Club Member Club Member Number: 206 Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: South Buckinghamshire, UK Posts: 3,461 Member car: 156 2.0 TS SP2 1998	Re: 156 2.0 TS Big Flat Spot Originally Posted by rt05492 I did see your previous comments on the MAF but it was one of the things I changed first for a genuine Bosch item (or a very good quality copy ?). NTK make a lambda sensor for the 156 and that's useless as it's 4 ohms not 8, so pattern parts may not always be the same. Originally Posted by rt05492 I notice there are about 8 torx bolts holding down what I would call a black plastic 'rocker cover' on top of the head. If I remove this cover will I be able to inspect the cam sensor and at least work out whether I have a chance of changing it myself ? I think it still requires the timing belt to come off and that is a big job. Originally Posted by rt05492 Now I have the correct ECU installed I may get the codes read again. There seem to be hand held readers on the net for as little as £25 ie less than the garage will charge. Anybody know of one that will definitely work with the Bosch 1.5.5 system that mine appears to have ? Unlikely as most are ODB-II and EOBD compatible .. go for AlfaDiag (alfadiag.net) and get a VAG-COM KKL USB cable from ebay (even the ones from HK work!). You'll need a laptop with a USB port of course. The early 156 wasn't subject to the standards imposed by the EU from 2001, so Alfa/Fiat used a proprietary system based on OBD, but not quite the same as anyone else. You've gone far beyond anything I had to when mine played up. That was a straight actuator problem in the end after replacing the Oil Separator valve that was missing on mine ... led to a 1400 rpm idle speed! The only think you don't mention (at least I can't see) is whether the garages have tried resetting the idle actuator (idle speed sensor) using a diagnostic system. This is where AlfaDiag paid for itself for me. I couldn't get the throttle to remain steady at 2500-3000 rpm ... the fast idle speed for the MOT emissions test ... it was only after I'd tried cleaning the throttle and attaching the actuator back AFTER the throttle cable, that I tried this and the idle remained steady and the jerkiness went. For all the time and money you have spend, the €59.95 for the software and around £10 quid for an interface cable are well worth it. It pays for itself with two uses ... cheers, Gary 1998 156 2.0 TSpark with Sport Pack 2, sunroof and hi-level spoiler in Alfa Rosso. V6 intake mod. Now with clear side repeaters. "If you're driving on the edge ... you're leaving too much room!" My Alfa156 Web Site - how-to's, piccies, links, useful stuff, etc.