Now I know there are lots of threads about Motor Control System failure but I have a specific question.
I have a 2003 "53" 147 1.9 JTD Lusso. It's done 126K miles, got a full service history, belt changed twice, glow plugs done etc. Loads of receipts etc.
My MCS light came on earlier, slightly after the engine "coughed", and then the engine stopped working. Afterwards I couldn't start the car, it turned over but wouldn't start.
We left it for a couple of hours, giving it a chance to cool down. When I returned it started first time and I set off home.
After about 10 minutes I noticed the engine temperature going up, it went above 70, then dropped a little to just below. Once it got to 80 the engine "coughed" again, then same routine, light came on and almost instantly the engined switched off.
I left it a couple of hours, went back started it and managed to get it home.
Now the question......
I have owned the car for less that 24 hours, bought from a car dealer. They are obliged to repair, replace or refund.
The problem appears to be related to the engine temperature, but I'm no mechanic.
Should I give the garage a chance to fix? Does it seem terminal? Should I just get a refund?
When it drives it runs well. Any advice would be appreciated.
No. As I said I only got the car on Saturday afternoon so not picked anything up for it yet.
I'll give the car to the garage and ask them to get it fixed. I just wanted some sort of idea if it's likely to be really serious problem that's likely to cause major issues long term.
We drove it 60 miles when we first got it without a problem. It was only on a short trip first thing this morning that I first had the problem.
I've changed water pumps before, is it easy on the 147?
Crack sensor? Sorry to be dumb - what's a crack sensor?
Also known as an RPM sensor. It reads the speed of flywheel, and from that tells the ECU how fast the engine's turning. It's quite fundamental to it's calculations of when to inject fuel etc.
Just the speed... The cam sensor gives the ECU a better indication of where the engine is in its cycle, but (in the petrol at least) isn't as important as to whether the engine will run.
The warranty company are going to fix it for me (as long as it doesn't cost to much), and any extra cost should get picked up by the company that sold it to me.
I'm going to take it to Northants Alfa, they should be able to run a full dioagnostic check and get any issues highlighted.
That way I can get it all done in one go, with hopefully zero cost.
Thanks for your help guys.
I'll let you know if it's fixed, and drag myself along to a local AO event to show off the car.
Incidentally - can anyone point me in the direction of a 'haynes' type manual and a diag kit for my laptop?
Search the forum for 'manuals' - there should be a link to downloadables ones
For diags, you need a USB lead and either AlfaDiag or FiatECUscan. For most functions, a KKL lead will do, but some things (eg the body computer) require an ELM-type lead.
PM rarebear on here. He sells pre-modified leads that can talk to the airbag and ABS modules.
Just an update it wasn't the Crank Sensor - it was a little bit more expensive
The EGR valve and inlet manifold MAP sensor needed replacing.
For the uninitiated I've been advised that the manifold fills with soot and the sensor gets gunked up. Once it blocks the engine cuts out. When the car stops the soot simple drops off, which allows the car to start again.
When cruising above 2000 rpm the throttle kicks in which counter acts the soot build up.
So I either have to get it fixed or always be above 2000 revs!!
You can take these off really easily and clean them. Worth a try before spending any dosh. There is a comprehensive guide on here - If I can do it, anyone can . . . . . .
The work is hopefully being covered by the warranty.
I've downloaded the guide though. I'll make a note to carry it out after a few more miles.
This Motor Control Sensor Failure seems to be a generic problem that covers a whole load of issues.
The advice I was getting fitted perfectly with a failed crank sensor (which I'm going to replace myself once I get the car back) and has also been caused by spark plugs, batterys turbo pressures etc etc
I think the morale of the story is - get it hoooked up to a diagnosis machine and let that tell you what's wrong and if necessary start at the top and work your way through!
Patience
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