Hi there,
My 110,000 mile 159 1.9 JTDM recently became very difficult to start - sometimes it would take three stuttering off/on attempts.
Since the problem began I have put in a new good quality battery, all glow plugs replaced, new glow plug fuses on battery, new fuel filter, EGR cleaned, and new glow plug control unit / relay.
The problem has slightly improved, though still usually takes more than one on/off cycle for car to start.
Significantly, if I delay starting with key in ignition, the 'Glow Plugs Not Available' warning light comes on right away and goes off after about half a minute as expected, but then comes back on again, this warning cycle continues till car full running for a few minutes.
This morning I tested the glow plugs for resistance, one is definitely faulty - so is it likely that replacing the dodgy plug would cure the fault (presumably meaning the plugs are wired in series, thus one knocks out all).
One final possibly relevant factor - recently had a garage oil change, oil replacement warning light still comes on; was told this was simply a computer warning reset issue, but is it possible that oil change was not actually done or unsuitable oil used, and this is causing / exacerbating hard starting? (although that obviously would not explain repeated 'Glow Plugs Not Available' warning)
Sorry for the long essay, but thought should put in as much info as possible. In spite of this and other niggling problems the Alfa 159 is by far the most wonderful car I have ever had.
Cheers in advance for any help.
http://www.alfaowner.com/Forum/images/smilies/thumbsup.gif
My 110,000 mile 159 1.9 JTDM recently became very difficult to start - sometimes it would take three stuttering off/on attempts.
Since the problem began I have put in a new good quality battery, all glow plugs replaced, new glow plug fuses on battery, new fuel filter, EGR cleaned, and new glow plug control unit / relay.
The problem has slightly improved, though still usually takes more than one on/off cycle for car to start.
Significantly, if I delay starting with key in ignition, the 'Glow Plugs Not Available' warning light comes on right away and goes off after about half a minute as expected, but then comes back on again, this warning cycle continues till car full running for a few minutes.
This morning I tested the glow plugs for resistance, one is definitely faulty - so is it likely that replacing the dodgy plug would cure the fault (presumably meaning the plugs are wired in series, thus one knocks out all).
One final possibly relevant factor - recently had a garage oil change, oil replacement warning light still comes on; was told this was simply a computer warning reset issue, but is it possible that oil change was not actually done or unsuitable oil used, and this is causing / exacerbating hard starting? (although that obviously would not explain repeated 'Glow Plugs Not Available' warning)
Sorry for the long essay, but thought should put in as much info as possible. In spite of this and other niggling problems the Alfa 159 is by far the most wonderful car I have ever had.
Cheers in advance for any help.
http://www.alfaowner.com/Forum/images/smilies/thumbsup.gif