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New 156 owner, few questions

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1K views 16 replies 7 participants last post by  jammychap 
#1 · (Edited)
Hi all, just registered on the site after picking up my first Alfa - it's a 2000 156 JTD which I'm very happy with, having only owned German motors for the past 15 years it's makes a change to own something a bit more "interesting" even though my last VW was a 240 BHP MK2 Golf G60 :lol:

Anyway my Alfa isn't without it's issues, and I'm hoping for some pointers as I'm a complete noob to the marque.

1, Which is the best oil to use, my car is on 93k if it makes a difference, I do like to use genuine bits and intend to get a genuine filter kit but the Selenia oil is $$$$$$ and just wondering if people can recommend an alternative..

2, It knocks like a beast over bumps, more so when cold, both sides are banging and creaking away so I'm guessing it's drop links, bushes, etc etc? Is this a known fault with the 156, not had chance to look underneath yet so would like any suggestions as to what it's likely to be.

3, Airbag warning is on, both the red one in the middle and the passenger one, I have read about the switch being disturbed under the passenger seat, is this something that can only be reset with some kind of diagnostic scanner?

4, I have no evidence of a recent timing belt change so this is on my to do list - any idea of what I should be paying for this and is a specialist job as far as timing belts go being a "different" engine from the norm?

Any input on the above is most appreciated. I'll get some pics of the old girl up this weekend as well :thumbs:
 
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#2 ·
1. Oil ... anything but selina!!!

2. Creaking will be the upper arms, knocking will be the lower arms - don't use pattern parts, unless you like doing these jobs more than once

3. The passenger light is just that you've got it switched off, if open the passenger side door you'll see a switch that you can change position with your key. The other lights you'll need a bit of diagnostic, have a search for fiatecuscan and that will give you the info you need

4. the 10v JTD engines are relatively good for cambelts (compared to other models), the official interval is 5years/72k ... however everyone advises 4 years/60k, you're probably looking at a good few hunder £ to get this done (obviously get the water pump done at the same time!!!!), just make sure the garage is an alfa specialist as the cars are a PITA to work on if you're not used to them!!!!


5. Get it remapped!!!!
 
#3 ·
Cheers for the reply, was just reading your guide to removing the front bumper as it needs a new rad also...

What grade would you recommend - 10w 40 fully synthetic? Having owned a Passat I know what you mean about pattern arms - killed a set of cheapo ones in 12 months! The passenger airbag is switched on, but both lights where on - I thought if there was a fault with the system both warnings came on? I am struggling to find a specialist in my neck of the woods - anyone know of one? And I have already priced up a remap, need to get the nigglys fixed first though....
 
#5 ·
Cheers for the reply, was just reading your guide to removing the front bumper as it needs a new rad also...

What grade would you recommend - 10w 40 fully synthetic? Having owned a Passat I know what you mean about pattern arms - killed a set of cheapo ones in 12 months! The passenger airbag is switched on, but both lights where on - I thought if there was a fault with the system both warnings came on? I am struggling to find a specialist in my neck of the woods - anyone know of one? And I have already priced up a remap, need to get the nigglys fixed first though....

I have to be honest I've never added oil to my car, I get it serviced every 12k and it never loses a drop!!! but there are lots of threads/arguments on here about oil!!!

If you click on the "Trade Directory" on the top of the page, put in your postcode and it will show you alfa places near you
 
#4 ·
Good choice of Alfa! I must say though I do like mk2 golfs too! Anyway, here are some answers for you

1. Valvoline 10/40 max life semi synthetic is a good choice.

2. Could be arb (powerflex bushes and new drop links to cure it) and maybe upper arms too.

3. Best to plug it in, will most likely just need a reset. Pass one is probably switched off, you can switch it back on by using the car key and turning the switch on the end of the dash on the pass side. Open the pass door and you will see it.

4. Check my website for a price guide. Make sure you use only original parts and check the water pump although they are not a problem area.

Anything else please feel free to give me a call tomorrow! :thumbs:
 
#7 ·
Cheers I'll check it out!!

Also, it takes an age to get up to temp - thermostat knackered?

Good job I love driving the thing, makes for for the problems it has!
Yep ... sounds like you've got all the "normal" things to sort out, I bet you picked it up for virtually nothing too!!!
 
#10 ·
if you want to fix the creaking frontend permanently you can fix new (much better) bushes from powerflex. does require some DIY to get them mounted but it's a one off deal.

have the airbag read out, if it reports a internal falliure you got a busted airbag ecu and need a replacement. the unit itself is mounted right next to your feet, if you remove the (carpet)panel between the floor and dash you can see it, it has really bright yellow wires. just make sure you replace it with the same model.
if the passenger sensor is giving errors you can just cut the connector away and solder the connection underneath the seat. connector is a bit dodgy, real "made in germany" quality like most stuff that breaks on the 156 :lol: (cheap shot i know, but still quite accurate :lol: )
 
#15 ·
Its poor quality cheaply made oil. It breaks down easily which is why the TS engines burn so much of it. If you change it to Valvoline its amazing how much less oil they use.

Also Fiat used to own the company that made Selenia (not sure if they still do) which also makes sense as to why they plug it so much!
 
#16 ·
If you need any parts locally for your car I can recommend Sherburn Motors in Sheburn In Elemt strangley ;) plus been in West Yorks they will be easy for you to get too I guess.

I dont know if they do diagnostics but they are the cheapest I have found for parts and have always supplied me good quality bits.
 
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