[fikret]

Hi! My alfa 156 1.9 MJet 16v FaceLift, SW, year 2005, 150bhp ,developed a problem few days ago. Suddenly engine error control system failure appeared on my dashboard. Diagnostic shows U1601 error, cleared it but it keeps appearing at least a day. Today even U1706 error appeared. I've visited my alfa specialist, but he doesn't know how to fix the problem or what is the cause. Same thing with alfa dealer here, no one knows how to fix it. Even google search didn't helped...

I have cleaned ECU connector with contact cleaner, since that is my no1 suspect, but it didn't helped.

Can anyone help, please?

 

[davealfa11]

Hi! My alfa 156 1.9 MJet 16v FaceLift, SW, year 2005, 150bhp ,developed a problem few days ago. Suddenly engine error control system failure appeared on my dashboard. Diagnostic shows U1601 error, cleared it but it keeps appearing at least a day. Today even U1706 error appeared. I've visited my alfa specialist, but he doesn't know how to fix the problem or what is the cause. Same thing with alfa dealer here, no one knows how to fix it. Even google search didn't helped...

I have cleaned ECU connector with contact cleaner, since that is my no1 suspect, but it didn't helped.

Can anyone help, please?

body computer or engine ecu you cleaned ?

 

[fikret]

body computer or engine ecu you cleaned ?

Engine ECU, located under engine cover. BTW, where is body computer located?
Thanks, I really appreciate any help here.

 

[CJO]

a 156 does not have a body computer - they are in 147/GTs

 

[davealfa11]

a 156 does not have a body computer - they are in 147/GTs

so engine ecu controls can line

 

[fikret]

No one have any idea? :-(

 

[Guest]

Who is your Alfa specialist?

Can't he fix it or won't he fix it?

U1601 CAN :Key recognition error usually down to the transponder/reciever ring on the steering column, probably loose connection.
U1706 Brake control node: Loss of communication between the ABS and ECU Check the abs fuse/ main fuse, clean up the connections.. Disconnect the battery first mate.
While you are at it, check your earthing cables to the body and engine block :thumbs:

 

[fikret]

Who is your Alfa specialist?

Can't he fix it or won't he fix it?

U1601 CAN :Key recognition error usually down to the transponder/reciever ring on the steering column, probably loose connection.
U1706 Brake control node: Loss of communication between the ABS and ECU Check the abs fuse/ main fuse, clean up the connections.. Disconnect the battery first mate.
While you are at it, check your earthing cables to the body and engine block :thumbs:

Thanks mate! I will do what you recommended. Will let you know if I fixed it.

BTW, my alfa specialist said that ECU is the reason, even without looking at problem, without connecting examiner device...

 

[fikret]

U1601 CAN :Key recognition error usually down to the transponder/reciever ring on the steering column, probably loose connection.

I have checked ring and it's connection to immobbilizer, but no luck. I will try to find another ring and check that way. BTW, car drives fine, usualy U1601 error is intermminent, once or twice a day it is fatal and I get on my dashboard "motor control system failure", but it still drives fine. I would like to know what could be the reason for this

I've got rid of U1706 error, somehow :thumbs:

Any other idea?

 

[Guest]

I have checked ring and it's connection to immobbilizer, but no luck. I will try to find another ring and check that way. BTW, car drives fine, usualy U1601 error is intermminent, once or twice a day it is fatal and I get on my dashboard "motor control system failure", but it still drives fine. I would like to know what could be the reason for this

I've got rid of U1706 error, somehow :thumbs:

Any other idea?

Yep....

You know when you mentioned that you checked the connections to the ECU in your OP?
Did you double check to see if any of the pins were bent?.....They can bend very easily on removal, If so very carefully straighten them out and spray with electrical contact cleaner and gently refit.

Do you have a spare key fob? If so..... Try that for the time being, it could be the little transponder block in your original key playing up.

With MCSF warnings first thing I would do is go and get a free battery and alternator check to check the state of charge.
Many tyre and exhaust centres offer this service and only takes 5 minutes...
Take no real notice of what they say about replacing this and that if they give you the sales patter, just ask for a read out results and post them on here.:thumbs: Even if the car starts ok, it could be low on cranking amps and /or not charging correctly at a voltage that the ECU is happy with.
That eliminates one common cause for MCSF....
The rest could be more difficult to find without a ODBII code reading when the fault actually occurs

 

[fikret]

You know when you mentioned that you checked the connections to the ECU in your OP?
Did you double check to see if any of the pins were bent?.....They can bend very easily on removal, If so very carefully straighten them out and spray with electrical contact cleaner and gently refit.

Hi! Sorry for being away, I was trying to fix these errors...

I have checked pins together with a dealer. All is fine there.
BTW, I have visited several dealers in my country, noone have any idea what the problem is.

Do you have a spare key fob? If so..... Try that for the time being, it could be the little transponder block in your original key playing up.

I do have spare key, but we have discovered that ECU is replaced, and immo chip is tied to immo antenna :-( so spare key will not help since key code is allways on.

BTW, can I replace immobilizer box? blue box?
I am waiting for a car electrician specialist to take a look at my car next week.

With MCSF warnings first thing I would do is go and get a free battery and alternator check to check the state of charge.
Many tyre and exhaust centres offer this service and only takes 5 minutes...
Take no real notice of what they say about replacing this and that if they give you the sales patter, just ask for a read out results and post them on here.:thumbs: Even if the car starts ok, it could be low on cranking amps and /or not charging correctly at a voltage that the ECU is happy with.
That eliminates one common cause for MCSF....
The rest could be more difficult to find without a ODBII code reading when the fault actually occurs

battery and alternator are fine...
one funny thing is, when I connect examiner, read errors, once will show U1601. I can clear it, but it will re-appear together with U1706. If I clear these again, only U1601 reappears. Again, when I clear U1601, together with U1601 appears U1706

I will try to find replacement blue box and try that, while waiting for that guy next week.

If you can give me any other suggestion, please do. And thanks again!

 

[fikret]

No help for my bella? :-(

 

[biffa]

Hi! Sorry for being away, I was trying to fix these errors...

I have checked pins together with a dealer. All is fine there.
BTW, I have visited several dealers in my country, noone have any idea what the problem is.



I do have spare key, but we have discovered that ECU is replaced, and immo chip is tied to immo antenna :-( so spare key will not help since key code is allways on.

BTW, can I replace immobilizer box? blue box?
I am waiting for a car electrician specialist to take a look at my car next week.




battery and alternator are fine...
one funny thing is, when I connect examiner, read errors, once will show U1601. I can clear it, but it will re-appear together with U1706. If I clear these again, only U1601 reappears. Again, when I clear U1601, together with U1601 appears U1706

I will try to find replacement blue box and try that, while waiting for that guy next week.

If you can give me any other suggestion, please do. And thanks again!

Dont change the Blue box, as you will need the Engine ECU too thay are a matched pair...

How old is the battery? With alfas seemingly good batteries can cause the oddest of faults if it more than 3yrs old i would be looking at changing it...

This might also be worth a read Technical: U1706 CAN Brake Control Node 1.9 JTD - Page 2 - The FIAT Forum

 

[fikret]

Electronic specialist looked at my car today, and he says my ECU is bad. Anyone knows where to find ECU 0281011984 cheap?

 

[davealfa11]

Electronic specialist looked at my car today, and he says my ECU is bad. Anyone knows where to find ECU 0281011984 cheap?

http://www.alfaowner.com/Forum/members/alfa+tuner.html may help you out

 

[Guest]

Sorry Fikret, I have also been away on a VOSA training course for a couple of days.. It looks like Dave and Biffa have sorted everything out for you though... I hope everything goes well with the ECU replacement :thumbs: