Hi everyone again,

Can this be a sign of a MAF sensor?

I have no engine light on...

Some colleague of mine that works also as a mechanic at its own garage told me yesterday that this is due to the Variable Valve Timing and it's quite normal...but I personally don't think so... As I have early mentioned I'm experiencing idle fluctuations randomly and a kind of cough (pop, out of time burning from one of the pistons), but only at idle 😓. When this occurs I can hear also a kind of small clicking or tapping noise from underneath the engine bay and in that certain moment the car shakes a bit...


Please someone help
Any ideas are really appreciated


Best regards
Elvis

 

Check to see if there is any oil down the spark plug tubes, this is a problem that occurs occasionally with the 1750TBi engine.

 

Thanks buzzbuzz!
Now this is new to me, I didn't know this happens. I'm very familiar with the Alfa boxer engines...i love them, but with the newer engines I'm out 😅. How bad is that, or can I only clean up und is good to go. I'll check later and let you know. I hope it's all in order

Regards
Elvis

 

Well, I have decided to go for a maintenance services on Saturday, oil, filters and spark plugs change, so I can inspect the spark plugs holes for any oil accumulation.

Somewhere I read a thread about the same problem I'm having and someone said that spraying the MAF with some brakes cleaner can cure this symptoms 🤔🙄

Another question:

I have ordered Selenia Quadrifoglio, is this ok for my 2011 engine or...? The previous owner has serviced the G always with the Selenia Quadrifoglio, but I read somewhere that this is only for the latest Giuliettas, Giulias and 4C?


Best regards
Elvis

 

Whatever you do, do NOT use brake cleaner, the residue left on it can damage the MAF. Use mass air flow sensor cleaner, and do not touch the wires, just give it a good squirt of MAF cleaner, then let it air dry for about 20 minutes before putting it back on.

Selenia quadrifoglio is the correct oil for the QV, it used to be sport power but the quadrifoglio has taken its place.

Good luck and let us know if you had any oil done your spark plug wells. 👍

 

Thanks for the recommendations...
Hopefully it's all good and clean.

Today I went for Shell petrol station just to try and guess what...the car runs way smoother, not 100% clean when idling thought but way better.

I'll let you guys know

Thanks
Best regards
Elvis

 

Last night been consulted with some friends of mine, he is a mechanic but he lives in motherland und I'm in Germany at the moment. He has worked before by Alfa Romeo. I tried to explain him what I'm experiencing.
He told me that sounds like a slightly small misfire that occurs only at idle... when accelerating it's not noticeable because the rpm covers it up...und 99% it's eather a spark plug or one of the coils. This can be seen with a live data scanning tool (counting the misfires), that obviously I don't have. This is why I hear detonation from the exhaust.

When changing the spark plugs I guess I should be able to tell which cylinder has misfired, from the colour of the spark plug or it's not always possible!!!
Are the coils expensive or?


Another question that has been earlier discussed is that, once I have changed the oil and filters, how can I reset the service and oil change interval lights on the dashboard? Has anyone figured out yet or this must be done only with a scanning tool?


Thanks in advance
Best regards
Elvis

 

I would leave off for now with the coilpacks. Do the service on the car including the cleaning of the MAF and MAP sensors, and then take it from there, if it's still there then maybe think about changing the coilpacks. You may find it's slightly misfiring because of the dirty MAF/MAP etc.

As far as I'm aware you need the scan tool to clear the service lights.

Mattie.

 

 

Take your engine cover off, and it's this big pipe on the right with the blue and white sticker on it. That's the MAP sensor.

How are you getting on with it?

Mattie.

 

Take your engine cover off, and it's this big pipe on the right with the blue and white sticker on it. That's the MAP sensor.

How are you getting on with it?

Mattie.

Hi Mattie
Thanks Form the pic. I know now where it is, I have already seen it when I first inspected the engine before the buying. I couldn't do anything with the car today, my mechanic was busy, but I did drive it 😁, excluding the slightly rough idle und fluctuations, the car is such a joy to drive.
I'll change oil, filters and spark plugs on Tuesday and Wednesday I'll put new brake pads in the front and back because the old ones are done. Meanwhile I have ordered a MAF sensor cleaner so when the brakes are being changed I can give the MAP and MAF sensors a good clean.

The only thing that bothers me is that I have to drive extra to the Alfa Romeo dealer only to reset the Service and Oil lamp on dash and I need an appointment and drive 70 km to do that... always if they don't refuse me coz the oil and filters war changed somewhere else... 🙄🙄

Thanks again

Best, Elvis

 

Have used brake cleaner on maf many times as advised by mechanic and it is fine n my qv but everyone has an opinion.. I found maf cleaner less effective and I al most tossed maf till I used brake cleaner and voila like magic lol

 

Hi everyone

How many liter of Selenia should I order for my 1.75 TBI, I can't find my owners manual at the moment 😅. I think I have read somewhere it takes 5.1 litre...is that right?



I have noticed that when I first start the engine (cold start) in the first 10 seconds I can see just a little smoke coming out the exhaust...but just a little and than disappears... should I worry or is that normal with 120000 km on the clock

Best,

Elvis

 

Hi everyone

How many liter of Selenia should I order for my 1.75 TBI, I can't find my owners manual at the moment 😅. I think I have read somewhere it takes 5.1 litre...is that right?



I have noticed that when I first start the engine (cold start) in the first 10 seconds I can see just a little smoke coming out the exhaust...but just a little and than disappears... should I worry or is that normal with 120000 km on the clock

Best,

Elvis

If I remember correctly it should be just over 5 litres yes. So just order a bit more and check your level after you've put 5 litres in to gauge how much more you need.

What colour is the smoke? If it's cold out it may just be condensation from the exhaust.
Does your tbi use any oil or coolant?

His did you get on with the rest of the service mate?

Mattie

 

Hi Mattie

It is definitely smoke (little for few seconds) and than disappears and starts the steam from the condensation. This happens only by the first start when tha car has been sitting over night or for many hours. My engine use no oil or coolant thanks God, I check oil and coolant level regularly and they both haven't dropped.

The colour of the smoke is whitish but very little..
As for the service I have a little delay as my mechanic didn't get the spark plugs in time and he has also a lot to do this week...next appointment is April the 10th🙄😔😓.
In two days I have another appointment for my brakes, I'm about to change all 4 brake pads as they are done, but very expensive here in Germany...😱lol

I'm very interested also on buying the MultiECUscan software to reset the service light...any source ore website??? What they charge to Alfa Romeo here for that is ridiculous...I can buy it myself and use it every time I need to 😉

Best

Elvis

 

Hi Mattie

It is definitely smoke (little for few seconds) and than disappears and starts the steam from the condensation. This happens only by the first start when tha car has been sitting over night or for many hours. My engine use no oil or coolant thanks God, I check oil and coolant level regularly and they both haven't dropped.

The colour of the smoke is whitish but very little..
As for the service I have a little delay as my mechanic didn't get the spark plugs in time and he has also a lot to do this week...next appointment is April the 10th🙄😔😓.
In two days I have another appointment for my brakes, I'm about to change all 4 brake pads as they are done, but very expensive here in Germany...😱lol

I'm very interested also on buying the MultiECUscan software to reset the service light...any source ore website??? What they charge to Alfa Romeo here for that is ridiculous...I can buy it myself and use it every time I need to 😉

Best

Elvis

I suppose the smoke could just be because it's been sat there doing nothing for a few days. Coule be a build up of deposits in the exhaust.
As long as the smoke isn't blue it should be fine, but once you have done the service monitor it from there. It could also be because the MAP/MAF sensor is gunked up.
Maybe put some fuel cleaner in your tank before you do the oil change, that might clear it out.

Yer some parts are expensive, but you do want quality parts when it comes to brakes, maybe you could do them yourself to save some money?

Not quite sure on the MES sorry I haven't got an OBD scanner (at the moment anyway).
Maybe you could do a search to look into that.

Mattie

 

Hi everyone

Yesterday I had a look at the engine bay and I noticed that my MAP sensor is a Bosch sensor but without the blue sticker on top of it, instead is a totally black sticker. As everyone mentioned it, on G QV it must have a blue sticker on it. Does this mean that the wrong sensor could have been fitted or they just fitted different sensors in different Giuliettas and this is just the right sensor but looks different.


I'm also on buying the MultiECUscan License but from what I have been reading online, many people are having troubles with the interface and cables adapters to communicate with the software. Can anyone recommend a set of connection cables + interface (already modified) that will do the job and which adapters do I need? What about the drivers interface, can you download from the internet if you get it without the drivers CD?

Thanks
Cheers
Elvis

 

I just ordered this:

MultiECUScan "CAN-BUS" - Diagnoseset für CANBUS ! - Electronic-Fuchs

Dieses Set ist ideal für CAN-BUS-Fahrzeuge, da es alle benötigten Hardware- und Softwarekomponenten für eine umfassende Fahrzeugdiagnose enthält. Technische Daten des Interfaces "CAN327": CAN327 Interface: Zusätzliche Modifikationen der CANBUS-Leitung garantieren eine zuverlässige Kommunikation...

electronic-fuchs.de

It's the combi pack that includes the MultiECUscan software the bundle and the yellow adapter...
Can anyone confirm that this is compatible for the GQV?

I intend to use it and hopefully detect from the live data, on which cylinder occurs the misfire and oil change and service intervals light reset. I think it is a good investment and can save a lot of money with the Alfa Romeo dealers charging a fortune only to plug your car in🙄
Regards
Elvis

 

Hi friends,

I wanted to add something quickly. I came back from work now and while parking in Reverse, I have noticed that while moving the steering wheel to the left or right the reverse light fades a bit...only when steering...
And perhaps it's only my impression or it's just me being too paranoid, but it seems to be affecting idling too. It gives me the impression that the movement of the steering sucks to much power (electricity) from the system... Had anyone else already experienced something like that, is that normal by G, or it indicates that something might be rong or the battery is giving slowly up?

I'm very sorry guys but as I have mentioned by the start of this thread I'm totally unfamiliar with the Giuliettas and with so much electronics around 😏🙄😞🤦🏻‍♂️🤦🏻‍♂️

Cheers
Elvis

 

New update...

Hi friends,
I took the G today to be serviced. First I had a good long conversation with the mechanic 🙂, he's also an Alfista 😉.
I explained what I'm experiencing with my Giulietta, but more important what the suggestion from you guys here in the forum are, as this is the most important thing for me! I trust you guys more than any mechanic in the world 😜

Than we did quickly inspect a few things based on the suggestion from here and guess what...we found the following:

1. We took out one of the spark plugs and it was a Bosch 😒 and no NGK

2. We did take out the coils and we found out that the two plug holes on the right have some oil inside (coming out from gasket of the plastic cover on top)

3. I told him about the fact that the reverse lights faded when I'm steering.
He measured the alternators charge and it shows 14.3v
So the alternator is charging as it should

He said than definitely it can indicate only one thing, a tired battery that most probably is still the original and was never replaced as it is a Mopar


So I think we have so far localised the culprit and the reason why the G is behaving like this...

I left the car there and I'll be taking her back tomorrow.

The following will be done:
1. Fresh Selenia Quadrifoglio oil
2. New NGK spark plugs ILKAR7D6G
3. New air/oil filters
4. Cleaning MAF and MAP sensor with sensor cleaner
5. Cleaning away the oil from the spark plugs holes before fitting the new ones in.

Hopefully this will improve the G's running 🥵🤕...as I don't see any other reason for this problem. I expect a smoother running and a power improvement (a few horses should be back there. Lol)

Tomorrow I'm going to take her back home... let's see how she runs!!!


We have also already planned for the next weekend to put in:
1. a new Varta battery
2. A new original gasket for the plastic cover on top

He needs to order the parts

When everything is changed I'll give her a good thrash (Italian tuning), so she gets nice and clean inside 😁


Later on in the following months I'll be changing the distribution belts, tensioners and water pump, but first let see how she behaves...

I'll keep you guys updated...

Best regards
Elvis

 

New update...

Hi friends,
I took the G today to be serviced. First I had a good long conversation with the mechanic 🙂, he's also an Alfista 😉.
I explained what I'm experiencing with my Giulietta, but more important what the suggestion from you guys here in the forum are, as this is the most important thing for me! I trust you guys more than any mechanic in the world 😜

Than we did quickly inspect a few things based on the suggestion from here and guess what...we found the following:

1. We took out one of the spark plugs and it was a Bosch 😒 and no NGK

2. We did take out the coils and we found out that the two plug holes on the right have some oil inside (coming out from gasket of the plastic cover on top)

3. I told him about the fact that the reverse lights faded when I'm steering.
He measured the alternators charge and it shows 14.3v
So the alternator is charging as it should

He said than definitely it can indicate only one thing, a tired battery that most probably is still the original and was never replaced as it is a Mopar


So I think we have so far localised the culprit and the reason why the G is behaving like this...

I left the car there and I'll be taking her back tomorrow.

The following will be done:
1. Fresh Selenia Quadrifoglio oil
2. New NGK spark plugs ILKAR7D6G
3. New air/oil filters
4. Cleaning MAF and MAP sensor with sensor cleaner
5. Cleaning away the oil from the spark plugs holes before fitting the new ones in.

Hopefully this will improve the G's running 🥵🤕...as I don't see any other reason for this problem. I expect a smoother running and a power improvement (a few horses should be back there. Lol)

Tomorrow I'm going to take her back home... let's see how she runs!!!


We have also already planned for the next weekend to put in:
1. a new Varta battery
2. A new original gasket for the plastic cover on top

He needs to order the parts

When everything is changed I'll give her a good thrash (Italian tuning), so she gets nice and clean inside 😁


Later on in the following months I'll be changing the distribution belts, tensioners and water pump, but first let see how she behaves...

I'll keep you guys updated...

Best regards
Elvis

That's quite a list of things there. It just goes to show what a good service comes up with.
Oil in the spark plug wells definitely cant be doing it any good. I'm surprised you didnt have more running problems with having oil in the spark plug wells. Should be substantially better when you have the oil cleaned out and the gasket replaced.

Also with the battery being the original and given the age of the car, it's definitely a good idea to just replace it, for peace of mind as that's probably what's causing your electrical issues with your reverse lights etc.

I'm having a problem of my own at the minute with my cloverleaf, as my a/c seems to be drawing too much power from the electrical system, again could be the battery, most of the time it is with these electrical gremlins as the giulietta seems to be very fussy with batteries.

Let us know how your car feels tomorrow when it's done, from what you've said though it should be a vast improvement. 👍

Mattie

 

Great news. Thanks for the update, a lot of peeps don't bother.

 

I forgot to mention something...
The old oil was very dark and polluted...this with round 10k km in it, but the mechanic said that can be due to short every day trips, but I guess can easily be addressed to the fact that the engine hasn't run as it should too.

Today morning I have checked the new oil level and it seems it has taken a light colouration, but I guess it's due to some of the old oil remaining around the engine when changed. I'm not a big fan of using engine cleaning additives so I just put new oil in and change it with regular intervals of max 10k km and not 20-25 k km as it's advised 🙄

Best
Elvis

 

That's great news elvis! Glad you got the problems sorted, from what you said, especially oil in the spark plug wells, I thought it would be a vast improvement.
So all it needed really was a good service.

With the oil being very dirty and if you do short journeys I would change the oil more often, not necessarily on the mileage, but also time, as in change it every six months regardless of mileage.
I try to change mine every 6 months, whether I do 2,000 or 6000 miles a year, that way its always nice and fresh.
Once you get the other bits down it should feel like a brand new car.

I'm going to try and get mine sorted this week, hopefully it's just a battery or ground issue, probably be something simple. Thanks for the well wishes, and enjoy the GQV it really is a great car. 👍

Mattie.

 

Hi Mattie,

Probably changing the oil more frequently is a good thing to do in a QV, the car benefits a lot and the engine stays in top conditions...I think they tend to degrade the oil a bit quicker due to the high performance.
The service this time went up to around 650 EUR, so this Cars are not easy to maintain...but worth investing as the car feels like brand new as you said.

I can't wait for the battery to change and see how will this affect the behaviour of the car. I have still the issue of the spark getting to wick when I steer at idle.

Last night trying to clean the instrument panel I scraped the plastic a bit😒...now looking forward to find a clear plastic polishing product.

I'm pretty sure yours will get also better after the new battery or earthing problem is sorted out 😉

Cheers
Elvis

 

Hi guys,


All set up...
Yesterday came the new Varta battery for my GQV and I swapped it with the old one. No issues a part the normal steering wheel and windows routine. Now it's all set up apart the timing kit that will be replaced in 2-3 months time. So far everything looks fine, no oil consumption or oil leaks, no misfires or hesitations, no lack of power...the car runs perfectly and it's so fun to drive 😍

Now remains 2 issues, but I'm more curious than conserned about:

1. After the installation of the new battery I still have the same electrical issue with the reverse lights and idle decreasing when steering at idle... now good is that even though the idle dropping now occurs no missfire anymore.
Maybe this issue with electronics it's just a normal thing for the Giulietta 🙄

2. I have noticed that when first cold start in the morning or after work when the car has been sitting for a long time, when I fire her up I expect the revs to be high above the 1000 rpm for the first minute or so, but it doesn't always happen. It happens accassionaly but not always. For example 3 days ago I first fired her up at 9 Am and no high idle, just above 800rpm and than after a minute it settles down to normal.
Same day after work fired her up at 10 PM and she idles above 1000rpm for one minute and than settles down to normal. The next day she didn't rev higher than 800-900 rpm in both occasions (now it is spring with positive temp from 6-18 degrees).
Is this normal, because as far as I know she must rev higher than 1000rpm on cold start for the first couple of minutes, or are they to intelligent to do this only when they really need to..😂😅


Ohh and last but not least... does anyone know I the GQV has a PCV valve and where is it located?


Mattie have you solved the issue with your AC yet...?

Cheers
Elvis

 

Hi Elvis, how are you doing mate?

I have solved my issue with a brand new battery, now everything seems to be normal again. Thank you for asking.
It seems the battery was fluctuating from 10-12 volts when it was running, causing it cut some of the electrical items out at low speed/revs.

It seems fairly normal to me with regards to your revs from cold, mine also does it, I wouldn't worry about that as long as the car is running ok, it may be a case the car decides how much 'choke' to put on and for how long depending on the air temperature. Dont quote me on that though.

With your reverse light issue, did you test the battery before you put it on to see how much charge it had in it, before you installed it on the car? And did you test the alternator to see what the readings were showing when the car was running? What are you battery earths like? Corroded or loose? Check them things and see what comes back, and go from there.

Regards.

Mattie.

 

they rev a bit higher if the electrical load is higher or the battery is a bit more discharged. Lights, window demisters, cabin fan etc can influence idle after starting, aswell as temperature.

 

Hi Jettronic 77

In my case I always make sure it's all turned off before I fire her up...
So what you mean is that it's normal for them not to idle high at start up unless it is necessary according to the parameters in that certain moment?

Cheers

 

I think they monitor battery voltage mostly. If the alternator and battery can keep up they stay at a lower rpm. Temperature affects battery but could also by itself lead to a higher start rpm.

I have a diesel, it's very rare that idle rpm exceeds 900, but it happens. Usually it's 800-850 though. I think I have seen 1000 once this winter

 

The earth cable on mine is attached to the inner wing/wheel arch above the battery top. Easy to get to when I put the trickle charger on.

 

Got the trickle charger on today and noticed that the cable attached to the sensor for monitoring the battery status does indeed dive down under the battery tray but I don't think you should think of it as the earth cable.

 

Hi guys,

I hope it's all going good!

I have two issues but I didn't want to start a new thread.
1. Today I have put on my new 19" alloys with summer tyres. They look just gorgeous but I don't know and I'm not able to find any info about the right tyre pressure for the 19"
In moment I'm running them 2.6 bar in the front and 2.4 in the rear, but I need the right values. Can anyone help?


2. Today, accassionaly when steering, when in move in first gear or when not moving at all when steering almost at full lock, I could hear a "click" coming from the front of the car from both sides ( I think somewhere from the front wheels). I never experienced that noise...
I don't know how to exactly describe it but it sound exactly the same as the "clicking" noise when you turn the Air Conditioning on in a car🤔🙄. That has nothing to do with the new wheels as it was there before I changed them and it's still there (not always thought). Sometimes sounds like it's coming from the brakes but not sure.

Can a similar noise come from the steering rack or...? The only to possibile thinks I can think about are eather the noise comes from the brakes calipers in the front or from the steering rack...
It's not a strong "click" noise but anyway audible from inside with the window down.


Any ideas guys.


As per the 19" wheels I have noticed that the car handles way better in the turns, but a bit moore bumpy in bad roads, and the steering wheel its a lot heavier now. Ohh and the kick when the turbo kicks in its now a bit less noticeable thought

Cheers
Elvis