[KaizerG]

This is my first post in this section of the Alfaowner website so hello! I'm from South Africa and have a 2003 Alfa Spider 3.0 V6 24v which I purchased this year.

I've created a list of things which I want to sort out on my Spider to get it sorted back to as near a pristine condition as possible.

The list:
1. Filler Cap release button sometimes does not work when pushed (solenoid?)
2. Door rubbers need to be replaced
3. Squeak where the dashboard meets the windscreen on the drivers side. Sounds like rubber on glass (NB – very irritating). occurs when body is flexing when turning on uneven ground
4. Drivers Door Window does not seal properly and get road noise (not serious as does not leak)
5. Hot air blows through vents at all times especially after a long drive
6. Brake Shudder (disk skim needed)
7. Fuel Gauge backlight not working at times (loose connection?)
8. Tick tick at cold start up which lasts for a few seconds (apparently tappets and need engine flush to remedy)
9. Tick tick when switching off car (sounds like the fan slowly decreasing in speed)


If anyone has any info or advice on any of the issues please let me know. Also good to hear if anyone else has had similar experiences in some of these and how they got them sorted.

 

[GT Paddy]

Hi there

On the fuel filler cap release are do you doing it with the ignition turned completely off and possibly keys removed? I seem to remember swearing at my car for not opening the cap only to find it was this that caused it.

I also get the hot air too! Mine apparently needs a new radiator which I am sure is not helping. Must get the a/c topped up to sort it properly

 

[KaizerG]

Hi there

On the fuel filler cap release are do you doing it with the ignition turned completely off and possibly keys removed? I seem to remember swearing at my car for not opening the cap only to find it was this that caused it.

I also get the hot air too! Mine apparently needs a new radiator which I am sure is not helping. Must get the a/c topped up to sort it properly

haha that may well be the issue as it does seem to be intermittent, I'll give it a test when I'm home. Thanks

Second point on needing a new rad worries me... why would this result in blowing hot air??

 

[GT Paddy]

I should point out that I am not the most mechanical! Clearing air bag faults are about as good as it gets. The air flow system is is very old school compared to modern cars, where most modern cars to not produce any air through the vents unless the fan is on, the Alfa will. It has to scoop the air from somewhere so I am guessing that the heat of the engine will affect this.