147 ABS Failure Straw Poll
Roj
on their 147s, and if so, what was wrong and how was it fixed?
It would be useful if owners who've not experienced any problems also
posted to say they were happy so we can get a representative result.
Cheers.
--
Roj
Hans Rietveld
Hans (Netherlands)
David A Smith
Yes I've had the problem. It is a 'well known' problem, to do with the
brake light switch being, what I can only describe as, poorly positioned, or
adjusted. The switch has to be adjusted under the brake pedal, and then the
car put on a 'machine', I assume to clear the fault memory. It took less
than an hour for my local Alfa dealer to do the work and take the car for a
good test drive. Since the adjustment I haven't had the fault again.
As an aside, my car was an import, not a franchise dealer car. However this
wasn't a problem at all, which I found most refreshing.
Dave (Minari owner, see www.minari-register.org.uk)
"Hans Rietveld" <hans_r...@planet.nl> wrote in message
news:694a9942.01120...@posting.google.com...
Eric Mayes
I also have this problem with my 2-week-old 3-door 147 2.0 Selespeed. I
noticed it in the first five miles after picking it up from the importer.
Thankfully I had been reading this newsgroup, and was both prepared and calm
that a 'reboot' would temporarily fix the problem. Instead of immediately
taking it to my local dealer, I have been watching for any other faults.
The following are the ones noted to date:
1) ABS/VDC failure with symptoms matching those previously described (going
slowly, gentle brake pressure either stopping or about to accelerate, beeps
then failure messages). Restarting the car works fine, and trying to drive
the furthest before the system fails has become an added bonus game!
2) One recent cold morning, the car stalled as I yielded at a round-about.
I am not sure if this was a follow-on of an ABS/VDC failure, but it seemed
that the Selespeed didn't downshift into 1st and stalled (cannot recall if I
tried to downshift). Concurrent with that event, a series of warnings
including a Selespeed failure displayed and the car lurched to a halt (from
2-3 MPH). Thankfully no one was behind me and I wasn't at speed. I hope
that this was an isolated incident related to the ABS/VDC failure or a cold
morning. Regardless, it caused me to decide my period of 'watching' was
over, and I have an appointment with the dealer in one week. It also made
me long for a transmission that wouldn't fail because of programming!
(however I am still quite satisfied with the Selespeed)
Note: I have already spoken with another poster (Dug, thank you very much
for your help) who happened to take his malfunctioning 147 to the same
dealer I will (Bristol, UK). He was apparently satisfied with both the fix
and the dealership.
Minor faults:
3) The larger of the split/fold rear seats does not latch properly, and can
be pulled forward without releasing the catch. It is not so loose that it
will fall forward while braking, and does not seem to represent a safety
hazard. Looks like a quick fix, but I'll leave it for the dealer.
4) The CD player (Standard Bose system for the 2.0) can forget it is a part
of the system. This is infrequent, but here are the conditions: [I have
been listening to a CD in the car. I stop and park, turning off the car.
Doing things other than driving. Turn the car back on and either a) desire
to eject the CD or b) continue listening. The radio starts but cannot eject
the CD. As I cycle through the 'sources', the system seems to miss out the
fact that it has a CD in the dash (it does come across the CD changer which
I don't have).] The fix? It's the Alfa147 reboot! Well, this time I just
turn off the radio then turn it on again. Works like it should. Really
feels like a software error to me, minus the fact that I cannot repeat it
each and every time. Sigh!
But these all seem minor compared to the amount of fun I have been having.
Not only is the Alfa a brilliant drive, but I am consistently self-satisfied
with the quality of materials, handling, electronic-whizbang extras, etc.
for the cost. In relation to the recent colour discussions, I am happy to
report that Fire Black with the Natural leather is beautiful combination.
But not too many, please! I am enjoying a few moments of exclusivity. ;)
Fire Black has a touch of reddish-brown in the reflected light, making it
warmer and quite complementary to the Natural leather. The leather quality
is much better than I would have expected for a car of this price, and all
of the materials seem better quality than a 147 I test-drove this past
summer. Does it feel like an Alfa? It does enough for me to enjoy it more
than any other car I have owned, while having the conveniences and security
of a modern car (minus the recent lousy head-on crash performance!).
I hope everyone has such a positive (or better) experience with their 147s!
And wish the same to the Alfa family at large.
Regards,
Eric
"Roj" <R...@spamoff-gorlan.demon.co.uk> wrote in message
news:9c9s0ucavms5psd87...@4ax.com...
Roj
[snip]
>3) The larger of the split/fold rear seats does not latch properly, and can
>be pulled forward without releasing the catch. It is not so loose that it
>will fall forward while braking, and does not seem to represent a safety
>hazard. Looks like a quick fix, but I'll leave it for the dealer.
The smaller of the rear seats wouldn't latch on mine. I was convinced it
was because the plastic bit behind the seat was too far forward but the
dealer just lubricated the mechanism and it works perfectly now.
--
Roj
Simon Andersson
I've had my 3d 147 2.0 Selespeed (Proteus red, natural leather) for a
week now, 400kms.
I've not had any of the problems You describe.
I'm very happy with my car so far.
I love my alfa!
Roman Figaj
Roman
147 Selespeed - 6,500 km
--
Man has invented his doom
First step was touching the moon
...who is gonna take away his license to kill ?
-- Bob Dylan
gadget man
amongst a huge amount of great info you'll find a 147/156/166 Forum with
loads of technical bits discussed. This exact problem is subject to
discussion at the moment. Some of the details are posted by a senior Alfa
Technician - This problem relates to a switch attached to the brake pedal
that needs adjusting.
It's a great site - go there!
Roj
Excellent tip, thanks.
--
Roj
Anthony Fosbrook
Been in twice since new for minor issues:-
ABS/VDC - intermittent faults - usually when either starting up or driving
slowly and braking - re-boot clears up the problem. First visit has reduced
errors, just had two since September.
CD Player - Occasionally when a CD has been playing and car is stopped, the
player fails to play the CD when resuming journey - reports CD error.
Switching off radio seems to clear error. On delivery, the dealers has
forgotten to connect the sub wuffer !!!
Steering Column cover fits badly on one side (pointed out on first visit,
the second visit was when parts arrived, but still not corrected).
Oil - just put two litres in !! No warning, only indications from 'oil
pressure warning' buzzer when cornering hard to the right, then followed by
tapping on start up. The dip stick is really crap isn't it !!! I'll get
them to check this tomorrow !
Warnings about rear light failure - light was operational though. Found
error to be a corroded pin causing a current drop on rear light cluster -
cleaned it up and WD40'ed it - fixed. Will get it replaced tomorrow.
Looks like there are a few 'common' faults reading this thread - there
aren't too many Selespeeds out there though !
Still love the car, spend three hours a day in it on average. Heated seats
come in handy is this cool weather. Handling is excellent, especially in
the wet !
Whoooo !
Anthony
Stirling Grey 147 Selespeed, Black Momo, 17" Sport Alloys :-)