2000 Alfa Romeo 156 JTD from UK and Ireland - Comments

I have a recurrent problem with the immobiliser, the immobiliser, and dare I say it again?, the immobiliser on my Alfa 156 2.4JTD.

The fault first occurred 4 months following purchase from new, and 18 months on, the local dealer has so far changed the electronic management unit, the ignition keys and repeatedly tested and corrected faults in the wiring loom (connections and termination points) from end-to-end.

I have not been away from the garage for longer than 3 months at a time, and still, the same fault persists.

When the ignition key is inserted, the immobiliser light stays 'on', which does not allow the car to start. You have to repeatedly remove and re-insert the key, offer up a quick prayer, then try to re-start if the immobiliser light finally goes out. It's completely hit-or-miss whether it starts or not.

Being an intermittent problem makes it even harder to actually demonstrate to the mechanic. Every time the problem is once again 'fixed' at the garage, it's now a question of how many days/weeks/months may pass before it happens again, which so far, it sadly, but inevitably does.

The other (newer) fault appears when driving and the accelerator pedal is depressed, eg when overtaking on a motorway. There is, for an instant, no power whatsoever, resulting in a momentary 'lag' before the power is delivered. Pretty scarey when you are overtaking at speed.

Having read the other entries on this web-site, I am sad, but heartened to find that I am not the only Alfa-owner experiencing car problems. I am however appalled that Alfa seem to think this car-ownership experience is either satisfactory or indeed, acceptable.

The problem with the immobiliser has stranded me on many occasions in some pretty remote car parks at some strange hours of the day - I frequently travel to Europe from UK airports in the course of my work.

The problem with the power-lag is just down-right scarey.

I bought a new car because I needed a reliable vehicle that provided safe transportation for my business and leisure needs. I also wanted a high-performance car that was fun to drive.

The Alfa 156 in JTD-form with lowered sport suspension is truly exquisite to drive. When I can start it.

Safe, reliable and fit for purpose? Alfa-lutely not.

I had the immobilizer problem with my V6 petrol. You put the key in the key symbol light stays on and it turns over, but won't start. I asked my local Alfa dealer and they diagnosed the aerial situated inside the ignition barrel that picks up a signal from the key was faulty. They replaced it and I haven't had the problem since. I hope this helps.

I have the same problem with my 1.9JTD. When in accelaration on 4th or 5th gear at about 3500 r.p.m the car sometimes lags and in 3 occasions the car simply stalled. I have complained to my dealer several times, but they cannot replicate the problem. Did you have your problem resolved?

I have a reverse problem with power. When accelerating hard the power comes in fine with great urge then tails off as if the engine has died then gradually picks up again, seems like fuel deprivation, but I havn't had it looked at yet. 2001 JTD 2.4 50k.

For those suffering intermittent loss of power; you may want to have the Airflow Meter (aka MAF) checked. There is a known problem with the Bosch Hot Tape MAF where they are very sensitive to dirt. If the airfilter isn't fitted 100% there is the possibility of contamination on the MAF which can cause power to drop off at unexpected points in the rev range.

I had a new MAF fitted and all is know hunky-dory.

2.4JTD 2000 Veloce Sportwagon.

With regard to lack of power in the 2.4JTD lower rev range. My 1999 Alfa suffered with these issues. A warning light of the fuel injectors could be seen. I had the fault diagnosed as the Air Flow meter. Once replaced it was like driving a new car again. Loads of low down grunt and reduced turbo lag.

The VW golf also suffer with this problem - however once VW realised this the replacement cost was halved, it's a pity that was not the case for the Alfa. Cost of replacement air flow meter £100 +vat.

With regard to the immobiliser starting problem. It is incredibly easy to change the immobiliser antenna or simply put some contact cleaner on the connectors. It is best to learn how to do this yourself as even though it might give you trouble now and then it can be fixed in under a minute with no tools. I have posted further instructions on Wiki and there is also detailed instructions on the Alfa Forum.

I had the immobilizer problem on my 1999 Twin Spark (same system as the JTD).

You need to get under the dashboard on the driver's side and disconnect the immobiliser contact block (little white fella) having followed the black wires down from the ignition lock barrel, then plug 'em back in again.

Corrosion builds on the contacts and by unplugging and reconnecting you break off the corrosion.