Alfa Pages

[paulb]

I have a series 3 1.7 16V which has developed a problem which seems to occure after the car has had a long run.

It's very intermitent in so much as there seems to be no logic to it! I regularly run the car between west London and Salisbury (80 miles) and just yesterday evening, I got back to London, turned the engine off, got out for 10 minutes before trying to start the car again. The key turns, all the lights come on, I turn the key 'full' turn and absolutely nothing happens.

It was 2 months ago when this last happened, this time in Salisbury. I left the car and returned after 2 hours to find it wouldn't start. I returned periodically to try again and eventually, 6 hours and 2 attempts later, all fired up on first turn and back to normal - until last night.

The first time the problem showed itself, I called out the AA and waited an hour for them to get to me, this time I had driven from London to Bracknell. I left the car for 30 mins. came back and nothing happened when I turned the key (except the lights on the dash all lit up). After the hour went by and the AA turned up, it started first turn!

The AA did all the usual battery/wiring checks, but came up with nothing. It seems that once the car has been left for a while, all returns to normal and that it can be several months before the problem strikes, but obviously, going anywhere of distance now makes me think hard before leaving!

The car is 'looked after' by Boxer cars - once an Alfa specialist - but if anyone has any ideas what might be the cause of the problem, I'd be pleased to hear before I let Boxer Cars start on a process of elimination.
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paulb

[john 33_16v]

Hi,

http://www.sanderfamily.com/

Find the link on the lhs for 'relay mod'

This will solve it forever. Simple and cheap.

John
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If it aint broke, fiddle with it until it is!
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93 33 16v Mirtle Met
08 Fiat Grande Punto Exotica Red
90 Yamaha FZR600 Genesis- Silky white/red/blue

[paulb]

John,

Thanks for the fix. My car is being fitted with a relay switch tomorrow.

It seems the clue to this is the fact that very hot conditions bring on the failure to start - BUT I can remember a recent occurance where the car was driven 80 miles, parked for 3 hours before I attempted to re-start. The car wouldn't start i.e. the dash lit up but nothing more. I tried on 2 further occassions through the rest of the day and it was not until some 8 hours afterwards that the car did start. Do you think this example means there's perhaps more to it than fitting a relay switch?

I will get the relay fitted anyway - as you say easy and cheap, but I still have a niggling doubt that all will be right.
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paulb

[john 33_16v]

Hi,

I was getting exactly the same symptoms as you intermittently prior to the mod.

It's been on for at least five years now and i've never had the problem happen again.

John
_________________
If it aint broke, fiddle with it until it is!
- - - - - - - - - - - - - -
93 33 16v Mirtle Met
08 Fiat Grande Punto Exotica Red
90 Yamaha FZR600 Genesis- Silky white/red/blue

[paulb]

John,

Many thanks for your reassurances.

I don't think I can argue given the length of your long term test!
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paulb