Alfa Pages

ozphobia · Posted: Fri Feb 27, 2004 2:24 am Post subject: Alfa control doesn't work

Hi All,

Just became the owner of an 86 33, but the Alfa Control module doesn't work. I have gone through the electrics manual and workshops maunual (with the suplement) and nothing seems to show how it is connected or powered (fuses, relays etc).

The low fuel, altenator lamps work on the dash okay.

As this is a recent acquisition, I had to repair the boot around the gear stick the other day, and removed the centre console to facilitate access. I also checked fuses, relays and what not.

When I turned the ignition, everything lit up like a christmas tree, and the Alfa Control worked!! I was shocked, I switched off and back on, and nothing!!

So to me the control unit is okay, but something is flaky, shorting etc. Or a necessary fuse is gone.

Has anyone got any ideas?

Thanks
John

James Granger · Alfa 33 Joined: 10 Apr 2003 Posts: 302

I've never had any experience with the Alfa Control, but I heard that it is always very unreliable. Some people even take it out of their cars becasue it is so annoying. Laughing

Ben_nz · Posted: Sun Feb 29, 2004 12:19 am Post subject:

I don't have Alfa Control either.. but it would be more unusual to see a post on these forums titled "Alfa Control DOES work"! Laughing

ozphobia · Posted: Sun Mar 07, 2004 10:27 pm Post subject:

I expected at much, I just like to have everything working if I can, it is more annoying that I know it DOES work, and just isn't playing the game.

I shall focus on the many other things that need a fixin' without voodoo and may revisit it.

Thanks for your input all. Rolling Eyes

lanciachris · Guest

Dont know what the roadworthiness laws are like in australia but here the alfa-control has a couple of warning lights on it that are part of the mot test - hence if alfa control not work, no mot, car not legal to drive!

Ben_nz · Posted: Mon Mar 08, 2004 8:06 am Post subject:

That's a bit strict! I can understand why that makes people take the Alfa Control out of their cars.
Which lights is it that are important to pass your mot test?
The only mot/roadworthy/wof issue in New Zealand relevant to Alfa Control is that its dodgy disco lights must not be deemed to be a distraction to the driver!

I test-drove a 33 where the Alfa Control said the radiator coolant was low, so I checked and whaddaya know, the coolant reservoir was empty. That made me pretty impressed with Alfa Control, but not with the seller. Rolling Eyes

I eventually plan to make my own Alfa Control, in place of the one somebody forgot to buy when they ordered my 33QV back in '88. I want to include a digital rev counter (which doesn't say 600rpm when the motor's off), a voltage gauge, maybe stereo level display or disguised cop detector. I've currently got an LED bar graph voltage gauge (cheesy electronics kitset jobbie) hooked up. It's better than nothing, I guess. Very Happy

Ben_nz · Posted: Mon Mar 22, 2004 11:30 am Post subject:

Kitset Alfa Control v0.5: http://www.axys.co.nz/ben/alfa33/TACHO_IN.JPG
The digital rev counter can be calibrated however you want via some simple pushbuttons, and its display dims at night so it's not too distracting. It's all pretty Knight Rider.. I had to test the redline, of course, to make sure I assembled everything right. Wink

I've discovered, via this kitset, that my engine doesn't actually do 600rpm when it's turned off. According to the digital rev counter, the 33's own rev counter also over-indicates by a good hundred rpm or more in the normal rev range. The random spasms of the analogue rev counter needle which occur around 3000rpm don't show up on the digital kitset either.
How am I supposed to trust my Alfa speedo now when driving past speed cameras? Laughing

Serpent33 · Posted: Wed Apr 07, 2004 12:24 pm Post subject: Re: Alfa control doesn't work