gorge1982

Just thought that I would also mention that I just ran a diagnostic check with Multiecuscan, and it came back with no fault codes across the board. Both Engine and Gearbox.

Hi Smaky, Big job to fix?

Hello Forum, The past few days, on start-up only, when I turn my Alfa 147 over, the first second or two it sounds like the car is struggling to take in air from somewhere, exhaust wise. There is a very low rumble from the exhaust, and it revs very low, before it picks itself up, and goes to a normal start-up routine. Pushing the accelerator pedal assists in pushing it out of it's little struggle. This is getting worse, as time goes on, and thought I should add, it only happens on the morning start-up - on a cold start, and does not happen on a warm or hot start throughout the day. I always warm the car for 5-10 mins before I drive it anywhere - don't know if that is relevant. I am aware that there will be a time soon where it cuts out, and want to get onto this straight away.

Will do. Thanks.

Thanks Smaky. Is there a particular way to drain the fluid, like a plug that is disconnected? Or it it done through the cap where it's poured originally?

I must say that I experienced this same thing, and as Multiecuscan didn't actually say when the task was completed, I wasn't sure if I had completed it correctly. I started the car in 2nd gear, as prompted, but when the car fired up, it slipped back to neutral. I think changed it to second and floored the car to 3000rpm, and gradually slowed down. Can we be confident that the task has been completed?

Did the adjustment myself today. Was quite a fiddly task, but car is most definitely running better.

Morning. Have posted this question on another forum, and didn't get much help. Have noticed over the last month or so, that when my 2007 147 gears up or down, that there is a rattle in the change process. It's most evident when gearing down from gear two to one, when stopping at lights. Is this something that I should stop driving the car right now, or is fine to drive on for the few thousand kms until my next scheduled service? Thanks.

Just an update. I carefully wiped away the coating, which took about half an hour, to ensure I didn't get any of the solution into anywhere it shouldn't, and I must say, it now looks fantastic. I must say, I still can't understand the purpose of the coating in the form it is. I understand it is there to protect the plastic, but I don't see the point of a coating that is ruined once a fingernail is run through it.

I agree totally. I am able to scratch this stuff off with a finger nail quite easily. When all the scratching is done though, there will obviously be a little left and was wondering how to take this off, although Smaky's comments now have me thinking twice. Was wondering what the drama was, as underneath it just seems to be the plastic. I really don't want it as it is now, as it loooks horrible.

Can you elaborate a touch more Smaky? If the coating is wiped off (and it's quite easy to get off), will this become a drama? Isn't there just the plastic of the panel underneath?

I wasn't necessarily trying to achieve anything in particular, but if someone who is more knowledgable on a particular subject, tells you that something will be beneficial to your vehicle, for a certain reason, I am all ears. I have read that, as the second owner of a vehicle, a full ECU reset can be beneficial, as your driving habits are different to the driver before yourself, but as you pointed out, these ECUs are progressive, so perhaps what I was reading was written by someone that didn't quite know what they were talking about. I guess that's the sort of clarification I was after, and is why I asked for the pros and cons in my initial question. Danny

@ Devious. You'll see in the initial question that I asked for the pros and cons to doing this, so it's also my ignorance that needs to be excused. I've read conflicting things about doing a full ECU reset.

So just to answer my other question, once the ECU reset has been performed, is there anything else that needs to be done, or am I good to go?

Great. Thanks.

Thanks Smaky, and once this has been reset, do I need to calibrate anything else, or am I basically working off a clean sheet? Also, a member above recommended driving the car in a manner different to my usual driving. Is this also required?

Yes, I was more looking for reasons to/not to undertake. I was also under the impression that re-setting the ECU was effectively "un-learning" all the things that the previous driver had taught it, so why would I thrash it for 15 minutes, as its first chance to learn something about my driving, when that isn't the way I drive?

It would seem that my driver's side window switch panel has a layer of something that can only be described as gelatinous, and can be scratched off with a finger-nail. Is this normal? It appears that underneath this layer, is what should be the normal plastic panel. Should I attempt to take this sludge off?

Have been doing a bit of reading, and the latest is an ECU Reset. If it isn't too much trouble, can I please get a quick run-down of the pros and cons involved? I also understand there is a manual process you can undertake which involves disconnecting the battery etc etc, whilst the other avenue is to select the option in Multiecuscan, correct? Thanks in advance . Danny

As I am relatively new to Alfa ownership, I called upon Alfa156Melb (who was most helpful) to assist with a few pointers, and have now purchased Multiecuscan and all of the required cables etc, and came back with the following: Gear Eng Pos: 20.824 - 20.862 Selection Pos: 17.710 - 17.745 Clutch Eng Pos: 29.652 - 29.694 Clutch P.Plate Travel: 29.652 - 29.694 Now I understand that the one to bear close attention to, is the Clutch Engage Position, and I also understand it is to be within 28mm - 28.5mm which I will attempt over the weekend. What I would like to know is, are the other three within normal range, are they self-adjustable, and basically any other information that would be helpful? If someone could also please explain what is currently happening to my vehicle, considering I am out of the 28mm-28.5mm range, and what I can expect to happen once this has been rectified. Note that I have a 2007 147 Ti, with 56,000kms (34,796 miles) on the clock. Thanks in advance.

I did! Many thanks for your recommendation. Might I just say, this forum appears to be much better in terms of outlay and organisation. Looking forward to it!

What's your AlfaDriver forum name: gorge1982 Whereabouts in the world are you?: Melbourne, Australia What are you driving these days?: 2007 147 Ti How did you find AlfaDriver?: From another forum. Describe your introduction to the Alfa Romeo brand: My Holden Commodore was hit by an Alfa. Whilst assessing the damage to the other car, I thought to myself "Wow, that's a nice car!" Outside of Alfa Romeo, what are your interests?: Horse Racing. Follow Collingwood in the AFL here in Australia. What do you do for a living?: Horse Racing industry. Tell us an interesting/crazy/unusual fact about yourself: I am a Collingwood supporter that has all of my teeth - despite the stereotype. Australians on here will understand this. What's your "special skill"?: The Selespeed talks to me - and I understand. What are you personally hoping to get out of AlfaDriver?: Hopefully share the Alfa driving experience with other Alfa drivers.