320touring picks up another number - Alfa 156 Content!
Discussion
And does it have an after market stereo in it?:
The power feeds from the alfa wiring loom are different to the iso standard. If you have an aftermarket head unit this means that without modification the radio does not switch off when you turn the ignition off.
Swapping the switched live with the perm live will not work as you'll loose all you station presets etc - Alfa use a unused terminal in the iso connector for the permament live.
In the pics the yellow wire is the permament live and red is the switched live. (black is -ive)
This is the ISO standard way of wiring the plug:
You need to change the swap the switched live [COLOR=red](red)[/COLOR] with the permament live [COLOR=yellow](yellow)[/COLOR], then use the unused connection above where the [COLOR=yellow]yellow[/COLOR] wire was for the permamnet live. The permament live on the ALFA HARNESS IN THE CAR is [COLOR=orange]orange[/COLOR]
The power feeds from the alfa wiring loom are different to the iso standard. If you have an aftermarket head unit this means that without modification the radio does not switch off when you turn the ignition off.
Swapping the switched live with the perm live will not work as you'll loose all you station presets etc - Alfa use a unused terminal in the iso connector for the permament live.
In the pics the yellow wire is the permament live and red is the switched live. (black is -ive)
This is the ISO standard way of wiring the plug:
You need to change the swap the switched live [COLOR=red](red)[/COLOR] with the permament live [COLOR=yellow](yellow)[/COLOR], then use the unused connection above where the [COLOR=yellow]yellow[/COLOR] wire was for the permamnet live. The permament live on the ALFA HARNESS IN THE CAR is [COLOR=orange]orange[/COLOR]
Couple of things that may be helpful;
My front badge was a bit faded , as they all seem to do over time. I bought a replacement one via Ebay (from Poland IIRC ) for a lot less than the Alfa main dealer ( the correct OEM ones are expensive ). They just stick on over the old one.
My heated rear window also does not work ; I did the usual stuff re the fuse which was OK. When the car was in for a service I asked them to check it out, and it seemed that there was not enough power reaching the element. They said it would take quite a lot of time ( ie money to me !) to trace the wiring under the trim etc so I just live with it. Quite annoying in this freezing North East weather !
The sidelight bulbs... are another Alfa 'quirk'. They are awkward to fit as they are deep inside the main headlight housing. They sit almost in between the main& dip beam, and are attached to a special plastic extension holder. Easiest way to replace them I have found is to switch them on before putting them into the recess (ie viewed from the front of the car so you can see the illuminated bulb emerging as it were ! ) They never seem to fit properly but give it a twist and hope it sticks !
Also these sidelight bulbs are H6W IIRC and are halogen I think which makes them about £5 each. Best to get them off ebay as they can be found a lot cheaper. ( This last point is relevant as they do not seem to last very long in my experience of running 2 Alfa 156s as main cars !
The lights on any 156 are renowned for being poor as the reflectors are more for aesthetic purpose than effectiveness. Having tried Phillips Nightbreakers etc, I have come to the conclusion that the only way to get decent illumination is via a HID upgrade which is not ideal for obvious reasons. But it does improve them to an acceptable modern standard.
Also if using standard bulbs it seems a common problem to get them sitting correctly in the holder....many people have discovered that their lights are literally pointing to the sky !!
Hope all of this is of some use !
PS I have found that the online forums ( alfa156.net and alfaowner, and , of course, our very own PistonHeads Alfa/Fiat/Lancia one) are excellent sources of good advice. You may be aware that Haynes do not make a Manual for the 156. Apparently you can get the official one from Italy but there is a slight language problem there
If you have a Windows computer you can get a CD ROM from a well known online auction site that is useful.
This is my current one :
Kept the 16 Teledials from the 1.8TS as I prefer them
My front badge was a bit faded , as they all seem to do over time. I bought a replacement one via Ebay (from Poland IIRC ) for a lot less than the Alfa main dealer ( the correct OEM ones are expensive ). They just stick on over the old one.
My heated rear window also does not work ; I did the usual stuff re the fuse which was OK. When the car was in for a service I asked them to check it out, and it seemed that there was not enough power reaching the element. They said it would take quite a lot of time ( ie money to me !) to trace the wiring under the trim etc so I just live with it. Quite annoying in this freezing North East weather !
The sidelight bulbs... are another Alfa 'quirk'. They are awkward to fit as they are deep inside the main headlight housing. They sit almost in between the main& dip beam, and are attached to a special plastic extension holder. Easiest way to replace them I have found is to switch them on before putting them into the recess (ie viewed from the front of the car so you can see the illuminated bulb emerging as it were ! ) They never seem to fit properly but give it a twist and hope it sticks !
Also these sidelight bulbs are H6W IIRC and are halogen I think which makes them about £5 each. Best to get them off ebay as they can be found a lot cheaper. ( This last point is relevant as they do not seem to last very long in my experience of running 2 Alfa 156s as main cars !
The lights on any 156 are renowned for being poor as the reflectors are more for aesthetic purpose than effectiveness. Having tried Phillips Nightbreakers etc, I have come to the conclusion that the only way to get decent illumination is via a HID upgrade which is not ideal for obvious reasons. But it does improve them to an acceptable modern standard.
Also if using standard bulbs it seems a common problem to get them sitting correctly in the holder....many people have discovered that their lights are literally pointing to the sky !!
Hope all of this is of some use !
PS I have found that the online forums ( alfa156.net and alfaowner, and , of course, our very own PistonHeads Alfa/Fiat/Lancia one) are excellent sources of good advice. You may be aware that Haynes do not make a Manual for the 156. Apparently you can get the official one from Italy but there is a slight language problem there
If you have a Windows computer you can get a CD ROM from a well known online auction site that is useful. This is my current one :
Kept the 16 Teledials from the 1.8TS as I prefer them
Edited by Paul S4 on Friday 19th February 01:12
thanks for the tip re the front badge, I'll get onto it once some of the larger faults are sorted.
HRS is not too big a worry- just tackled it as it was easy to track through logically. I think the solution may be a bit involved. It doesnt affect the drive really so can get a lower priority.
I've ordered sidelight bulbs, so will fit them when They arrive. I think the sticking headlight levelling motor may have the unit dipped to lowes setting, so will hopefully resolve that at the weekend- can see a manual override on the top.
HRS is not too big a worry- just tackled it as it was easy to track through logically. I think the solution may be a bit involved. It doesnt affect the drive really so can get a lower priority.
I've ordered sidelight bulbs, so will fit them when They arrive. I think the sticking headlight levelling motor may have the unit dipped to lowes setting, so will hopefully resolve that at the weekend- can see a manual override on the top.
There is a known issue with rev counters and side light bulbs. - When the rev counter "fails" The O/S rear tail light is continually dimly lit. You can only really spot it in the dark. But AFAIK, this only affects the prefacelift cars and your's as a 2002 car should have the facelift interior.
But I thought it's worth mentioning given that you say your rev counter doesn't work.
But I thought it's worth mentioning given that you say your rev counter doesn't work.
Zombie said:
There is a known issue with rev counters and side light bulbs. - When the rev counter "fails" The O/S rear tail light is continually dimly lit. You can only really spot it in the dark. But AFAIK, this only affects the prefacelift cars and your's as a 2002 car should have the facelift interior.
But I thought it's worth mentioning given that you say your rev counter doesn't work.
Previous owner mentioned this was the reason that the rev cou ter is diconnected.But I thought it's worth mentioning given that you say your rev counter doesn't work.
no lights on at the rear at the moment. I may reconnect at weekend and see what is what-thanks for the info
Day 4 was a gentle one- finishing on 360.3 miles.
no faults to report and no pics as it was a commuting/trip to the cinema sort of day. nothing exciting.
Day 5 will be an autopsy to diagnose as yet unattributed noises from the suspension.
Also a good chance that the tank will need a filling.
no faults to report and no pics as it was a commuting/trip to the cinema sort of day. nothing exciting.
Day 5 will be an autopsy to diagnose as yet unattributed noises from the suspension.
Also a good chance that the tank will need a filling.
Day 5...
took it over to my brother's to get some tools from his 7 series
Boot holds more than you'd think
then it was off to the unit via Asda for a full tank. 375.9 miles to 55.17L gave 30.97mpg-not too bad given it was always running cold.
I stopped off at Halfords for some new Coolant-looked it up in their handy doofer
Once on site, we did the usual checks, status report as follows:
All discs and pads fine
Front Lower arms would benefit from replacement
Front upper arms OK
ARB Droplinks could be replaced all round
Backbox starting to lose outer skin but still gastight. Rest of Exhaust ok.
Grot found at bottom of drivers wing- see pic
we then set about doing the coolant flush - -thermostat is on its way should be here mid week.
coolant condition was similar to the 306 I had
That done it was time to sort the rev counter. Previous owner told me it was disconnected due to it draining battery via the rear lights (common on older 156s)
when reconnected, no issues were found, save a check engine light that went out on restart.
I took it out on an extended test run, and it warms up more than before, but still not spot on. No overheating and fan kicks in properly.
Got back to the Unit and the drivers window decided to stay down. Moreover we had no power to the window switches.
Checked the fuses as per owners manual, all ok, and the relays clicked properly.
Had to resort to "hunt the motor" and apply 12v directly to get it shut
Got everything back together, only to discover no wipers, blower or indicators(but hazards still working).
googled for the cause of that, and replaced blown fuse. Sorted, and the windows started working again too! Typical that said fuse never showed up for any "no power to window switch" searches..
Anyway, all home ok now, 87 miles done on new tank, and the opportunity for payback awaits!
took it over to my brother's to get some tools from his 7 series
Boot holds more than you'd think
then it was off to the unit via Asda for a full tank. 375.9 miles to 55.17L gave 30.97mpg-not too bad given it was always running cold.
I stopped off at Halfords for some new Coolant-looked it up in their handy doofer
Once on site, we did the usual checks, status report as follows:
All discs and pads fine
Front Lower arms would benefit from replacement
Front upper arms OK
ARB Droplinks could be replaced all round
Backbox starting to lose outer skin but still gastight. Rest of Exhaust ok.
Grot found at bottom of drivers wing- see pic
we then set about doing the coolant flush - -thermostat is on its way should be here mid week.
coolant condition was similar to the 306 I had
That done it was time to sort the rev counter. Previous owner told me it was disconnected due to it draining battery via the rear lights (common on older 156s)
when reconnected, no issues were found, save a check engine light that went out on restart.
I took it out on an extended test run, and it warms up more than before, but still not spot on. No overheating and fan kicks in properly.
Got back to the Unit and the drivers window decided to stay down. Moreover we had no power to the window switches.
Checked the fuses as per owners manual, all ok, and the relays clicked properly.
Had to resort to "hunt the motor" and apply 12v directly to get it shut
Got everything back together, only to discover no wipers, blower or indicators(but hazards still working).
googled for the cause of that, and replaced blown fuse. Sorted, and the windows started working again too! Typical that said fuse never showed up for any "no power to window switch" searches..
Anyway, all home ok now, 87 miles done on new tank, and the opportunity for payback awaits!
So after the shenanigry of Saturday I got up early to Crail and went Drag racing..
how did it go, I hear you cry!
well...
Met up with my Brother (e30) and Joe (zx)
Got to Crail about 10.30 and queued to sign on. It was rammed, and took about 30 mins between runs.
First run went ok, and I worked out launching just below 3k was decent.
Will was up running his stock Starlet, bought for the drag racing. He stays in Acrington, and intends to leave it at the mother in laws..
Joe hails from that there Yorkshire, so they're both a fair bit from home.
Run 2 in the Alfa was slightly more eventful. Got a good start, and cleanly theough the gears up to approx 85mph indicated at the line.
hit the brakes, got a pop. Pedal to the floor and not slowing..
Handbrake and gearing down was deployed and I got it down to 20mph and made the turn onto the return road. Lucky as the other option was a tyre wall and the sea..
See if you can guess what was wrong?
A blown brake pipe meant no pressure. Got towed home.
Its booked in for a pipe on Wed morning.
A baptism of fire indeed. Luckily the leather s wipe clean..
how did it go, I hear you cry!
well...
Met up with my Brother (e30) and Joe (zx)
Got to Crail about 10.30 and queued to sign on. It was rammed, and took about 30 mins between runs.
First run went ok, and I worked out launching just below 3k was decent.
Will was up running his stock Starlet, bought for the drag racing. He stays in Acrington, and intends to leave it at the mother in laws..
Joe hails from that there Yorkshire, so they're both a fair bit from home.
Run 2 in the Alfa was slightly more eventful. Got a good start, and cleanly theough the gears up to approx 85mph indicated at the line.
hit the brakes, got a pop. Pedal to the floor and not slowing..
Handbrake and gearing down was deployed and I got it down to 20mph and made the turn onto the return road. Lucky as the other option was a tyre wall and the sea..
See if you can guess what was wrong?
A blown brake pipe meant no pressure. Got towed home.
Its booked in for a pipe on Wed morning.
A baptism of fire indeed. Luckily the leather s wipe clean..
A couple of Drag racing Vids for some excitement, rather than the crushing annoyance of an Alfa..
First Pass Vs Citroen ZX 1.9td
https://youtu.be/gosPbiaNBas
2nd pass- the one with the brake failure
https://youtu.be/6FVRmDNxvns
First Pass Vs Citroen ZX 1.9td
https://youtu.be/gosPbiaNBas
2nd pass- the one with the brake failure
https://youtu.be/6FVRmDNxvns
Brake line was done on Wednesday-apparently a bit of a barsteward...
Braking is now much more acceptable.
Straight back to the grind- another 160 mile trip for work on the thursday-parked it next to its sexier younger sibling
Once home I sorted the sidelights after the bulb turned up
I also took the opportunity to manually set the lights to their normal setting- the headlight level motor on drivers side was constantly putting the lights at lowest level.
Before
During
After
Dipped beam mow much better.
I also slung in the 2nd tank of fuel.
380 miles on 56.17L Giving 30.76 mpg
Its off on its holidays today as my brother is borrowing it for the weekend.
Braking is now much more acceptable.
Straight back to the grind- another 160 mile trip for work on the thursday-parked it next to its sexier younger sibling
Once home I sorted the sidelights after the bulb turned up
I also took the opportunity to manually set the lights to their normal setting- the headlight level motor on drivers side was constantly putting the lights at lowest level.
Before
During
After
Dipped beam mow much better.
I also slung in the 2nd tank of fuel.
380 miles on 56.17L Giving 30.76 mpg
Its off on its holidays today as my brother is borrowing it for the weekend.
Brake pipes. Sticky in most of the Alfa tech lounges for about 10 years....
http://forum.alfa156.net/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID...
http://forum.alfa156.net/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID...
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