156 V6 cuts out when driving!

[kmd]

My 2001 156 V6 has just cut out while driving at about 50mph. Rolled to a stop in a layby and wouldnt start again. Engine turning over fine but not firing. Left if for 30 mins (when AA were due to arrive) tried again and started first time. Manged to get it home ok but worried now that I have a an intermittant fault in winter with a baby on board!

It was pretty cold and wet then this happened, not sure if its related.

Anyone any ideas where to start or had the same thing happen?

[RicksAlfas]

I bet you a large can of WD40 it's your crank sensor. Common fault, not too expensive to fix - say £20 part, couple of hours labour as it's a bit awkward to get to. Are you far from Jamie Porter at Royston?
http://www.alfaworkshop.co.uk

[wrinx]

Same thing on the JTD...crank sensor.

wrinx

[14-7]

Yep crank sensor.

Will only cut out once the engine has reached its running temp and the engine will only restart when its cooled.

[kmd]

Thanks for the tips guys!

Wouldnt this fault show up on the diagnostics?

Garage says it didnt, but got them to do it anyway.

[RicksAlfas]

kmd said:

Thanks for the tips guys!

Wouldnt this fault show up on the diagnostics?

Garage says it didnt, but got them to do it anyway.

Only if they waited for the fault to occur and then specifically tested the crank sensor.

[redstu]

Why does the engine temp affect the crank sensor? Would it be posible to disconnect the temp sensor as a short term fix?

[RicksAlfas]

redstu said:

Why does the engine temp affect the crank sensor? Would it be posible to disconnect the temp sensor as a short term fix?

As I understand it, it's heat that causes the sensor to go open circuit, rather than specifically the engine temp.

[Dave Brand]

RicksAlfas said:

Only if they waited for the fault to occur and then specifically tested the crank sensor.

If I remember correctly, although it hadn't caused any problems, diagnostics did show "crankshaft position sensor low output" or something similar on my 145. That was on a Bosch, not Alfa, diagnostic system, & a more sophisticated setup than the average garage has.