Alfa 156 V6 idle issues

[Al Wyn]

A 156 V6 has popped up reasonably locally me that has a full Alfa main dealer/specialist service history all belts etc all done in the last 2k. The seller informs me openly (which is refreshingly rare and appreciated) of an oscilating idle as well as the odd splutter at idle otherwise the car runs very well. Is this likely to be maf related? any pointers appreciated.

[Mr E]

Ours is doing this currently. It's either the MAF or an idle control valve I think. Pretty common according to google.

I pulled the MAF and gave it a good clean and it improved a little, so I need to look at the valve next.

[jason156v6]

It could be something as simple as a throttle reset- easy to do, look up reset on alfaowner or alfa156.net. Sumple. That usually stops a hunting idle.

as for spluttering,not so sure but as said before, it could be a MAF or butterfly valve (just don't try to clean it yourself though!). All relatively simple and not terminal.

Good luck....

[156silver]

The MAF's don't get any better with cleaning, they have to be replaced £££££££

I had the same problem with a 2.0TS last year, obviously not a V6 but the MAF problem is common with Alfa's.

ECU reset requires leaving the battery disconnected for 5 min's then reconnect and the ECU starts to learn the new MAF.

Jamie Porter Ltd seemed to be best value for a Bosch replacement, I'm told the cheap Ebay copies do not work.

Good Luck
Brendan