Alfa GT weird problem

[andyA700]

I had to ahve a couple of tyres fitted yesterday, so over the past couple of days, I have been charging up the battery as I have only been doing a couple of trips a week in it.
So, had the tyres fitted and went home, all good.
This morning, went shopping in it and filled up with fuel, started the engine and - MOTOR CONTROL SYSTEM FAILURE message. The engine sounded fine, no dark smoke out the back, so drove on to get our shopping. The message went after a minute and the car felt fine, very smooth, no strange noises, water temperature great, no power loss. The orange EML stayed on though.
I drove it home, around 15 miles and to be honest it was running as well as ever.
I have looked up a couple of things. I made sure the battery terminals were tight, they were.
I am a bit perplexed, but I intend to contact a local garage, but dreading it an case I get ripped off.
Any ideas fellow Alfisti?

[paulmakin]

some have found this linked to a dying battery but the MCSF is related to the engine management systems/controls. you need the codes reading - theres a number of induction and exhaust components that could trigger it.

dont quote me but i think the lack of smoke and the normal performance will be good-ish things.

[Chris Type R]

I had this a few years ago - I think there are a number of potential causes - but from memory mine was caused by a failing fuel pump solenoid or relay. A couple of occasions I experienced break-downs and after a while the car started up and ran normally again.

[underwhelmist]

I've had the MCSF message due to: poor battery, failing coils, (reported) lambda sensor problems, and a blowing exhaust. As mentioned above, you need to read the codes.

I recently had a spate of recurring MCSF messages with reported misfires, it turned out the plugs were on their last legs. It's been as good as gold since I replaced the plugs.

[andyA700]

Thanks for the replies folks, I will have to get a rec for a local auto electrician.

[underwhelmist]

A cheap USB ELM interface and the free version of MultiEcuScan for reading OBD codes (and clearing them!) will save you a bundle in diagnostic fees and might help you to identify and fix the problem yourself. Good luck!

Edit: I got one like this, maybe this exact model:
https://amzn.eu/d/hkSOy6C

Edited by underwhelmist on Sunday 8th December 22:35

[andyA700]

underwhelmist said:

A cheap USB ELM interface and the free version of MultiEcuScan for reading OBD codes (and clearing them!) will save you a bundle in diagnostic fees and might help you to identify and fix the problem yourself. Good luck!

Edit: I got one like this, maybe this exact model:
https://amzn.eu/d/hkSOy6C

Edited by underwhelmist on Sunday 8th December 22:35

Interesting, are they easy to use?

[underwhelmist]

Yes, fairly straightforward. Give me a few hours and I’ll see if I can post some screenshots

[Nigel_O]

Check your battery earth strap where it joins to the chassis rail and then further down where it’s secured to the engine. They fray over time, especially on high-mile cars.

I couldn’t be bothered getting the car on ramps to do mine, so I simply added an extra earth cable - about £5 from Halfords and 15 minutes to fit