hey Romeo156, when it comes to brakes I would always go with the genuine ones, but if you're having cash problems the aftermarket ones will stil do the job. But be warned - a lot of people tend to complain that aftermarket brake discs and pads are very noisy (usualy a 'squeeling' type noise).

When it comes to cat problems - they are usualy caused by the engine running bad - did you have the engine running rich before, like using a lot of fuel, or maybe having stuffed spark plugs or injectors? Anyway, if they are goine you have to replace them - try saving a bit of cash by using an alfa specialist insted of the Alfa dealership.
If you live around Sydney, give ASV a call - 9725 8666 (they are located in Yagoona, near Liverpool) or call Max Oddie - 9552-2054 ( Leichardt)

hello Alfa Cam,

you probably read my thread about buying an 2003 156 JTS selespeed, which i purchased in march this year. I can tell yo that these newer series 156's were definetly better built compared to the first series ('99 - '01).
Engine wise, JTS is probably one of the best engines in its class (when working properly) and thats manly due to direct fuel injection, which gives it more torque and a flatter power and torque delivery, making it easier for everyday driving (twin spark is a peaky little bugger ).

Make sure you go for a long test drive before you buy it and pay attention to a few things like:
-motor oil level (some of JTS's like to drink oil like theres no tommorrow, although mine hasn't used a drop since I purchased it)

-engine temperature - if after a long drive the engine temperature still doesn't wanna go higher than 70C when moving, it probably means that thermostat is busted (this is very common on all Alfa's)

-engine seems lacking in power (it feels 'flat') now this can be caused by a few different things when it comes to a JTS engine. The most common one is a stuffed up MAF sensor (MAF is an air-flow sensor located above air filter box - what it does is basicaly sends an information to engine's ECU telling it how much air is passing through so that the ECU can adjust the fuel to air ratio in the engine)

It usually gets dirty over time (I think this is common with 156's because of the terrible design of the air intake which is streched all the way down to the ground- its almost like a vacum cleaner sucking all the crap beneath the car). The symptoms of this are usually feeling like the car has no top end- the power cuts out above 5000 revs or the idle is very bad.

There was also an issue with some early JTS's losing power because of the apparent bad design of the intake camshaft and bad ECU set up which caused some overlap in combustion process leading to carbon build up on the intake valves and thus loss of power (there is a big topic on this on http://forum.alfa156.net/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=37964&PN=1).
But apparently only some of the 156's built before the facelift in 2003 were affected by this, but it still might be a good read for you. Alfa never admited to this, but alot of the alfa specialists and mechanics agree that the problem was caused by the bad factory design.

Ignition coil packs (they sit on top of each spark plug and send electricity down the plug) also tend to die early for some reason- the symptoms are usually misfiring or stuttering when wanting to accelerate fast (this is usualy followed by 'Motor Control Failure' warning on the computer display- with the error code, which is retrieved at alfa dealership through their computer examiner, showing 'misfire on cylinder 1,2,3 or 4')

When it comes to selespeed, you should be ok as the second series (post '02) selespeeds had revised actuator (electro-hydraulic device that actualy moves the clutch and gears) and selespeed pump (creates pressure with selespeed oil for that movement).
But it is very important that you take the car to alfa dealership to have the selespeed calibrated at least once a year (they do it through their computer - using actuator to adjust the clutch, take up points, check pump pressure, etc) and also check the selespeed fluid frequently (this is separate oil to actual gearbox oil) - it has to be on 'high' level to work properly, and only a specific alfa oil is used for it.

Selespeeds have gained a bad reputation in reliabilty becuasue most of the people tend to drive (and buy cheaply) the very first generation of 156's from 1999, when the selespeed system was just introduced for the first time, and a lot of previous owners never realy took care of them - never checking the fluid or calibrating them.
Also becuase the system is very complicated, people used to spend a lot of money on changing the entire actuator units ($3000 on average) where a simple electrical or wiring problem was the cause.
I think that the actual 5 speed gearbox underneath selespeed system (same box as regular manual) can cause more problems than the selespeed system because it has very weak synchros and bearings that don't like to take much abuse (try trashing the crap out of it for a few minutes and the gearbox starts sounding like bucket full of nails). So its also important to change the oil in the actual gearbox aswell.

When it comes to driving selespeed, you definitely have to get used to it, and remember - you cannot drive selespeed like a regular automatic gearbox cause its not. Its an actual standard 5 speed manual box with the clutch thats under control of ECU insted of your left leg, and you have to drive it that way.

I would avoid using the 'city' mode because in my opinion the selespeed ECU is not programmed well enough for different styles of driving and road situations. It has that annoying habit to hold on to first gear for ages, and then awkwardly jerk it to second (in the process making you look like a beginner manual driver ) and it also likes to quickly go through 3rd and 4th and then gets stuck in 5th, even though you might be going up hill or the revs are low.
Also if you are just crusing in 5th gear in lower revs and you suddenly want to accelerate hard, flooring the gas pedal will only result in dropping down one gear insted of two or even three that the regular 5sp auto would do.
The smoothest way to drive the selespeed is to drive it 'manual' mode and to slightly step of the gas everytime you change up the gear like you would when you drive regualr manual. This is when selespeed becomes fun to drive (even though the change from 1st to 2nd is stil too slow for my liking)

Outside the engine and gearbox, the only other thing you might look out for are worn discs on the brakes. For some reason Alfa 156's and 147's go through them like they're made of sugar as they get worn out realy fast even on low k's examples. Radiators also tend to develop leaks after 4-5 years due to low quality materials used in their build (I'm not sure if this is still the case with the last 156's made)

In your case you shouldn't wory too much because the Alfa is stil relatively new with low kays, but you should probably try and negotaiate the price further down as it does seem to be a bit steep (around $29000 should be closer market value). You will have to replace belts between 45-50k as they have a scary tendency to snap after 50k on JTS's - mine one did on 55k.

I'm sorry for a long write up, I didn't mean to scare you with any of these issues, I simply wanted to summarise every possible issue with this car in one easy to understand post. Alfa purchase is always made by heart, but I can assure you that if you are being smart it shouldn't cost your wallet too much





 

hello mate and welcome to the forums

I have exactly the same alfa as you but I can only help you with one problem. Regarding the suspension noise it is very hard to pin point the exact cause without inspecting the car. As much as you hate it, you will have to take it to the alfa dealership for an inspection.

Now, regarding the low temperature issue - this is a common problem with alfa's and the problem is a thermostat - it gets stuck open. This is not good for your engine (especially JTS engines apparently) as the low temperature makes the engine less responsive, it makes it use more fuel (the engine CPU tries to warm it up by putting in more fuel) and the cold oil will make the engine wore out quicker. The solution - change the thermostat. Note that the cost of JTS thermostat is around $240 and if you leave it at alfa dealership to change it, all up including labour costs it comes to between $350 -$450. I know cause I've had the same problem as you and I've changed it last week.

More updates guys.

THERMOSTAT

I have just replaced thermostat on my 156 JTS in the alfa dealership.
Ever since i purchased my car I have noticed that my engine temperature goes down a lot when cruising with no traffic - we are talking 55 -60C on a cool night, cruising on a motorway (optimal temperature should be 85-90C). At first I didn't think much of it, but then I did a bit of a research and came to conclusion that 'stuck open thermostat' is a common issue with all alfa 156's. Now that I've replaced it, the temperature sits at 90C no matter what the driving style is.
The engine now feels more responsive, and apparently a cold running engine uses more fuel, so I should see an improvement there as well.

MOTOR FAILURE WARNING

In this month of ownership I also had a bit of an issue with a 'motor failure' warning that came up on the computer screen a few times in random situations. The warning would disappear after a few seconds and the engine would stil run normaly. I have researched this as well and it turns out that this is also a common fault that is caused by a bad conection/wiring at the main computer. So today at the alfa dealership I asked a mechanic to have a look at it.

On alfa 156 JTS the main computer is located all the way on the right side of the bonnet, under black plastic cover next to the selespeed fluid. When you unscrew the plastic cover (simple two screws) you will see a small black box with a bunch of wires going in to it from one side and a bunch of wires going out of it from the other side. The wires are connected to the computer with a plastic clip (yellowish colour) and usualy the main problem is that this clips get loose over time causing bad connections (thus sending bad signals to the computer - motor failure warning).
There can also be a bit of rust/dirt at this spot which needs to be cleaned and the clips need to be tightened. In my case, the mechanic discovered that one of the clips was actualy missing, making the connection to computer very loose. He replaced to clip and cleaned the spot from the dirt. Hopefuly this will sort out some of those warning issues.

PRICES OF SERVICING ALFA 156  AT DEALERSHIP

I have collected a few different prices for repairing and servicing alfa 156 JTS at my alfa dealership, so will put them up for your future reference.

REPLACING THERMOSTAT (inc labour)  -$450 (thermostat cost alone -with housing - $240)
CAMBELT CHANGE (inc labour) -$860
FRONT BRAKE PADS (inc labour) - $350
REAR BRAKE PADS (inc labour) - $450
ENGINE SERVICE (replacing oil and filters, calibrating selespeed) - $330
REPLACING WORN SYNCHRO ON SELESPEED (inc labour) - $1400
AIR FLOW SENSOR - $990
GENERAL CAR CHECK-UP AND PROBLEM DIAGNOSIS - $150

hello guys, just doing a quick update as its been a month since my car purchase.

Firstly an interesting situation that happend to me a couple weeks ago while driving an alfa.
I set off from the lights towards this slight uphill section of the road and i notice a highway patrol car behind me.
As I'm slowly cruising I realise I'm starting to lose power and stepping on the accelerator doesn't do anything - so i try downchanging but nothing helps and the car is coming to a stop in the 70 zone and the copper is still behind me probably thinking- wtf is this guy doing? I stop in the left lane and the engine just stops - the policeman pulls up next to me and asks what happened; I replied "i dont know, i think that engine or gearbox died" to which hes says: "well thats what you get when you buy an alfa, good luck" and then he speeds off.
'Motherf....r' I think to myself, and than it hits me that I've been driving with the fuel light on for the last couple of days. Luckily the petrol station was a short distance away, so there was I on a busy road in the middle of the day filling petrol from a canister (it cost me $26.50) into my alfa. I turn the key and the engine starts. What bugged me is that the fuel gauge never dropped below the 'empty' line when I was driving it - but I've learned my lesson now, when the light goes on - fill up as soon as you can.

I have also been fiddling with the ASR (anti-slip regulation) button next to the gear knob, which is basicaly a traction control. I've noticed that when its tured off the engine becomes far more responsive and lively and when you turn it back on it feels like you took 20kw from the engine.
Is that the way it should work normaly cause by reading about how it works, the ASR should only come into action when the ECU senses loss of traction, otherwise it shouldn't intervene with the engine. But to me it feels like it does even when driving normaly, so every time I wanna give it a bit of a squirt I turn ASR off.

When to comes to selespeed, I have learned to enjoy it as it's a good compromise between having a manual car and the car you can easily drive in traffic. There are two things that annoy me abit, firstly: the slow clutch take up from start - It seems that you can't lauch selespeed fast off the line as you are always 'outlaunched' by all the corollas and camrys next to you lol; secondly the change from first to second always seems to be slow but almost never smooth no matter what revs/throttle position you use even when its in sports mode (over 5k revs and full throtle) you still whish it had a faster change.

All in all I'm satisfied with my alfa is it always make me grin every time I drive it, and I always have to turn back to have a look at it when i park it- a real looker

Well I have a 156 JTS selespeed and I've been driving it mostly in the city/suburban conditions and I get the fuel consumption of around 11l/100km and thats with normal driving (not going past 5k revs).

The problem I find with this car in regards to fuel consumption is that the engine is so 'revy' and with the short gear ratios you are bound to flick it towards the red line from time to time even if you don't plan to do it.

BTW don't worry about it, alfa 2.0 engines are good with fuel if you can control your right foot.
Anyway most of people tend to lie when it comes to fuel consumption of their car - like some of those commodore guys who brag about how thier 6.0 liter V8 only uses 9.8l per 100km; and then you discover they did those 100km on motorway being constantly in 6th gear at 1600 revs. Of course, they won't mention that time they were stuck in sydney traffic at peak hour and they squeezed the lound pedal a few times and the trip computer showed average consumption of 23l/100km Any car will use alot of fuel when you are stuck in stop/go traffic and you have a heavy foot.

I have taken the car to the Alfa dealership today for the inspection of the gearbox. The cause of the sound is the synchro on the 4th gear which seems to be worn.

They did the recalibration of the selespeed which has made the sound almost dissapear, but its stil noticable if you put the ear to it.
They told me that there should be no issues with the gearbox if I continue driving it, its just up to me if I want to get rid of the noise by replacing the synchro. The cost of replacing the synchro is between $1200 and $1500 because the gearbox needs to be pulled apart. I think I will wait for a while before I decide on fixing it.
I dont wanna take it to the car dealer where I bought it, as they would probably leave it there for a few weeks before they start fixing it and I don't trust them with the big job like this - its not worth it.

From the little knowledge I have about alfas, your problem might be the MAF (mass air-flow) sensor which is located somewhere near the air-filter box. Apparently it is a common problem with the V6 156's.
The problem usualy manifest itself as a loss of power at higher revs

Thanks again for the reply Doug.

Now I've been driving alfa more in the last few days and tonight I've notised a bit of an issue with the selespeed. When up shifting from third to fourth there is noise -"krr" (like the sound of clutch when u misshift in a manual car, just slightly quieter and shorter), this also happens (less pronounced) when downshifting from fifth to fourth; all of the other shifts are smooth and quiet. The car stil accelerates normaly in 4th gear, its just that the noise is present when shifting from 3-4 and 5-4.

What might be causing it? Clutch, actuator or something else?

Thanks for the advice Doug.
I didn't know that service intervals are so spread out for a car that seems so fussy about proper maintenance (20k? - thats way too long, I think I'll just stick to service intervals between 5k and 10k, atleast for oil).

I have currently filled the car with 95 RON fuel from BP, but I think I'll change it to 98 with my next fill as everybody is suggesting it as the best fuel for JTS engine.

How do you guys go about getting those wear and tear parts (brake pads, filters, etc) for your 156's? Do you order them from alfa dealers or do bigger car-parts companies still supply them?

I've been driving my alfa alot more over the weekend and I just love the way it drives and the looks it gets from people - it looks like a way more expensive car than it is. Everyone thought I spent at least 30 grand plus on the car (poor alfas do depreciate fast)

Well guys, I have picked up the Alfa on wednesday so now I am a proud owner of a Alfa Romeo 156 JTS.

I didn't drive her alot in these couple of days as I was busy at work (I go to work by train) but every time I sit inside alfa and drive her to the shops I have a smile on my face . Theres just something about alfas that makes you feel good even if you are just looking at it.

Thanks to everyone that give me advice, especialy you 'TurboGTV' - you helped me alot man.

Yeah TurboGTV, the car seems to be mechanicaly OK as none of those are major problems. I think that I will probably change the timing belt next at 100k just to be on the safe side.

Now before I pick up the car, I wanna ask I few questions:
1) What motor oil should I use for the JTS engine? I've heard that alfa recommends using Selenia 10-60W but can I use any other 10-60W oil?

2) What are the actual servicing (oil and filters change) intervals for the JTS? Is it every 5k or 10k? Can the filters be found in the regular car-parts place?

3) Does the JTS engine run on premium unleaded only or is suitable for regular unleaded too?

thanks

Well guys, the alfa dealer has finished the inspection of the car yesterday. There were no major mechanical issues with the car.

These are all of the issues found in the report:
-front and back brake pads worn out (need replacing)
-front and back tyres worn out (need replacing)
-windscreen wiper worn out (needs replacing)
-engine knocking noise present, probably caused by tensioner/variator (not critical)
-some oil deposit underneath the gearbox cover (not critical)
-gearknob loose (needs tightening)
-power windows on both back doors not operating (switch failure)
-some minor body paint scratches

I have decided to put the deposit on the car after the seller has promised to fix all of the things outlined in the report (new tyres, pads, variator, etc) and also give me a one year warranty on the car.

Now Anth73, I agree with you that when chosing the used car the best thing to do is to buy the one thats in the best condition with the lowest kays and full service records. But there is always the issue of price.
I have managed to negotiate down the price of the alfa to $14,000 (remember, this is a 2003, new design 156 JTS selespeed with only 55k) and although this car is far from perfect condition, I stil think its a good value for the money. When I was in the alfa dealership they had this same model for sale in their used car lot (2003 JTS, manual with 45k in perfect condition) and the price? -$24,999.

I always loved the newly designed 156's and with my limited budget, this was the best way of getting it, and I know this was probably a purchase made by the heart and not the brain but aren't all alfa purchases like that
The only thing that I was a bit dissapointed with is that my car does not have the original alloys that came with the newly designed 156's (you know, the pretty ones with alot of small spokes) as the owner put on the 16" (telephone dial style) from the older series TS.

I'm picking the car up on wednesday so I'll keep you guys posted.

Following your advice TurboGTV, I have asked the salesman to book the car for the full check up at Alfa dealer.
He agreed to it and the car is booked for this Friday after which they will give me a full report on the car and recommendations of what needs to be fixed.

Now this is where it gets a bit complicated - I told salesman that in case anything needs to be urgently fixed, the cost of that repair should be taken off the price of the car (I would leave the car at the alfa dealership so they can fix it).
He suggested that the price stays the same but anything that needs fixing will be fixed by them (their company is part used car lot, part repair shop for european vehicles) cause the costs from official alfa dealership are usually very high.
He also offered a full one year warranty on engine, gearbox and electrics. Is this a good deal?

thanks for your advice guys

now I'm stil interested in purchasing of this car but as some of you have advised me, the best course of action would be to bring an alfa specialist with me next time I have a look at the car.
This way he can give me his opinion regarding the mechanical state of the car, especialy the engine.

The issue is how do I bring the specialist with me - I live in Sydney (Liverpool area) and there aren't that many (if any) specialised alfa repairers here. The best option would be to take the car to the closest official Alfa dealer for the full check up, but ofcourse I would have to own the car first before I could bring it there (you leave the car for a whole working day for inspection - $150) and they can't leave the alfa premises even if you pay them.

I dont personaly know any alfa mechanics and I don't wanna bring some general Joe Blow mechanic who probably never worked on the jts engine in his life. Do you have any recommendations?