motor control system failure 147ti

[MARLIN4]

Hi there, I have had a 147ti since 2004 and LOVE my little red baby.  Lately though I can be driving along and the beepers start going with the message "ESP system failure" or "motor control system failure".  The engine has only
cut out once after this, but it's a bit unnerving!  My local Alfa service centre couldn't find an answer, and seemed surprised about it - any comments or help please?
Marlin

[156oro]

Hi.

I had motor control system failure on for about 6 months.

Mechanic said air or oxygen sensors....ended up being lower oxygen sensor - replaces both @ $125 each plus labour....
Fault is now gone...

[shiny_car]

MSCF is a very non-specific error. A workshop with the full 'Examiner' diagnostics should be able to check the exact error code and determine/narrow down the fault. Is your mechanic an Alfa specialist/dealer?

ABS/VDC (ESP) errors can also result from various causes.

Given both, it may be as simple as a failing battery, resulting in low voltage under certain circumstances. Common cause for these errors.

Another, is a partially blown/faulty fuse for the ABS/VDC. It's one of the MIDI fuses in the fusehousing that attaches directly to the battery POS terminal.

Hopefully you sort it out. If they recur fairly commonly (are you have them 'cleared' and they recur?), at least worth replacing the battery.

[Rocco166]

Although I have not had any problems with my 166  but two of my friends that own JTS 156s have had that same error and in both cases it ended up being a problem with the catalytic converter - hopefully yours will be a simplier and cheaper fix...

[156oro]

Yes..As Rocco mentioned the two lower Oxygen Sensors on the CAT were my problem.

$125 per sensor + Labour