Alfa Romeo Owners Club of Australia Forum

Technical => 932 Series (156, GTV, Spider, 147, GT, and 166) => Topic started by: AndrewOst on June 20, 2020, 04:13:20 PM

Title: Instrument lights not working on GT
Post by: AndrewOst on June 20, 2020, 04:13:20 PM
Hi,

I've just bought myself a 2006 GT and the instrument lights are not working. It isn't just the tacho but the whole instrument panel behind the wheel.  I can't find a fuse that covers all lights on the dashboard. Instruments themselves work, just not the lights.
Any idea what it could be?
Thanks
Title: Re: Instrument lights not working on GT
Post by: bonno on June 21, 2020, 08:06:54 AM
Hi Andrew
Not sure if you checked the correct fuse, but here is a link to the fuse box diagrams for the Alfa GT.
https://www.autogenius.info/alfa-romeo-gt-2004-2010-fuse-box-diagram/
Title: Re: Instrument lights not working on GT
Post by: Beatle on June 22, 2020, 08:36:22 PM
And Andrew,

Don't give up if the fuse you check is OK.

I'm yet to find a fuse diagram for my 156 that matches the vehicle, including the factory handbook and the Australian supplement.
I think I recall running into the same problem on my 2004 GT.  It may take some deductive reasoning to narrow down the correct fuse.
Title: Re: Instrument lights not working on GT
Post by: AndrewOst on June 23, 2020, 09:22:59 PM
Hi Both,

The fuses from the link are the same as in the manual.

I've pulled out about 5 or 6 of them and all look OK.  Some of them had different ratings to what was in the diagrams.  I put it down to previous owners but it could be what Beatle suggested.  Will probably go through and start at top left and check every single one of them, maybe with multi-meter and not just by sight.

It's gotta be something simple, or something very expensive so I'll start at simple.

Andrew
Title: Re: Instrument lights not working on GT
Post by: Beatle on June 24, 2020, 07:47:02 AM
Fuses in my 156 are generally grouped together similar to the diagrams, just not on the same panels. ::)  So when I was recently chasing the fuse for right rear window, I kept pulling fuses until I found ones relating to the other windows, and narrowed down the offending fuse in that manner.  And NONE of my secondary fuses ratings match the diagrams.....

I've found things of this nature are more likely to be simple or awkward, rather than simple or expensive.
Title: Re: Instrument lights not working on GT
Post by: AndrewOst on June 27, 2020, 04:20:04 PM
I just checked every fuse with a multimeter and every one is OK.
Car will not start.
:'(
Title: Re: Instrument lights not working on GT
Post by: bonno on June 27, 2020, 04:54:57 PM
Check the condition of  battery with multimeter across the terminals and you should be getting a reading of >12.5 Volts. 
Title: Re: Instrument lights not working on GT
Post by: Beatle on June 27, 2020, 05:15:24 PM
...and take a really good look at the battery terminal connections.   They are prone to failure.

If battery and connections are all OK, start working through engine bay fuses and relays.

Title: Re: Instrument lights not working on GT
Post by: AndrewOst on June 27, 2020, 06:09:01 PM
Hi,

Done both.  Battery is good (I've tried a couple with up to 12.8V at terminals).  Engine bay fuses also good.
Title: Re: Instrument lights not working on GT
Post by: bonno on June 27, 2020, 10:13:52 PM
I take it that the engine cranks over, but refuses to start. If so, you can rule out  the starter motor and focus on spark or fuel related problem via the process of elimination/checks.
Title: Re: Instrument lights not working on GT
Post by: bazzbazz on June 28, 2020, 01:05:33 PM
Have you checked to see if the cambelt has failed?
Title: Re: Instrument lights not working on GT
Post by: AndrewOst on June 28, 2020, 02:41:00 PM
Hi Bonno,

Engine does crank but so slow it cannot fire.  I'm still looking at all options but fuel and spark are down the list till I can get a proper crank.

Thanks bazzbazz,

How do I do that without pulling it apart?  It doesn't make any strange noises like valves hitting pistons.
Title: Re: Instrument lights not working on GT
Post by: bazzbazz on June 28, 2020, 04:41:43 PM
Remove the bolts holding the plastic cambelt cover and remove the cover or if its a 4 cylinder pull it forward so you can see the belt and see if its tight & intact.
Title: Re: Instrument lights not working on GT
Post by: bonno on June 28, 2020, 06:50:15 PM
Apart from the timing belt check and from what you describe as slow cranking, I would not discount the condition of battery specifically Cold Cranking Amps (Voltage drop) on cranking (Refer to the following video on how to checks).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eqw1CF1nOt8 
Title: Re: Instrument lights not working on GT
Post by: bonno on July 09, 2020, 08:56:01 PM
Hi Andrew
How did you go with the problem of starting the Alfa GT and did you get to the bottom of the instruments lights not working?? I assume the following post is a duplicate!!!!!
http://www.alfaclubvic.org.au/forum/index.php?topic=20508.0
Title: Re: Instrument lights not working on GT
Post by: AndrewOst on July 12, 2020, 05:01:54 PM
Hi Bonno,

Got the car started today - don't ask how - I don't know exactly.

New battery installed.  I did the bush mechanic thing of tap the starter motor, cleaned the throttle body that had a bit of gunk build up on it, also used the spare key without electronics.  Which one made it work, and how long will it work?  Who knows.

At least now I can drive it in to get a RWC and then registration.

My primary suspicion is the key.  It's the one constant while it did not start and now it does with the spare.  I'll need to test it out but got to catch up on other stuff so it can wait a little. (Instrument lights can also wait and I'll do a full ECU reset that takes about an hour to test that.)

I'm happy.
Title: Re: Instrument lights not working on GT
Post by: AndrewOst on August 02, 2020, 04:28:38 PM
Just an update,

Has some nice weather in the workshop this weekend so could do some work.

Both keys work.  Made sure the battery was snug and cleaned terminals and fitted the lugs nice and snug.  Car started and ran no problem.

Did an ECU reset with 15mins run then 15 mins off.  Last step is take it for a drive and have some fun.

No clutch.  Can't get a gear.   :'(  ???

Pedal goes straight to the floor with no pressure.  Linkages behind the pedal all seem OK. Reservoir full of fluid.

Slave cylinder?  Engine out?  :(

I've tried to attach a photo of my workshop with the audience watching.
Title: Re: Instrument lights not working on GT
Post by: bazzbazz on August 02, 2020, 06:41:56 PM
In the GT 3.2 V6 the Slave Cylinder sits on top of the gearbox, under the battery tray. They do have a reputation for failing with old age, fortunately are a very simple job to replace & bleed.

Take battery & tray out and inspect for leaks & perishing rubber boot.