GTV6 dies...randomly

[AlfaTipo]

When it cuts out how does it get going again? Does it always need a tow home?

My vote is for the inertia switch. I had a similar problem with a 3 year old GTV6.

If it happens again make sure the inertia plunger is pushed in fully. If it starts that's your answer.

Replace or ditch it.

[Rebecca]

the first time it happened it cut out (again in slow moving traffic) and i pulled over. it started right up again, then stuttered and quit again. i tried to start it and it started fine. after that i was scared it would happen at highway speed and i'd be #%*d, so i replaced the relays. The second time it happened it also started up when i tried to restart it, but when i tried to pull away it shuddered and died, then wouldn't start again, no matter how i tried. I gave it 20 minutes before i called the tow...but still wouldnt start. At the time i didn't roll the fuses (should have). And the fuel pump was on the side of the car facing traffic...as was the AFM.

I have since cleaned all kinds of parts and rolled the fuses, but i think i'll just replace them all. I've also tried tapping/jiggling the ignition while it's running to see if that makes it quit, but it hasn't.

Thank you all for the feedback and advice!

[brookstroutr]

Rebecca,

It's fuel or electrical related for sure. Start with the fuse block. The Alfas are prone to develop a bad contact over time. Clean all these and replace with; and this is important; the ceramic banana type fuses w/copper - not the cheap plastic & aluminum ones. You can deduce why. I have discovered another type that is the 'glass' type like the AGCs (GBC) from NAPA which are aluminum but have worked fine. These are the same length and have pointed tips which are interchangeable. Only difference is they aren't color coded per rating. You might try cleaning your fuse block contacts and pinching in the contacts as they 'stretch' over time. My Maser Biturbo is known for the fuse block problem, but the correction/upgrade is cheap - $60 + shipping for a pro recon. I do this maintenance as a general rule when procuring older cars as it will only help and certainly cannot hurt. All the fuses get changed along with all fluids, belts, etc.

The previous recommendations are good ones to check. Back in the '80's, my '83 inertia switch tripped and it drove me nuts trying to find the symptom. This one usually isn't intermittent and will just shut down the car.

Here's a couple of net quick checks when the car shuts down and will not restart. Have someone try starting the car while you listen if the fuel pump is running or pull the fuel line to check fuel feed - careful on that one. Check the spark to the plugs. This symptom is right done the lines of a bad coil. Runs for awhile, then opens (internal contact) when hot, then closes when cooling down. You can try holding the coil wire when cranking, but you better not have any hair gel in as it may catch fire!!!! The other culprit of these older autos is the ground wires. Check the ones that are germaine to the motor's operation.

It's either fuel or spark.

[ToonRboy]

Hi Rebecca,

Sorry you're having problems with your car. This is one of the main reasons folks fall out of love with their Alfa's. Being left stranded one time too many.

Anyhow, This post has some good suggestions to check. Milano Mystery - Shutting off over bumps

Engine block ground, plenum strap ground, and ignition switch are the most likey culprits. 'Wouldn't hurt to pull the cover off the back of your fusebox (and all the relays/fuses) and give all the contacts a once-over with some CRC QD electric contact cleaner (make sure you wear goggles to protect your eyes from splash-back). Inspect for any iffy connections. The back cover comes off by squeezing while pulling. You can then slide it sideways to remove from hinge and it'll come down to view the rear.


If it is the ignition switch (which wouldn't surprise me), You might want to think of bypassing it and installing a push-button start (instead of a new ignition switch. NLA, very expensive, and a PITA to replace) Look here: http://homepage.ntlworld.com/j.walkd...tartButton.pdf

hope this helps,

[gt601]

NOTE: Make sure that you disconnect the battery if you spray contact cleaner in the fuse panel and fuses unless you are sure that it is NON flammable. One spark and you have a car on fire.

Paul