Car revs drop & engine cuts out?

Question

Evening all,

I have an Alfa Romeo 156 (2.0 TwinSpark).

Today I started the car, but had it cut out after 2 seconds. It happened the subsequent two times, by which time I realised the revs were dropping. I restarted the car and immediately depressed the accelerator to get the revs up, and after holding it at 1500 revs for 5-10 seconds, it was fine (i.e. able to idle with no input from me).

I was thinking that it might be due to the strain of the aircon, as later on, it looked as if it might do it again (on starting the car), so i quickly turned the aircon off, resulting in the rev needle jumping up ~400 revs.

I know next to nothing about cars, could the problem starting be just due to the strain of the aircon in the hot weather... or should I be concerned? When the engine cut out, it showed the oil/battery indicators, but both checked out fine (I know how to do that at least!).

Thanks

Answer 1

It's normal for the battery and oil warning lights to illuminate, with the key in the ignition, and turned, but with the engine off. It shows the alternator isn't charging - because the engine isn't running! and the oil pressure isn't up - for the same reason! As for the starting, it would be kinder to the car to start the engine, and then start the air-con afterwards. You may have a minor fault caused by any number of reasons in the electronic fuel injection and ignition system - a dealer, or an Alfa specialist should be able to plug a laptop into your car, and ascertain if the management system has any fault codes it needs to be rectified. Has the car been serviced lately, and on schedule? I'm quite knowledgeable about cars, I've done most things to them, and I've enjoyed the joy and heart-ache of Alfa ownership. I'd just say, if things start to get bad, get out whilst you can! An Alfa can go through money like a cocaine and hookers habit.

Answer 2

The air condition can put a strain on the motor depending if you have an air condition startup override switch on your Romero. Either way, your engine shouldn't cut out which is why you see the oil/battery indicators illuminated.
When was the last time you had your car tuned up? I would begin to look at your filters and your plugs. It may just be tune up time.

Answer 3

Hello yes the air con will cause the engine rpm to drop by 400 rpm.Your indicator lights came on because the engine had stalled nothing to worry about this.You probably have an idle air control valve sticking .First thing to do is to try a fuel treatment such as Forta its sold by halfords .All this does is to un gum the control valve usualy works.Regards Mick

Answer 4

All aircon systems make the car use more petrol than if it is off, Turn your aircon off before you turn the engine off and your car should idle properly every time you start the car....... Enyway why use an aircon when you can roll down a WINDOW

Answer 5

firstly, its an alfa, and you expected something different? ok, service it. clean the dizzy, rotor arm and plugs (if you havent changed them recently) and tehn change the air filter (if you havent recently)

if youre starting the engine with the air con on, it puts extra load onto the engine as its behaving like a brake onthe crank (obviously coz the revs inc by 400 when you turn it off)

this shouldnt cost you anything and requires no real skill, just teh ability to clean the dizzy cap and rotor arm, (its teh spinning bit hidden inside the cap..AND DONT CLEAN IT WITH A FILE OR ANYTHNG THAT ABRASIVE...rub it along the sidewall of your tyre. dont take the Ht leads off without numbering them... (world of grief)

and thats about it.. it should tick over around 750 rpm.

Answer 6

I can think of a dozen reasons why this is happening. Take it to a tune up garage, plenty around in YP, your problem should be diagnosed easily.

Answer 7

simple answer is that air idle control valve is fualty, sometimes they can be cleaned with brake cleaner but normally best to replace, simple diagnostic check at local garage will confirm my prognosis

Answer 8

£50 worth of scrsap if ur lucky

Answer 9

Probably the car's computer.

Answer 10

Your car has two problems...

Alpha and Romeo.