Question-------------------------
Followup To
Question -
I have a 1988 Alfa Quadrifoglio. Lately I have been experiencing
problems with the odometer. Sometimes it works and
sometimes it doesn't. Also at times the car refuses to start. Once
it starts it runs just fine. Also the head lights take a second
before they come on. The mechanic says that the sensor on the
fly wheel is faulty and once we change it everything should be
ok. Since it is an electrical part I cannot return it once we
purchase it.
Do you think that I should have him check for something else
before spending the money on electrical parts?
I appreciate your imput.
Thanks you very much,
Stacie
Answer -
Does the speedometer work when the odometer does not or do both not work. Does it motor
over on the starter and not start or does the starter not work. At this time I suspect the battery
and ground connections need cleaning and possibly the ignition switch needs replacing. But,
more info before I can suggest anything.
Follow up -
Thank you for answering so quickly. Only the odometer is acting up. About the problem with the
motor not starting (just on rare occasions), it turns over just fine. If I open the hood and wigle
some wires that go down the the fly wheel, it finally starts. Otherwise I have to wait a long time
before it decides to start. Also the winshield wipers start out very slow and gradually pick up
speed when the car is running. So do the electric windows.Could all of this be connected?
I bought it in Portland last year. It only has 49,000 original miles. There is no rust anywhere that
I can see. Could the wire connections be rusty?
I just love the car. I hope you can help me solve this problem.
Thank you so much, I will definately tell all my friends about you guys.
Stacie
AnswerThe speedometer unit in the dash needs to be repaired.
For the other problems the first action is to clean the battery terminals and to loosen and clean all the ground connections under the hood and under the dash.
My wiring schematic does not show a crankshaft sensor for that year and I do not recall such either.
Also, the fuel pump should run for 2 seconds when the key is first turned to the run position. Poor grounds can cause it to not do this and thus a hard start will occur.
