156 problem: lack of power

[tuscan_thunder]

My wife's 156 (2litre) has developed a distinct lack of power.

I had not driven it for a couple of weeks but yesterday, it felt totally gutless, reluctant to pull properly, even in low gears.

I am fastidious about oil, water etc and I doubt (hope!) that it isn't a bottom end problem. I will do a compression test tonight.

I suspect it is a sensor problem but would be good to know where to start or if this is a problem anyone has encountered before.

It revs ok at idle

[RicksAlfas]

Probably the air flow meter. They fail a lot - German electrics you see.
Tyr unplugging it and then trying it. It should default the ECU to a safe setting. When you buy a new one get a genuine one from somewhere reputable i.e. not Ebay!

More info here...
http://www.alfaworkshop.co.uk/air_flow_meter.shtml

[tuscan_thunder]

that sounds about right.

Are they expensive?

I presume it's essentially 'plug and play'?

[RicksAlfas]

They're about £120.
http://www.alfaworkshop.co.uk/parts/Alfa_Airflow_M...

Easy to fit - two pipe clips on the air trunking behind the air filter box and one electrical connector on the top.

You can run with it unplugged as a get you home.

[tuscan_thunder]

Excellent, thanks for your help.

I will update if this is NOT the problem but it seems highly likely that it is.

[P700DEE]

Had a problem with our Spider, garage spotted it was gutless after the service. Traced to a leaky air intake pipe.

[tuscan_thunder]

Fault code reader gave two faults: air fault and fuel fault.

Common cause for both was the lambda sensor.

Will get that replaced this week.