Alfa Romeo 159 Diesel ECU Failure After Shop Visit

Had similar issues with my 2010 Alfa Romeo Brera 2.4 JTDm. Initially thought it was an engine control unit fault when the car refused to start. The engine diagnostics revealed it was actually just corroded battery terminals causing poor connections. The symptoms mimicked an ECU problem because the engine software wasnt getting stable power input. When the battery cables are loose or corroded, it can trigger multiple engine fault codes and even prevent the fuel injection system from initializing properly. This is typically not a serious issue, though the symptoms can be quite alarming. The repair required cleaning the battery terminals, replacing the cable connectors, and clearing the stored fault codes. After fixing the connections, the engine light went off and starting problems disappeared completely. Worth checking these basic electrical connections before assuming ECU failure. Poor battery connections often create misleading symptoms that seem more severe than they actually are. Make sure to find a repair shop familiar with Alfa Romeo electrical systems as some generic shops misdiagnose these symptoms.

Thanks for sharing your experience with the battery terminals. I had nearly identical starting problems with my 159 last winter and was convinced the ECU was failing. My check engine light was constantly on and the electrical system was going crazy. Did you remember roughly how much the repair cost in the end? Also curious if youve had any similar electrical gremlins pop up since getting it fixed? The engine software can definitely throw misleading codes when the power supply is unstable. Still kicking myself for assuming the worst before checking those basic connections!

Thanks for asking about the costs. The repair was straightforward, I paid 155 Euro to have the battery cables properly cleaned and reconnected. Since fixing those poor connections, the engine control malfunction cleared up completely. The check engine light turned off right after the repair and hasnt returned. The engine diagnostics confirmed it was just the bad battery connections causing those starting problems and unusual fault codes. Zero electrical issues since then and the fuel injection system works perfectly now. Sometimes the simplest fix is the right one, even when the symptoms make you fear the worst. No more engine stalling or starting problems in the year since that repair. Really glad I had it checked before jumping to conclusions about ECU failure. Getting those connections cleaned and tightened properly was worth every cent.

I finally went to get it fixed last week at a local specialist shop. The mechanic immediately spotted the corroded battery terminals during the engine diagnostics. Definitely felt relieved when he showed me the actual problem! The repair took less than an hour, they cleaned the terminals, replaced the connectors, and cleared the engine fault codes. Total bill came to 140 Euro, which was way less than I feared. The check engine light disappeared right after and the car starts perfectly now. Really appreciate the advice about checking the basic electrical connections first. Saved me from spending a fortune replacing parts that werent actually broken. No engine stalling or electrical issues since the repair. Sometimes the simple fix is the right one!