Hi all,

Really impressed with my Punto. It's a 56 and still looks and runs brilliant.

However, it's currently got three issues which are really becoming a grind. I was wondering if anyone on here has any knowledge on them? I'd rather try to repair them myself than take it to a random garage and pay over the odds!

Below are the three issues - I would really appreciate if anyone could help me with any of them! (It's a 56 turbo diesel).

1. Problem starting the engine - 99% of the time it starts first time, the problem is that it takes between 5-15 seconds to start. It just turns over sometimes for over 15 seconds before eventually starting. Not sure what's causing this, a mate of my dad's said he checked and it's not the spark plugs?

2. Driver's side rear window mecahnism broken - the rear windows are manual winders and they have broken. Winding the winder has no effect on the window and the window slides down about 2 inches as a drive around. I don't mind the winder being broke, I just don't want the window to slide down! Anyone got any ideas?

3. Remote key replacement - I left my keys on a train about 6 months ago and don't think I'll ever get them back. Basically means I can't remote central lock or open the boot remotely. Is there a way I can get this functionality back without paying hundreds?

Thanks in advance!

1, it's a diesel, you have to let the glow plugs warm before you turn it over. There is a little yellow light that will appear when you start the car to the last turn before actually attempting to start the car. You are meant to wait for that to go out before trying to start it. I normally wait for the fuel pump to finish priming (there is a humming sound that will come from the rear)
2, I can't really help with that as I don't have rear windows
3, you could take it to a key specialist depending you have the key code from when the car was made (it's normally in the manual owners book on a little car or written on the first page of the service book) they should be able to source a new key and then code it for you but I'm unsure how much it would cost

Kurt

Sm1thygp said:

1, it's a diesel, you have to let the glow plugs warm before you turn it over. There is a little yellow light that will appear when you start the car to the last turn before actually attempting to start the car. You are meant to wait for that to go out before trying to start it. I normally wait for the fuel pump to finish priming (there is a humming sound that will come from the rear)
2, I can't really help with that as I don't have rear windows
3, you could take it to a key specialist depending you have the key code from when the car was made (it's normally in the manual owners book on a little car or written on the first page of the service book) they should be able to source a new key and then code it for you but I'm unsure how much it would cost

Kurt

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Cheers Kurt.

I see the light and hear the fuel pump and always wait until afterwards. I've waited 2 or 3 minutes before now and the same thing still happens.

With regards to the starting it's a case of elimination with these things, my guess would be you need new glow plugs, £18.99 for a set on Ebay with free delivery and a two year warranty, that's where I would start.

1) What exactly he checked? Diesel engines don't use spark plugs. There are injectors and glow plugs. Sometimes this kind of problem is the glow plugs. Do you have the same problem if the engine is hot?

2) I don't know but you can find cheap spare / used parts on ebay from UK

3) I THINK you can program a key to unlock doors etc via multuecuscan but you can't program the key to start the car. Only fiat can supply you this key.

GrimFan said:

Cheers Kurt.

I see the light and hear the fuel pump and always wait until afterwards. I've waited 2 or 3 minutes before now and the same thing still happens.

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The glow plugs switch off when they're hot enough, and after 2-3 minutes they'll be stone cold again. As has been said, straight after the hum is the time to start it.

Also, with regards to the door, a new regulator is about £40 from ebay. Make sure to get one for the correct side door, and make sure not to get an electric one. It's an easy fix, door card comes off and swaps nice and simple.