Just purchased a Fiat Punto as a cheap car to give to a friend who's desperate for some wheels to get her kids around. All good when we drove away, needs a wheel bearing but not aware of anything else.
Got it home and gave it a clean, I discovered that there was some corrosion on one of the battery terminals. I wiped the corrosion away. When starting the engine afterwards there were two warning lights on! Engine management and power steering. I'm really worried now as it's been a big stretch to pay for the car and really can't afford expensive repairs, but equally can't give it to my friend with problems as she definitely won't have the resources to fix it. :0(
We were so pleased to have found her a nice car but now feeling deflated. Any advice gratefully received!

Could be a weak battery.

SeanW said:

Could be a weak battery.

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Thanks SeanW, I was really hoping someone would say that and that it wasn't that the car is on its last legs! The lights both came in after clearing the corrosion so it would make sense, especially as everything is working as it should. Chap took it in for a pre MOT check prior to sale and only came up with the wheel baring. Only a worn tyre on the advisories on last MOT in August 2014. Fingers crossed.

Hi, and welcome,
worth double checking the connections to battery,

a meter to check voltage would be best here,
especially the 14 volts from alternator - as the steering is electric , using LOTS of power

Charlie - Oxford

varesecrazy said:

Hi, and welcome,
worth double checking the connections to battery,

a meter to check voltage would be best here,
especially the 14 volts from alternator - as the steering is electric , using LOTS of power

Charlie - Oxford

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I was thinking of popping it into my local ATS to get them to check it for me. The guys up there are usually pretty good and don't charge anything to have a look, guessing they'll have all the right equipment.

So, had the battery checked and it's fine. Both lights gave now gone out. Bit puzzled!

Zaly said:

So, had the battery checked and it's fine. Both lights gave now gone out. Bit puzzled!

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seems coincidental - with the terminals being disturbed..,

I got a 51 plate punto last year..:idea: the alternator cuts in and out every now and again,

Charlie

Phew! Thank you. Hopefully not a big problem then