Hi everyone, new to the forum so still trying to fing my way around. Bought my son his first runaround to learn to drive so bought a Fiat Punto 1.2 active 2003 model (not sure if its a mK2 /2b or not ?)
Was practising slow manouvres- 3 point turns when I suddenly noticed the temp gauge in red and warning light on. Just before we were able to park, a lot of steam came out from under bonnet and brownish water all over road.
Nursed car back home and after poking about a bit noticed a rubber hose had come undone near to where it enters bulkhead - I assume this hose took water to heater in car. Not sure how to now fill the coolant back up and make sure no air trapped as I believe my heater wont work if there is any air in system ?
Not sure if the rad fan had kicked in at any stage - is there an easy way of me testing whether it comes on. Please bear in mind I am not a mechanic but not afraid to tinker if given an idiots guide. any help will be gratefully recieved by this newbie.

There's a guide for coolant renewal: https://www.fiatforum.com/punto-mk2-2b-guides/347158-coolant-renewal.html

You could follow that. It's going to be a pain to bleed the system so you probably have to do it over a few days/weeks. Top it up, close the bleed screws, drive it around, up and down slopes, open it up and top up again if necessary. Check again a few days later, repeat until satisfied.

Everyone is always complaining that it is really difficult to bleed these engines but I dont understand why everyone struggles. Did mine yesterday in about 15-20 mins.

The method I use is to set the heater to hot. Remove the rear bleed screw and open the front bleed screw. Poor coolant into the expansion tank until it starts poring out the rear bleed screw. Replace the bleed screw and close it.

Now fill the expansion tank right to the top and then close the front bleed screw once water starts to flow from it. Brim the expansion tank and start the engine. Let the engine run for a few minutes and then open the front bleed screw again to check no air is coming out. Check both bleed screws are closed and shut down the engine.

Using something like a turkey baster or rubber hose (push down into tank, place thumb over end to form a seal and then pull it out which will bring out some coolant, keep repeating). Withdraw the excess coolant until the level is just above the max mark. Replace the expansion tank cap and run the engine until the fan comes on and then goes off again. Allow the engine to cool down fully (about an hour) then adjust the coolant level up or down till it is on the max mark.

This is the technique I have used several times and it always works.

Whilst the coolant is out I would look to drop a new thermostat in just in case the old one had jammed closed causing your overheat. Thermostat is only £9 ish from Eurocarparts. Held in by 2 10mm bolts, but access is easier if you remove the coil pack holder first. This is held on by 2 10mm nuts and a 10mm bolt. Remove the bolts from the coil pack holder and pull it out of the end of the head, rest it behind the head (no need to unplug any leads). Remove the hose from the thermostat housing. Undo the 2 bolts on the thermostat and it will pull away from the head. Clean the side of the head with a scraper then bolt the new thermostat in place using the supplied gasket. Reconnect the hose and refill the system as above.