Hi all,

Strange goings on with our 2004 Panda 1.2 Dynamic

Car intermittently fails to start. Engine turns over but no attempt to start.
Sometimes the dash goes off whilst the starter is turning over.
Battery is good, starter works well, and have tried a second fully charged battery with same results.

Then when the car starts it sometimes does the following;

1> If you select reverse the dash goes off completely including dash warning lights, clocks & rev counter and the engine switches off. This is whilst the clutch is still pressed in - so not stalling when pulling away. When this happens it's just like the battery has been disconnected - the dash goes completely off. Alternatively putting into reverse will flash the majority of the left side warning lights before cutting the engine.

2> When driving the POWER STEERING FAILURE DASHBOARD WARNING LIGHT will flicker or stay on on the dash although the power steering continues to work fine.


3> When driving the CAR PROTECTION SYSTEM FAULT WARNING LIGHT will illuminate and stay on on the dash. Car continues to drive ok when this comes on.


4> When driving the car and using the brake pedal it will sometimes flash all the lights on the left side of the dash before cutting out the engine. This has happened when the engine is cold.



5> The AIRBAG OR PRETENSIONERS SYSTEM FAULT WARNING LIGHT has flickered sometimes, but not at all often.


I'm wondering if it's something to do with the ignition switch - if you wiggle it when the car is running it will sometimes switch the car off. Just like the reverse problem it's as if someone has pulled the battery - the dash goes totally off. But, this only sometimes, other times when it's running wiggling the key makes no difference. Also when trying to start it if it wont start wiggling the key whilst it is turning over does not help.

We've a spare key, one without the remote fob and that works just the same.

If all is well the car runs just as it should, no problems at all.

Thanks.

worn lock barrel, do you tend to use a large bunch of keys..,

or a tired battery / dodgy earth connection.

Charlie 1.1 active

Cheers mate,

Did wonder about the barrel. Any idea what it's like to replace?
I assume we've then an issue with the immobiliser and the key, as it'll be a replacement key too?
Key is by itself, no other keys or even a key-ring.

Had a quick look just now at the earth lead, and a quick look online.
Do I need to look at both the gearbox and main battery leads - I gather there's both?
From the battery there are three wires running from the negative side of the battery. Two run into the loom and the thick big one under the battery somewhere. I'll pull it off asap and give it a good clean-up. Assume battery tray has to come out at least to get to the other end?

I have tried a second battery, admittedly not brand new but working well (I bought it a while back for a Punto but we had to scrap it almost straight away and it's been in my 'project' air cooled beetle doing not a lot since!)
Engine spins well using either battery.

Thanks for your help.

placing key into the ign. barrel , IF you remove the plastic column shrouds..you'll find a small tag on the lock barrel , press it in and with a bit of jiggling the lock barrel will pop out - with key still inside to align the detents.

there are options of replacing the barrel,
feel free to PM for further info,


the earth leads tend to breakdown / corrode internally, a new replacement is the best option.. no idea on cost..sorry,
Shop4parts should be competitive..,

my 2004 panda is about to get it's 2nd replacement battery,
that threw up PAS faults when the original failed,

apart from that it's been rock solid,
still on original bulbs and fuses,

Charlie - Oxford

Thanks Charlie,

I'll try to take a look at the earth & battery leads tomorrow.
We're meant to be out for the day but that may have been cancelled - which would be handy!

If i have no joy with the above I'll take your offer and PM re ignition barrel - thank you.

But, fingers crossed its something nice and simple !!

As a quick test, get a jump lead and connect it from the negative terminal of the battery to a large bolt somewhere in the engine bay, preferably on the body, if not on the engine, leave the original connected, and see if the symptoms change or disappear. Bizarre electrical faults are usually earthing problems or damp/corrosion problems, all made worse now by data signals being sent through the wiring as well.

varesecrazy said:

placing key into the ign. barrel , IF you remove the plastic column shrouds..you'll find a small tag on the lock barrel , press it in and with a bit of jiggling the lock barrel will pop out - with key still inside to align the detents.

there are options of replacing the barrel,
feel free to PM for further info,


the earth leads tend to breakdown / corrode internally, a new replacement is the best option.. no idea on cost..sorry,
Shop4parts should be competitive..,

my 2004 panda is about to get it's 2nd replacement battery,
that threw up PAS faults when the original failed,

apart from that it's been rock solid,
still on original bulbs and fuses,

Charlie - Oxford

Click to expand...

Hi, still having problems with this.

I cleaned up the earth cable and refitted and we're a step further on.
Car now when running seems ok, occasionally the padlock symbol is coming up on the dash.
But, it wont start most of the time, just turns over.
Sometimes the dash blacks out when it wont start, sometimes not.
If I press hard on the key (pushing it into the barrel) it seems to be a bit better - but it's hard to tell as it's so bloody intermittent.

I cannot seem to be able to PM - I cannot find the option.

Also bottom cowl on thesteering column came of easy - not sure where you undo to remove the top part. As yet (I'm guessing the top cowl is in the way?) I cannot see where to push in the barrel to release - I cannot see anywhere a screwdriver could be used. Is it on the top or bottom of the housing?

Thanks

PM sent ;-)

https://www.fiatforum.com/punto-ii/241806-punto-ignition-lock-sticky.html

This sounds similar to a problem I had with my 1.2 06 plate dynamic.
Thread can be found here :
https://www.fiatforum.com/showthread.php?t=435371

Turn out to be a £700 repair. So might be worth getting it checked out.

thanks, Neogeta

via PM -= the OP has stated its related to the Ign. barrels electrical contacts - as earlier suspected.

Hopefully they can get back to us in a few weeks to confirm it's a proper fix.

Charlie

Hi guys,

thanks for all your help and suggestions.

Pleased to say the car appears to be fixed.. fitted a new igition switch late on Wednesday night and girlfriend says all has been well since.

So, new ignition and all earth connections cleaned up appears to have sorted it - I hope!

Thanks again