Help! 1995 M doesn't start!

Hi everyone,

I really need some help with my Punto, which won't start. When I turn the key it sounds like it is trying to start but can't. It only began to struggle to start a few days ago, and now it won't start at all.

The lights work and so does my cd player so I think it's not the battery.

There is plenty of petrol.

I really want to fix it myself, if possible. Does anyone have any ideas for checks that I could do to identify the problem? I would really appreciate your help!

Thanks,
Martina

Hi Ya! Had the same problem with my punto a few weeks ago. Tries to start, just cart. Put some stuff on the plugs which i have forgotten the name of WD40 i think. That was the dampness that caused that. Next day still didn't start so i went to a local garage and got the plugs done and they only charged me £20 so not bad and now it starts ok.

Welcome to the forum.

might be damp in the distributor, spray some WD at it, check the plugs, and replace if necessary... Are there any other symptons, i.e. noises, starts for a while but can't keep revs etc...

Is this any use?

http://www.fiatforum.com/punto-technical/18430-punto-wont-start.html

puntos and most other modern cars dont have a distributor

Hi all,

Thank you for help.

I've got some WD40 but I can't find the spark plugs! My car is a 55S, can anyone tell me where they are please?

There aren't any other symptoms, it just sounds like it has no life in it.

Cheers all,

Martina

they're on the back of the engine, follow the thick dark wires (HT leads) that go from the right hand side of the engine, they lead right to them

hmm sounds like no life in it ?? are you sure battery is fine?? when you try to start the car does it turn over like it used to nice and fast but just does not fire up or does it turn slowly. also turn ya lights on and see if they dimm when you try to start it up.

have you tried getting a jump start from someone ???

Okay, found the spark plugs

I managed to get to two of them and put some WD40 on them. Is it essential that I get to the other two? Also, how long does it normally take for this to make a difference?

Just tried to turn it over. It turns slowly. I put the inside light on and it definitley dimmed when I tried to start the car.

I tried a jump start but no luck

Help!

if its a damp problem then the wd40 will work in few mintues as it drives the damp out.
ideally spraying all 4 is required or you may get lucky as only one of them could be effected.

when did you last have a service?? maybe your spark plugs have warn badly ?? that sort of thing is normally noticed as winter rolls in.

Hello and welcome to the forum

Have you checked your timing belt? Mine was exactly the same as yours, kev had tried everything (it had a spark/had petrol) everything seemed ok it just wouldnt start, we even had it booked in for a diagnostic test. Then kev lifted the timing belt cover and the tensioner was shot £22 later (for the full kit) and she started first time

make sure you put those HT leads on back in the same order! or youl have a new problem!

I have heard that the immobilisers in punto keys can be a lot of trouble. not sure if your punto has this but try using a different key.

I checked the timing belt and it seems fine, been a while since I had the car serviced, hmm. It's catching up with me now!

Still can only get to two of the plugs, but I managed to put the HT leads on the right ones.

I think it could be the starter motor. Does anyone know where this is located? Someone told me to give it a smack with the hammer?!

I changed the air filter cos it was filthy, and it sounds like the car is trying to turn over but not fast enough. Any more ideas?

Thank you loads for all of your help!