Hi. Just came across this thread via Google! This is exactly what my boy's 2012 Punto is doing! I tried posting in the Grande Punto section (because it looks like more people look there than here). So far only a limited response. This thread answers just about all my questions - thanks everyone.
I removed the light unit but the black plug on the back of it is very very tight. So I left it alone and removed the bulb holder unit which allowed me to check the bulbs, without unplugging from the loom. (That was when I discovered the side lights were LEDs!). Put it all back together but it's still dim! Haven't tried slapping it or the hair dryer treatment yet.
I think probably a new unit from Shop4parts is going to be the way to go, especially as I read here that new units are improved/modified to get over this problem, but I've still got the problem of removing the plug on the back of the unit. It does seem very tight. I can't see any sort of interlock, like you get on a sensor plug for instance? Is it just a case of getting "physical" with it? I'm worried it's going to break/snap.
Thanks for any help
Jock.