Technical 2006 Grande Punto 1.2 won't start - garage can't find fault

[fugsgal]

Hi There

I am new to the forum (already said Hi on the newbie section) and am in need of some help / reassurance with a fault with my 56 reg Grande Punto 1.2 Active (has done just over 9000 miles).

A week ago it just decided not to start - it seems to turn over OK and I can release the ignition but as soon as I touch the accelerator the engine dies. I eventually managed to get it started and put it down to one of those things. Anyway, it did again the next time I went to use it - must have taken 20-30 attempts (upset the neighbours as this was at 06:30 on Monday morning!). So, phoned garage later that morning and they said to get it booked in...

I managed to get it started again and got it to the garage - where as you can guess the car started fine (maybe because the engine had warmed?)
The car has now been in the garage since Monday and they have not been able to find out what's wrong with it although they agree that 'it is not right'. It is still in the garage and will be Monday before I know anymore.

Has anyone else come across a similar fault or has any ideas as to what it can be?

Thanks

Fugsgal

 

[T14086]

Ask them if the ECU update has been carried out & get them to monitor the air & water temperature readings.

 

[fugsgal]

Thanks for this - I'll suggest it when I speak to them on Monday

 

[T14086]

Let us know how you get on

 

[NumanR]

The problem is as T says is probably due to the air temp sensor. The ecu sees a very high air temp which does not match the coolant temp and flags the coolant temp sensor as an error. Alot of garages have found out the hard way when fitting a coolant temp sensor does not fix the fault.

 

[fugsgal]

Hi there

Thought I'd give you an update ...

Dealership has been in touch to say that they believe it to be an issue with the ECU (maybe they saw your advice here!) and are now waiting for Fiat to tell them what to do next. Said it is going to be another 2-3 days before I get car back - not looking forward to explaining that to Boss blokey who hasn't seen me for a week!

So a big thankyou for your replies - if only the dealership had your knowledge my car might have been on the road again by now.

I'll keep you updated as I get to know more (and hopefully get car back!).

Thanks again

Fugsgal x

 

[luvduvs]

Dealership has been in touch to say that they believe it to be an issue with the ECU (maybe they saw your advice here!)

if only the dealership had your knowledge my car might have been on the road again by now.

I'm willing to bet with my life they didn't see NumanR's or T's comments.

I simply don't get it - the dealers that I've dealt with, whether they're salesmen or technicians, or even Fiat AU - they just don't want to hear about FF as being a potential source of reference when troubles strike. Are they really that f**king arrogant and think they know everything when they actually don't?

Need to hit someone

 

[T14086]

IAre they really that f**king arrogant and think they know everything when they actually don't?

Their Italian,they won the world cup

 

[luvduvs]

Their Italian,they won the world cup

Was casually chatting with one of the guys at the service desk yesterday and me being me I started rambling on about how many issues I've had with my Fiat. In the end I said "Yeh well its an Italian " which stopped him in his tracks and this other dude in the background turned around with a semi-offended expression.

Turned out they were both Italians..

Lesson: if you're going to bag to someone about Fiats, check first to see if he's an Italian

 

[T14086]

mmmm good point......some nationalities are more laid back than others,are the Italians more laid back than us Brits who expect everything now & for no cost? Are the Yanks more understanding than say the Germans when it comes to cars & car repairs etc..........:chin:

 

[luvduvs]

Well they knew (or at least I hope they did) that I was (semi) joking..

 

[T14086]

In general Kev (in your opinion) are Aussies patient/understanding in terms of complaints etc (not jincluding you) or are they moaners etc?

 

[luvduvs]

I would think most are quite laid back and tolerant when it comes to complaints, especially after a few beers.

But that's the problem - the culture is so laid back here that nothing ever gets done, or just very inefficient when it comes to work/business.

 

[T14086]

thanks for that.......would be good to compare this to what other people from other countries think....at least until fugsgal comes back with his car fixed