Hi all

I have a fiat punto grande, 3 dr, 56 reg.

It has a 12 volt 40ah battery

In the mornings it really struggles to start, it has to be turned over a few times before it starts,

I checked the battery with a multimeter when not started I get 12.7 vdc, when I try to start it it drops to 8vdc is this normal ? The car isn't used much and when it is it only goes down the road could it be that the battery isn't having time to charge fully ?

Thanks !

Jack

what do you mean 'struggles to start'?

does it crank slowly? start but runs rough and cuts out?

I mean you try to start it and it sounds just like its about to kick in but never quite makes it.

on about the third startup it runs fine

I can't explain what I'm trying to say very well

Just re-read what you said, it doesn't crank slowly or anything obvious it sounds normal but doesn't fully turnover until the third time sometimes more but only ever in the mornings or when it hasn't run for a long time

what engine?

money is on Map sensor :idea:

1.4 petrol

I only started asking about the battery because the car recently had some work done at a fiat garage and the guy said it needed a 60ah battery as apose to the current 40ah one "and we have one in stock it will be £140+vat"

£140+vat ?!?? I thought was ridiculous and I wasn't there so presumed they were just trying to get the mrs to buy more stuff

on eurocarparts it listsfor your car:

Bosch Battery (S4 Battery 012 4 Year Guarantee) 52AH

so 40 ah is a bit low.

price is:

£65.94 delivered or collected from local branch.
£49.45 if you enter code UKPAS25!