Hi

I have a 2007 punto grande, I have had it since it was 2 years old. All the time I have owned the car, it's always had this annoying problem where sometimes when you go to start the car it makes a loud grinding noise.

Like I say it's always done it and sometimes it would take 2 or 3 attempts to start the car as it would just grind. Also sometimes when it did start the mileage would flash.

Everyone who heard this kept saying it was the starter motor so today I eventually bit the bullet and got the starter motor replaced. Anyways the car is still doing the same thing. Arrrghhh

So anyone know what else it could be? I am sure I have read before that the punto grande was issued with an underpowered battery, and this can cause what my car suffers from.

Has anyone else heard this? If so what battery do I need to buy? And if not what else could be causing this?

I'd really love to try and nail this once and for all.

Thanks for any help

Sorry should add it's a 1.2 engine 8v

Check earth cable / power cable condition.

Inspect them closely. This is the no1 cause of almost all electrical problems on this car. (Flashing mileage is the first sign)

Also check / replace battery if it's old and test alternator.

The mechanic I use said its probably be the flywheel ring gear.
Does this sounds plausible?

The noise you are describing certainly sounds like the ring gear on the flywheel, when it's worn the starter motor doesn't mesh with it, hence the noise

Could be, but I find it very hard.

I will say again that flashing mileage = electrical problems.

Maddogdom said:

The noise you are describing certainly sounds like the ring gear on the flywheel, when it's worn the starter motor doesn't mesh with it, hence the noise

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Thanks for your reply.. Thing is the car has done it since I have had it, ie 2 year old.. Would that wear that quick?

cmosfxx said:

Could be, but I find it very hard.

I will say again that flashing mileage = electrical problems.

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I understand what you're saying but I know nothing about cars so have to rely on a mechanic. I guess I was just curious as to what it's most likely to be.

I'm tempted to try battery first, however how much would i be looking at for a change of fly wheel?

Also how much would I expect to pay for a 360 amp battery?

I appreciate its hard to diagnose on here. But I really do appreciate the help, I just don't want to pay more out on something that does not cure the problem

cnewton said:

Thanks for your reply.. Thing is the car has done it since I have had it, ie 2 year old.. Would that wear that quick?







I understand what you're saying but I know nothing about cars so have to rely on a mechanic. I guess I was just curious as to what it's most likely to be.

I'm tempted to try battery first, however how much would i be looking at for a change of fly wheel?

Also how much would I expect to pay for a 360 amp battery?

Click to expand...

Do not replace the battery without first checking all the cables. No point.

360a is small. I have a 600a 61ah bosch s5. Monster

cmosfxx said:

Do not replace the battery without first checking all the cables. No point.

360a is small. I have a 600a 61ah bosch s5. Monster

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Oh right I will get him to check cables etc.. I only said 360 because it's what I read on here that was recommended. Should I go higher than 360?

Just to show you a recent example

in post 7
https://www.fiatforum.com/grande-punto/436782-1-2-8v-grande-punto-no-start.html

You have to check all the cables really good.

About battery, of course. Choose a good brand too.

Just update, checked all wiring, connections, electrical stuff etc, fitted new starter motor, new 360amp battery and its still doing the same.

Looks like a new flywheel at a cost of £380, (thats with new clutch fitted as might as well do at same time)...so guess i will be grinding for a few more months....just question will this grinding noise eventually ruin my new starter motor?

What did the gear on the end of the old starter look like? As this mates with the ring gear damage to one can damage the other. It sounds like a starter fault / electrical fault was causing poor engagement and damaging the ring gear. Have a word with whoever changed the starter, they should havechecked the ring gear before they fitted the new starter.

Robert G8RPI.

g8rpi said:

What did the gear on the end of the old starter look like? As this mates with the ring gear damage to one can damage the other. It sounds like a starter fault / electrical fault was causing poor engagement and damaging the ring gear. Have a word with whoever changed the starter, they should havechecked the ring gear before they fitted the new starter.

Robert G8RPI.

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I was told the stater motor that came out looked OK.

I'm totally lost as to what to do now

It's very easy to check flywheel ring with the starter out.
I think it's even possible to check it from the gearbox inspection hole.

Was ring gear.. New flywheel fitted and so far so good