hi i have a mk2 fiat punto 1.2 8v i am getting this weird whining noise comming from the engine (maybe radiator) it is very infrequent and just starts up mainy in traffic and the whineing goes though several diffrent tones sounds like water moving through pipes if i turn the car off while the whining is happening it continues can also hear it at high speeds but not as bad i think it may be the motor for the radiator fan

has any body else had the same problem or any ideas as to what it is many thanks steven

Hi Steven and welcome to the forum :wave:

The noise you describe almost certainly sounds like the radiator fan. If you stop the engine by switching the ignition off then the only electrical motor that will still run on your car (unless there is an electrical fault) is the radiator fan.

It shouldn't be on all the time, though it is normal for it to switch on and off constantly when in slow moving traffic. If yours is on constantly then you probably have a fault with the thermoswitch, engine temperature sender or the ECU (not sure how it is controlled on a mk2 Punto).

First you need to identify that it is the fan that is making the noise. If you can get your car to make the whining noise and pull over safely, then do so and pop the bonnet. The fan is bolted onto the radiator so look in this area. It will be obvious if the fan is on, but DO NOT STICK YOUR HAND NEAR IT! You will also find that if you switch the ignition off the fan will still run for a short time (about 15 - 20 seconds) and then switch off on its own.

Hope this helps, and if you need any more advice don't forget the Punto section of the forum has lots of knowledgeable members that can help too

Welcome to here..

hey thanks any idea where i can find the part number for the motor

Take your chassis number or possibly the car's registration number to Fiat. They should be able to identify the correct part number/ fan for your car from those