I was wondering if anyone else has experienced this. I had the Panda parked up for a couple of weeks and when I went to start it i found the motor wouldn't turn. I assumed it was the battery so I charged it overnight but had exactly the same problem. I kept trying to start it still assuming the battery was flat until I discovered white smoke appearing from under the bonnet. It was clearly from something electrical and I suspect the starter motor although it's not easy to see it from the top. I am assuming either is is jammed in some way or something is wrong with it like the brushes are worn. Does anyone have any ideas what could be wrong?

Given it's a diesel I'd try 3rd, 4th or 5th and rocking it. Failing that procedure number two would be to whack it with a large lump of wood and a hammer. Used both methods in the past to free off other starters.

Hi I had a problem where the starter and ignition switch failed at the same time,here's the original post.

hope you get it sorted...

https://www.fiatforum.com/panda/284051-multijet-starter-ignition-switch-burnout.html

thanks everyone,

I tried rocking the car in gear but didn't have any effect, I think next step is to remove the starter motor.