Hiya... Not usually too great with cars so please bear with me!!

Got an 04 plate Punto 1.2 Active. It got serviced only a few months ago, nothing major just a few tweaks, and flew through its MOT in March. Usually when you start the car up, it takes a few mins for the temperature gauge to start moving, gradually it creeps up and settles almost dead on half way. A few weeks ago I noticed it moving quicker than normal, then went further than half way.... about another quarter higher. Tonight, when the car was stationary but engine was running it done it again to a quarter higher, had only driven a few miles so nothing long distance. It stayed there for a bit, then back down to half way. On the way home after starting the car up about 2 hours later she sat at half way just fine.

So, it's not all the time, and hasn't went close to the red (just 2 dashes up from half), it does always seem to be moving a bit quicker than has done for the last year or so. Any ideas? Coolant? Faulty gauge? Water?

Garage probably didnt fill it up fully with coolant (probably couldnt be arsed to do it properly). Check the coolant expansion tank (will be right at the front of the engine attached to radiator)

Unscrew the cap (make sure engine has cooled down first!!!!) and check to see if there is any coolant in.

Sounds to me like a sticking thermosatat. (i.e. not opening quickly enough as car warms up heating the engine up quicker, then opening when its upto temperature)

From www.shop4parts.co.uk

Thermostat
1.2 8v
Part Number: S4P470
Manufacturer: European

Listed Price: £12.71
Our Price: £9.53
You Save: £3.18 (25%)
Please note that All Prices Exclude VAT.

I would check the coolant levels first though.

Thats the price of the part and your looking at no more than an hours labour really to change one

Is it difficult to replace? My bro does car work (though not at a garage)... I'm guessing he could maybe do it?!

And much cheapness for the part Ta!!

Yeh it seems pretty straighforward todo. (im sure other on here will be able to give you a step by step on how todo it, havent done one myself)

You will have to top up the coolant and bleed the system of air after you have changed it, to get rid of any air locks.

Check the coolant levels beforehand as it may just be a low coolant level or air in the system causing yur problem. No point in changing a part if you dont need to

check to see if you have just water in the system

As water retains heat - as can take a little bit of extraction to cool it again

This can sometimes explain the high spike in the guage
A little anti-freeze is known to help reduce temperatures but not let it freeze

Ziggy

Much thanks for all your help... I think I've got the problem sorted

... rest assured though, any issues I'll be back on here screaming for help!! =)

Big thanks x