My wife has a Punto 55 N reg. Lately it is very reluctant to start on some but not all occassions. As the key is turned to activate the starter there is just a click from under the bonnet and the starter does not turn. It seems like a battery problem but the battery is fairly recent and I have also tried charging this up. Reading through some of the posts I have noticed problems cited with the ignition barrel, is this likely? I am pretty sure I can rule out the battery as the car may start perfectly Ok in the morning, then play up at lunchtime and then start perfectly at night of the same day!

I need a quick diagnosis as these things always need to be sorted at the weekend.

Thanks

welcome to the forum

sounds like starter or solonoid thhen if battery is ok

Could this be a loose or corroded connection somewhere in the starter circuit? If so are there any common problem points that I can rule out first?

Sounds like either the solenoid or worn brushes in the starter motor to me,in either case a new or good used starter motor should cure the problem. The ignition switch wouldn't cause this,if you can hear a loud clicking when you turn key the ign switch is working ok. Either solenoid isn't switching power to starter motor,or brushes are gone. As solenoid is built into starter motor,changing motor eliminates both poss faults.

Chris.

Thanks for the tips guys.

Excellent forum.

I will let you know the outcome.

Found the problem. A damaged Earth connection to the engine block. I reckon that this was damaged when a new clutch was fitted. I stripped back the cable and fiited a new connector and it seems much better now.

good find, glad you got it sorted.

Glad to hear i'm not the only one. The 99 punto 60sx was fine at the weekend when i drove to my sisters but the next morning wouldn't start. With the key in the on position a continuous buzz or rattle is heard and the starter only just turns over once. Have charged the battery so could it be solenoid/starter/earth. Just had some work done on clutch, so might look for a loose earth connection. Any idea how much a new starter will cost???
cheers guys.