Technical Punto temp issue and cutting out..

[MadMonkeyMatty]

MK1 Punto Temp Gauge issue

My 75elx punto never seems to get past 1/4 on the temp gauge, and it takes about 30 mins of driving before it even reaches that, I know this is most likely a thermostat issue, but will this issue be the cause of the car randomly cutting out when changing down gears and when stopping, at traffic lights for example?

your help will be much appreciated...

 

[fingers99]

Probably not. Fix the thermostat first, then look at earthing issues or the TDC sensor.

 

[rallycinq]

There is a half chance that the temp sensorfor the ECU thinks the engine is warmer than it actually is and adjusting the fuel to suit that wrong temp, or even that its colder than it is.

Whatever, sort the thermostat issue first.

Cheers

SPD

 

[rallycinq]

Re: MK1 Punto Temp Gauge issue

Short answer, yes.

The ECU requires accurate temp readings to get the right amount of fuel to the engine.

Cheers

SPD

 

[MadMonkeyMatty]

Thanks for replies, not had a chance to look at this yet, It's bloody freezing outside with all the snow lol..

I was shocked to see the car start with no issues yesterday afternoon, and the temp on the gauge went up to 1/4 within about 10 mins, much quicker than usual. usually takes 30/40 mins

Once I've had a chance to look i'll let ya know.. Fingers X'd she starts ok today

 

[ChrisUK]

could be a weak antifreeze mix... When was it last changed?

 

[MadMonkeyMatty]

I have no idea lol. I've bought some, but mate who looks at my car is away at the mo. I have no knowledge about engines what so ever haha. I bought some from Halfords the other day.

If it was to be the thermostat that is faulty, stuck open etc, wouldn't that effect the heat being pumped into the car from the heater? cos that heats up fairly quickly.

Could car not reaching core temp be due to low or no anti freeze and if the level is low? i'm going to check this today. Though in the summer when it's hot still have same issue.

thanks.

 

[ChrisUK]

Nah if its stuck open you will still get some heat into the cabin just not as much as you would if your temp guage reached half way (normal temp).

 

[MadMonkeyMatty]

ok thanks... How do I check the levels in the radiator, I can top it up with water/antifreeze mix if req. i'll have to see what the level is in the overflow reseviour

 

[MadMonkeyMatty]

Ok. I've looked at the radiator fluid and it was empty!.. Didn't see a leak when i filled it up with 50/50 water, antifreeze ratio.

I've been trying most of the day today and car wont start now, I've tried jumping, batter seems fine as she ticking over but not starting. No wetness under the hood.. Any suggestions????

 

[bredsticz]

Make sure your plugs are sparking, what has been touched? HT leads? anything?

 

[MadMonkeyMatty]

Make sure your plugs are sparking, what has been touched? HT leads? anything?

I know nothing about cars, and this close to xmas I can't afford a mechanic to have a look see, I've not touched any cables as dont know what i'm doing.

 

[bredsticz]

hmmm, have you tried starting her while putting the accelerator on, only thing i can think of you'd be able to do without touching the engine. Will the starter stay ticking over? Does is sound weaker than usual? Turn lights on when trying to start if they go dim or off its the battery

 

[MadMonkeyMatty]

hmmm, have you tried starting her while putting the accelerator on, only thing i can think of you'd be able to do without touching the engine. Will the starter stay ticking over? Does is sound weaker than usual? Turn lights on when trying to start if they go dim or off its the battery

I've tried the accelerator couple of times, i know this can flood the engine if done too much, I've not tried the lights thing, but if it was the battery she should have started when jumped up? the sound stays the same tone and pitch when ticking over. d

 

[ChrisUK]

Sounds like your pretty snookered. Lack of coolant suggests Headgasket failure, especially as you say theres no leaks.

Any milky looking smeg in your oil filler cap?

 

[fingers99]

Randomly cutting out/no start may be the TDC sensor. Check for a spark at plugs and fuel past the injectors (plug will be wet with petrol). If neither, 98% it's the TDC sensor. Easy fit, around £20 from Fluffy the Impaler or Shop4Parts.

 

[bredsticz]

Don't think he'll be able to do that fingers if he knows nothing about cars. also I tried jumping a car the other day when my battery went dead and wouldn't jump. Only worked when I started the engine on the other car, left it a few mins then tryed it. Can you damage the battery my connecting the leads direct from each terminal to the others instead of putting negative to engine block? My dad seems to think you don't jump it by putting it on engine block so he does it from +ive to +ive and -ive to -ive

 

[fingers99]

What can be hard about removing a spark plug?

The TDC sensor is as easy as undoing one bolt and unplugging one connector. I know 5 yeasr olds who could do it.

As for the rest, it won't do any damage, but -ive to the chassis earth is safer and better.

 

[bredsticz]

I thought so, and also if someone who only knows how to drive a car and not know it, chances are they don't even now what a spark plug looks like or even point it out. It is a simple job but there are quite a few people I know who wouldn't even be able to point out the air filter on a mk2

 

[MadMonkeyMatty]

Thanks for all ya help guys.

Car moved this morning!!!!!.. Didn't start, she got towed to the local garage as it's far too cold for me looking under the bonnet with a cup of coffee and my "idiots guide to reading the Haynes Fiat Punto Mk1 guide book" lol.

I'll put a post on it to to let ya know what it is.. I hate winter and growing a big dislike for Fiats.