I got my punto 2 weeks ago and so far it's a pretty nice car, feels much newer and smoother than my old rover 25 (although it is a lot slower 1.2 vs 1.6!).
Anyway, recently it's developed an annoying and slightly concerning problem. Basically, sometimes when I start it (usually after it hasn't been driven for a few hours e.g. overnight), it sort of gives up after a second or so almost as if the battery was empty, then the clock and trip meter reset to zero, key code light comes on and then it starts absolutely fine. When this happens the key code light stays on until I turn the ignition off, and then everything is fine if I start it up again.
I'm sure it's not the battery since everything else works and like I say if I try starting it up again there's no problem. Maybe it's something to do with the cold weather? I suppose it could be a loose connection somewhere but I would have thought the problem would have been more severe?
It's more annoying than anything else since I rely on my clock and trip meter quite a lot. It also makes me wonder if one day it won't start.
Anyone else experienced this or got any ideas on it?

get the battery stress tested, or borrow someone elses battery for a few days to see if the problem persists. clean up the terminals and earth and refit with some vaseline or grease and see if that helps. cold weather really affects older batteries and can cause all sorts of issues.

I'd be saying battery too

The Key Code Light - Does this when the Battery is flat, the Imboliser thinks your trying to trick it somehow - so it activates, partly because the key is in the ON position and magically reset because the battery couldnt give it enough juice

Take the Key out and the reinsert - the Immbo checks Key - and see's everything is okay and allows a start


In the extremem case - it could be that the starter motor is Dying and sucking too much out the battery

And how old is the car? 4 to 7 years is a battery average life span
My punto will be shortly on its 3rd
(1st original fiat must have died before i had car)
2nd is currently in, its cheap and is causing a few niggles now and then
So when winter is over finally a new battery will probably be a must


Ziggy

et the battery tested, if OK, it's an earth fault -- physically undo all the earth terminals you can find in te engine bay, clean up, vaseline and re-tighten