Hi

I tried to start my punto (03 reg) this morning and it made a noise like it was trying to start but then nothing. When I turn the key it's just silence, no sound like it's trying to start - just dead. Any ideas what this would be? Could it be the battery gone flat or is it more likely to be the starting motor? I drove it yesterday without any problems.

Thanks

Will it Jump Start?

haven't left a light on by accident?

2003 = 8 years old by now so the battery could for well be at the time of replacement

Give the Battery a charge if you can
Get it jumped and see what happens from there on

Ps you havent had a new stereo fitted recently?

Ziggy

I haven't tried to jump start it - I had to just leave it as I was late for work - but will try that when I get home tonight.

Haven't fitted a new stereo.

Would a dead battery make it silent when trying to start? I'm a car novice and just assumed that if the battery was dead, it would still sound like it's trying to turn over but just not start? I thought perhaps if it was just dead, it might be the starting motor? (though I'm hoping it's not!)

a dying battery would make it sound strained when starting, but a completely dead battery would cause nothing to happen at all,

the connections on the starter motor may've come loose, but chances are it may be an old battery or something's been draining it

Thanks - I will definately try the battery before looking for any other causes.

Out of interest, how would I tell if something is draining it? Someone mentioned a stereo - but I fitted my stereo a number of years ago - it wouldn't be that would it - after all this time?

Also, a colleague has said that if it is the starter motor, if I tap with a hammer it may start. Does anyone know if this would work and how I do it (i.e. do I tap it whilst turning the key)? Also, where would I find it?!!

not experienced a bad starter myself but i would've thought it would be a case of it deteriorating over time, not instant, what engine does the car have, i know in my punto the starter is at the rear of the engine, take a look at this pic see if it helps, https://www.fiatforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=34729&d=1194891679, i'm assuming this is your engine just at a guess, but it could it different

I'm not sure - my engine size is 1.2 8v - is this the same? Would the starter motor be visible from on top or underneath the car?

Poppy27 said:

I'm not sure - my engine size is 1.2 8v - is this the same? Would the starter motor be visible from on top or underneath the car?

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It's in the same place. Passenger side, right at the back of the gearbox.

But I'd forget about hitting it with a hammer. This will help only if the solenoid is stuck -- if it's not making any sound, Idon't see this as a possibility. Try re-charging the battery first (or try borrowing one). In my experience, batteries simply don't last more than 4 years. 8 would be exceptional.

If that doesn't do it, come back.

Thanks everyone for your help - it is the battery that is the problem - I guess it's done well to last this long (!) - off to shop around for a new one tomorrow - at least it's cheaper than a starter motor!

Poppy27 if it is the battery they will try and sell you a special fiat punto battery to fit in the plastic tray you have on your car,its smaller than a standard battery see
however if you get them to remove the plastic cover (2 minute job) and get them to fit a standard 063 battery you will pay £40 for a quality bosch rather than £80 the oddball costs
it will need a small piece of 1x1 wood under the battery clamp to secure it in place though
take a bit in the boot with you

Oh no - not more complications - why is nothing ever simple!

I've found prices for a battery from Europarts for £55 for a bosch and £48 for an Exide - and was intending to try and fit it myself - is this not a good idea then? The only other price I've found is Kwik Fit - £78(!) or local garage approx £55 but not sure of make of battery or guarantee length - no one has mentioned it has to be a special battery (i.e. smaller) - am I better off getting it fitted by someone then?

piece of cake to fit yourself
10mm for the battery terminots and the battery clamp
oil the clamp threads before undoing
be careful to remove negative post first
negative post last on refit
this is a safety feature so you dont short the battery
watch the clamp doesnt spin round onto a terminal
dont leave spanners on battery

the plastic box round the battery clips into the tray bottom and needs a screwdriver under it to remove it from the clips nothing else
you will also find it held by a tie clip on the battery positive terminol
the bigger battery will pay diveidends on a cold winters morning

go back and price up an 063 i buy them in 5's from eurocarparts got them for £106 all in delivered last time 2 year guarantee (not bosch though lion i think)


just looked you can buy a proper fiat battery for £48 off eurocarparts now, so thats an easier option,theyve obviously come down in price lately and about time too

A punto Battery is easy to fit
2 x 10mm Bolts to take the strap off

1x 10mm Bolt for the Negative
1x 10mm Bolt for the posi

IF you have any rings or bracelets or Necklaces on - TAKE THEM OFF

Ziggy

Go for the best spec battery you can fit such as the Bosch Silver ideally as used in the diesels and HGT. Its bigger than standard used in 8V Punto but will cope with the demands of electric power steering much better than smaller cubes. Yes it will cost a bit more but consider that £30 worth of insurance. If in doubt compare the weights - the Bosch has much more mass and charging content.