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Technical Sometimes it doesn't start... Help!!!

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Technical Sometimes it doesn't start... Help!!!

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Jacko310789

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I have a punto 2003 automatic speed gear. Sometimes it won't start in a morning or it struggles. Then on an evening after work it starts fine. But say I stop to go shopping, go back to it 10mins later it won't start. It then fires up straight away with a jump start?? Is it the battery??? Please help

Thanks
 
Hi mate,

When you say it wont start, does it turn over at normal speed but not fire? or is it slow to turn over and lights dim etc?

Any warning lights on the dash?


Its always worth getting your battery checked at this time of year anyway, as the winter will put much more strain on it, so in your case its probably worth doing it sooner rather than later, as it may be contributing to, if not causing your problem.

Alan
 
It doesn't turn over like normal. It's like you say slow? There's not always lights that come on my dash but sometimes after jump starting it, the engine management light comes on
 
Jacko310789 said:
It doesn't turn over like normal. It's like you say slow? There's not always lights that come on my dash but sometimes after jump starting it, the engine management light comes on
Click to expand...

Hi,
it does sound very much like a low battery, (y)

if you can put a volt meter across the battery terminals,
look for ;

1, 12 + volts with the car stood , engine OFF

2, start engine - check voltage again with engine running , doors Shut + lights off,
should be 14V +,
then turn engine off and measure the voltage again,
it will probably be @13.2V slowly dropping to @ 12.5V,

try it and let us know..,

we can help you get a good deal on a new battery = IF it's a battery you need ..!!,;)

Charlie
 
Last edited:
Ok thanks, I'd need a volt meter which I don't have. Thanks anyway. I'll think ill just need to get it booked in a garage
 
Hi,

I presume you have a set of jump leads (as you have been jump starting it) to rule out an earting issue, next time the starter is turning slowly, connect a jump lead between the battery negative and a substantial metal part of the engine. If the starter then turns over quicker and the engine starts, you know that its likely the main engine earth strap is corroded/ damaged.

Most likely cause though is the battery. Lots of places will do a FREE battery test for you. Make sure you see them do it though and get to see the results, as unfortunately some places will tell you its knackered even if it isn't simply to sell you a new battery.

Also check the battery terminals are tight and there is no sign of corrosion.

Failing that, other potential options inclued a failing starter motor, but at the moment I wouldnt worry about that until the condition of the battery as been checked.

Alan
 
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