Hi guys,

My '00 16v Sporting makes a strange noise when fully warmed up and idling. The sound is like a mechanical-sounding whirr (definitely not the fan though - I checked). An ever-so-slight dab on the accelerator and the noise vanishes until the revs settle again. Anyone experienced this/know how to get rid of it?

Thanks,

Joey.

PS while I'm at it, I thought I'd start a list of gripes about my car (even though I still think it's fantastic!) - anyone want to add anything? Here's my top-10 (actually now 14):

1. Whirring noise at idle
2. Misfiring when accelerating up a hill.
3. Jerky takeoff.
4. Difficult to engage second gear.
5. Indicators switch off when going round roundabouts.
6. Creaking from the rear suspension.
7. Petrol pump thinks your tank's full and stops dispensing.
8. High level of road noise.
9. Dipped headlights sometimes switch themselves off when main beam is lit.
10. Speed-sensitive volume on the stereo doesn't work.
11. Wipers can't wipe when you're doing over 80 (they jump!).
12. Wipers freeze up in winter and can't wipe (nightmare when the road's been gritted).
13. No button to open boot - need key if you're outside the car.
14. Noisy rear wiper motor (OK getting silly now).

7. Petrol pump thinks your tank's full and stops dispensing.

I found (along with many others) that inverting the nozzle works wonders. It's a bit odd at first, but allows a normal fill. I usually let any excess from the previous user drip in my tank (rather than on my paintwork!) before going for the upside down fill.

8. High level of road noise.

Depends on what you compare it to. eg, my 2000 ELX with steel wheels is so much quieter than my fiancee's 6yr old Corsa, but not as quiet as a Roller!

11. Wipers can't wipe when you're doing over 80 (they jump!).
12. Wipers freeze up in winter and can't wipe (nightmare when the road's been gritted).

Earlier this year I changed my wipers and spent a bit more on Bosch ones with wind spoiler. They are much better - I haven't had any issues with juddering that I used to have with the originals. They clean the screen well, and are silent. I was surprised at the difference in the rain.

Punto Mk2 ELX

Thanks Gav - I actually think the road noise is loud compared to a steel-wheeled ELX I was in a while ago. The sporting's got 15" alloys which must be rumbling a bit. I need to change tyres soon - any suggestions for quietness (currently got P6000's)? The engine is beautifully quiet though.

Lift up the back seat and check for the whirring noise, it could be the fuel pump, this would explain problems 1,2 and 3.
4 - check brake fluid level and gearbox oil level.
5 - you get this on most cars.
6 - spray the rear suspension springs and dampers in WD40,
7 - yeah, put the pump nozzle in upside down.
8 - maybe softer tyres or reducing the pressure (29 all round).
9 - sounds like an earth problem or loose wire. (clean the connectors).
10 - never heard of it.
11 - better blades needed with little spoilers on.
12 - they don't take that long to get going though.
13 - less likely to get broken into.
14 - open the boot, remove the cover so you can see the wiper motor, fill this cavity up with upholstery foam and replace cover.


www.puntoforum.co.uk

Evil-Punto AKA Evilution.

Thank you Evil Punto, you sure know your stuff about the errant cars we know and love! Great tip about the rear wiper. I don't think the whirring noise is the fuel pump as it's coming from inside the engine compartment - louder when I open the bonnet and stick me head in.

Was interested to read that you hadn't heard about the speed-sensitive volume on the stereo. I've got the 7-speaker Blaupunkt subwoofer stereo, which has a function called SVC (Speed Volume Control) - the manual says when you turn this on, the stereo gets louder as you go faster. 'Course, it doesn't do anything!

I think with the SVC you have to turn it on through a hidden menu on the stereo; usually involves pressing and holding a button; look in the manual. After it's on you should be able to set the sensitivity of the function as well.

Cinq Newbie!

96 N Cinqo Sporting
Rosso Sporting Red
54k

Hi,

The SVC isn't that good on any of the cars I have had. My BMW had it and it was so subtle you didn't know it was working. If you have got a lot of noise, maybe the stereo does increase in volume, but not enough to match the noise at higher speeds.

Anyway get an Alpine, the sound difference is amazing, the speakers themselves are excellent in the Punto.

Poggy

The whirring could be from the timing belt, how old is it?


www.puntoforum.co.uk

Evil-Punto AKA Evilution.

June 2000, and 45K miles on it. If it's the timing belt I presume it's "bad news". Service due at 48K miles.

Regarding the SVC on the stereo, yes, I've switched it on as described in the manual (the SVC indicator appears on the display). There's definitely no effect no matter what speed you do. Anyone know how to put the stereo into service mode?

Its not bad news until it breaks, I have known a few Puntos make a whinning noise from the belt a few hundred miles before it snaps.


www.puntoforum.co.uk

Evil-Punto AKA Evilution.