Hi, I have a 1994 Punto 75 ELX. I have a couple of problems :
For some years I have the 'fuel injection warning light' problem were the light comes on after some time and remains on (probably the lambda sensor if I read the posts?). I've been to several Fiat garages but no help there (cost me alot!), so eventually I gave up, especially because I don't notice any performance change whatsoever. A few weeks ago the 'fuel smell' problem occured. I took it to my local garage, and they replaced the fuel pump, because the inlet connection was cracked. But I still have some fuel smell, mainly if the car has stopped for about 30min, after a good trip (No smell in the morning or during the first trip at a day).
Another problem is that the car doesn't start that easy like it used to. When engine is hot and I stop for about 30min. I have the fuel smell and car starts badly (I'm used to only touching the key to get it started, now it takes a few seconds to get it started).
I'm not a mechanic in any way but I think fuel is leaking or vapourising from the fuel system somewhere after a good trip, which makes it harder to start????
First and main problem I would like to have fixed is the starting problem! Any have the same problems?? or ideas as how to fix this??

Silly as this may seem have you checked the fuel filter mounted alongside the tank on the drivers side...under the car. I've seen a couple of the aluminium type corrode and pinhole causing a fuel leak.
Also fuel leaks can be hard to detect as fuel vaporises quickly, check pipes and junctions with engine running...don't use matches to see what you're doing! and do this in the open.
Poor starting may or may not be related to fuel smell, we had one like this which turned on the managment light and ran poorly for a while when next started..FIat dealer didn't have clue but a new lambda sensor cleared the problem and it didn't recur.

Fuel filter was replaced along with fuel pump. So I guess that's OK. BTW fuel smell is gone now, don't know why (and don't really care as long as it's gone ). Only the bad starting remains. Went to another garage a few days ago, but they don't seem to have a clue?!

First thing to check are the obvious ones, plugs en cables.If these are ok check if the fuelpump is running for a few seconds when you turn the ignition on so it can build up pressure.Also have the temperaturesensor for the ECU checked if it gives an accurate reading.
Geert

Plugs and Cables are fine, as far as I can tell.
"Also have the temperaturesensor for the ECU checked if it gives an accurate reading" ??? I'm not a mechanic. What do you mean?.

I've allready tried building pressure on the fuel before starting. It seems to have a slightly positive effect on the starting, but still it's not starting as it used to. A mechanic in my neighborhood told me it could be the fuelpressure regulator valve?

BTW this Weekend I found out I also have a tiny little hole in the fuel filling hose. I'll have to replace it. Although I don't think this could be causing any problems (aside from some fuel leaking, while tank is fully filled).

Check the fuel vapour filter, could be blocked or saturated.