Technical Need Help - Punto Mk1 99 won't start

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Technical Need Help - Punto Mk1 99 won't start

Mr Turtle

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Hi all,

Hoping I can get some help here due to my local mechanic being shut till next month and I'm stuck at home with a car that won't start.

Car- Fiat Punto Mk1 1999 - Model 60

Issue- Had issues with getting it to start for a few months but after atleast 3 key turns she'd always run fine.

Went to turn her on one morning and nothing happened, I'd turn the key and get a simple *click* and nothing. All veichale electrical componets (Dash lights/headlights) would still work without diming or anything that would indicate battery issues.

Left it there for a day - Same issue.

3rd day the battery was completely drained for some reason. Recharged the battery, checked the acid levels with a Hydrometer and they were all in the green, plugged it back in went to test, again just a click and nothing. Left it another day and the battery was fully drained yet again. (n) (I have unplugged the radio so it wouldn't be left on by accident during these tests).


Does anyone have any clue what it might be considering from what I read it could be either the alternator the Relay Fuse or the starter motor?

This probably isnt the place to get free mechanical advice but I'm out of options until the mechanic opens.
 
Sounds like the well known bad battery negative leads. Charge the battery overnigt then connect a pair of jump leads one from battery negative post to chassis and the other from negative post to engine block or gearbox. If the car starts OK you have a bad lead or connection. Most parts suppliers sell pre-made one in different lengths.

If this does not help it's probably a bad starter motor.

Robert G8RPI.
 
Sounds like the well known bad battery negative leads. Charge the battery overnigt then connect a pair of jump leads one from battery negative post to chassis and the other from negative post to engine block or gearbox. If the car starts OK you have a bad lead or connection. Most parts suppliers sell pre-made one in different lengths.

If this does not help it's probably a bad starter motor.

Robert G8RPI.
Thanks for the reply Robert! Will test it tomorrow morning!
 
I had this same issue last year with my '98 16v - dash lights lit up okay when the key was turned, but just a click from under the bonnet. I pulled the starter motor out and the pinion gear shaft was covered in a thick layer of dust/oil which was preventing it sliding. Cleaned and lubricated it, put it back in the car and it started up fine. Haven't had any issues since. So if you've got time to get the starter out I'd recommend trying that.
 
I've tried but nothing changed

So..
If the lights dont dim.. then its not getting power around to ATTEMPT to crank the engine.

Are you SURE there ix a repeatable CLICK from under the bonnet..

I had a FIAT of that age.. similar SYMPTOMS.. but silent...

The ignition switch electrics were so worn it was not sending the signal to stsrter. :(

Cheap fix.. but took some finding.

You Pounto 60:

The battery may be useless. The stsrter may be somehow isolated.

When you say it WAS difficult to start before.. cranking..or firing.. 2 quite different things

Tow starting Could help eliminate certsin things too ;)

Charlie
 
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Turn the ignition on but don't try to crank it, instead listen for the fuel pump under the seat running, it should run for a few seconds then stop and the injector dash light should go out.

If not then you have some electrical trouble. Maybe it won't crank because a fuse is blown, look under the bonnet there are a few fuses on the bulkhead controlling injection and maybe starter motor. Mine is a 55 but yours may be similar.
 
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