Tried to start my 96 Punto Selecta this morning - she turned over, sort of started, then coughed with a popping noise and died...still won't start - lots of lights on dash and lights work - but doesn't turn over...was okay yesterday although I did only move her a few yards

I'm hoping it's only the battery...any other ideas?

Just as well I picked up my coop yesterday, so am at least not carless

doesnt sound like battery to me? surely it wouldnt of started at all? out of petrol?

Yes, plenty of petrol...

there was a sort of popping noise from engine then died...she has been known to stall when cold, but has always started again

Also, could it be the starter motor as has always had a funny squeak on starting (have had car for 6 months) ?

it could possibly be the starter motor.

just a thought undo the to top bolts on the cambelt cover and make sure the cambelt hasnt snapped hope not

Had new cambelt 6 months ago (less than 2k miles)...and I wasn't actually moving at the time, so cannot see how it would be the belt ??

all the cars i have had that have had broken starter motors, click and do nothing when you turn the key. oh damn just remembered this is a selecta so you couldnt bump start it - was about to sugest it! lol

have home start, will call breakdown peeps out first thing

on my old punto the alternator ceased up and i needed a new one

Ah well, sure it'll be cheaper than if it was the coupe

She lives again

Breakdown guy came out, whacked the starter motor lots of times with a spanner, turned the key for ages and she finally started up...he thinks I may have flooded it when trying to start it up yesterday... advised in future to push on gas pedal while turning key

Best of all, didn't cost me anything to sort

Thanks for the advice peeps

nice one good to hear you still might have a problem with the starter motor if he had to bang it but least you know what it is