General Engine Earth Strap?

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General Engine Earth Strap?

matt-L

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Nov 1, 2003
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Hi all,

I've got an S-reg Mk1 Punto 60S, which I'm having problems starting. It has always worked fine, always started first time, but I've just been on holiday for 3 weeks and come back and it's dead. The battery would appear to be ok (according to the battery charger, anyway) and the terminals are clean. When I turn the key, nothing happens at all (it doesn't even click). The lights don't work and the radio won't come on. It's completely dead.

I've read that this might be due to a loose engine earth strap. The problem is, I've had a look and I have no idea at all where these are located. Can anyone help?

Is there anything else it might be? Why would a previously perfect car fail after it's been sitting on the drive for 3 weeks?

Thanks in advance!
Matt
 
Try jumping it off another car first, what meter are you using?
 
Hi,

Thanks for the reply. I've just tried jump starting it off another car. When I try this, I get a very slight turning of the starter motor (about half a turn or something) and nothing else. Lights still don't work, neither does anything electrical.

I'm using a halfords battery charger - is that what you mean by meter?

Could this be down to a faulty Earth strap as some current does seem to be getting through when the negative is bypassed (ie. when jump starting, negative terminal goes to engine block).

Thanks in advance!
 
Sounds like it must be an earth somewhere, I mis-read your first post about the meter, if you where using a volt meter its no good just testing the battery unless you test it when turning the car over to see what it drops to.
 
Hi,

Thanks for the reply. Do you know where I can find the earth straps? I've had a look 'round underneath the bonnet and can't seem to see them - they're braided, right? Does anyone know where they are on a mk1 punto? Can't find anything in Haynes about this!

Thanks in advance!
 
Just trace the wires from the negative on your battery, theres probaly one on the front of your gearbox as well (i've got a mk2 so don't know exactly where they are on a mk1).
 
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