Please help.
Car was running sweet, took it for an MOT but it failed emissions so they added some sort of fuel/engine cleaner to get it to pass. Drove it home fine and parked up. The next day it started as normal but then the engine died a few seconds later, got it going again and drove it 3 miles where the engine died at every junction when trying to idle. Parked it up, next day it wont start. It has a brand new battery and the engine turns and every few seconds sounds like it is sparking on a cycle(?). Trying to start it makes the exhaust smell like petrol. Full tank of petrol too, fuel cutoff is not raised, fuses all look ok, key code light not on, injector light not on, no liquids coming out of engine bay that i can see easily.

Any ideas? :bang:

Have you worked out what the issue is yet? I have a 1998 Punto 60S, it's just died whilst stuck at traffic lights. Engine seems to fire whilst the key is fully turned for ignition and it's definitely getting fuel. Tried a new battery and alternator but no change. Sounds like it wants to start but the engine doesn't catch when the key is in the normal ignition on position.

not yet but going to start with the plugs and leads this weekend, just bought the kit i need. Then il look at the coils etc. I suspect a blocked fuel line/pipe of some type as the garage used some sort of fuel cleaner to pass the mot, this may have pulled some crap off something and blocked up further down stream.

Mine seems on the brink of starting which made me think it was grotty fuel supply but we've already checked and fuel is getting to the engine. Just got it towed to a fiat garage so hopefully I'll have some news soon. I'll let you know on the off chance it gives you something else worth checking.

Fiat diagnostic machine found no faults but the cam sensor was replaced and the car now starts.

Good stuff. How much did that set you back?

Sensor was £40, unfortuneately cost 2 hours labour whilst they tried to diagnose the fault, many of which I'd already tried, and then fit the new sensor. Apparently it's quite common for the sensor to fail when hot and then work again once cooled down and helpfully, there's no sign on the sensor if you take it out that it's failed so you have to replace it with a new one and see if the car then starts.

thanks for the info, il buy a new sensor and try it out. If it isn't at fault il take it back il let you know how i get on.

fault fixed - crank sensor