Technical 2013 Fiat 500 issues popping up...Need a mechanic I can trust near me

[Likes2Shift]

Hello.... In March I purchased a used 2013 Fiat 500 Pop with about 79,000 miles on it. It has been running great until now. Lately it randomly will not start. If I wait a couple of minutes then it does start. Then later , same thing. It wont start. Then it does start. Had the battery tested and it is like new. Second issue as of yesterday, when I put the clutch in there is a squealing sound and a burning smell. It still shifts, but you get the squeals and burning smell so I am not driving it.
I am really just looking for a reputable mechanic near me that will work on Fiats. About 4 months ago I took it to a shop that works on Fiats (and others) that was nearby, just to get a complete inspection to see if anything popped up in the inspection that might be an issue in the future. The report was mostly good, but some remarks about the sway bar needing to be replaced and a couple of other things involving the suspension. I paid the mechanic to replace my sway bar and left the car there for 3 days. When I picked it up he stated they did not get the part in, but they did reseat the sway bar. He said he would let me know when the part was in. It has been 4 months and I called several times since I already paid for the part and work, but he still claims they do not have the part. Long story short, I do not trust this guy. So I'm looking to see if anybody has a recommendation for a reputable mechanic near the Thousand Oaks/ Ventura County area of Southern California. I am not too too far from the San Fernando Valley if there are any recommendations around that area too.
Thank you!

 

[ZaphodB]

Hello.... In March I purchased a used 2013 Fiat 500 Pop with about 79,000 miles on it. It has been running great until now. Lately it randomly will not start. If I wait a couple of minutes then it does start. Then later , same thing. It wont start. Then it does start.

No noise at all? , just a click/clicks ? actually cranks like norrmal but doesn't actually fire up ?

 

[Likes2Shift]

It just makes a click and nothing happens. Then if you wait a few seconds and try once or twice more it starts fine. Just sort of random. Sometimes it starts fine all day. Sometimes it randomly will not start several times a day.

 

[ZaphodB]

You need to take a good look at the main engine earth cable, the large cable that leads away from the negative terminal on the battery.
Check the condition of that cable for copper corrosion and also each and every connection it makes as it goes away from the battery terminal (for cleanliness and secure-ness)

One or both of these problems will result in a starter problem , especially an intermittent one.
(Only once this cable and connections have been eliminated or replaced can/would you start to suspect the starter itself.)