General Fiat Panda won’t start

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General Fiat Panda won’t start

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Hi everyone. This is my first post on here and I hope you guys would be able to help me out. I bought a 2007 Fiat Panda (110k miles) 2 months ago. First 3 weeks the car would start first time no problem and it drives good too. Until the 4th week I drove to the shops was in for 30 minutes and by the time I got out put my key in the ignition the car wouldn’t start. When I turn the key there is no crank all I hear is like a “click” and nothing else. I kept trying for ages then all of a sudden it started all okay. The car was fine for a few days after this till one day I finished work late went in the car tried to start it then the same thing happened only hear a “click” when the key is in the ignition. I phoned recovery who came out and said your battery is fine then the guy tapped the starter motor with a hammer while I had the key inside the ignition and it started. The recovery guy said that it’s the starter motor. The car was again fine for a few days then it happened again. I then took it to a mechanic on Thursday just there and had a new BOSCH starter motor fitted and a brand new battery. The car was working fine for 1 day then the same thing has happened again. What else can I possibly do, the car won’t crank when turning the key although a brand new battery and starter motor has been fitted. Has anyone went through this before and can advise me on what to do?

Thank you
 
Hi,
A very very common fault is the very large negative wire from the battery to the vehicle body which continues on to the gearbox. They corrode and fail apart under the plastic sleeve.
Another problem can be the ignition switch itself.

Best wishes
 
If you are hearing the click/ clunk under bonnet when turning key then ignition switch likely fine . So battery negative wire / earth strap probably at fault.

Someone may post pictures of this as it crops up frequently.
 
If you are hearing the click/ clunk under bonnet when turning key then ignition switch likely fine . So battery negative wire / earth strap probably at fault.

Someone may post pictures of this as it crops up frequently.

Also forgot to mention that now the car would only start when pushed for like 30 meters. Would that rule out anything else?
 
RAC recovery should be here shortly I will mention to the guy about what you said regarding the earth strap and let him have a look at it.
Great I'm glad you have RAC coming.

the section that usually fails is between where it bolts to gear box and where it bolts to body.
If it is type with plastic sleeve over wires then the wires corrode invisibly under the plastic - rac person should feel / wiggle cable and or cut off insulation.
On some there is no plastic sleeve just braided wires- this sort corrodes away too , again a good wiggle / examination.

A fix can be a "universal" earth strap of correct length bolted in place of the section gearbox to body .

Also well with checking the rest of the earth cable from battery to body.

Please let use know how you get on.

Best wishes
 
Great I'm glad you have RAC coming.

the section that usually fails is between where it bolts to gear box and where it bolts to body.
If it is type with plastic sleeve over wires then the wires corrode invisibly under the plastic - rac person should feel / wiggle cable and or cut off insulation.
On some there is no plastic sleeve just braided wires- this sort corrodes away too , again a good wiggle / examination.

A fix can be a "universal" earth strap of correct length bolted in place of the section gearbox to body .

Also well with checking the rest of the earth cable from battery to body.

Please let use know how you get on.

Best wishes
Add a different cable to the gearbox would confirm or eliminate the potential problem

Just put a jump lead from the battery negative clean metal on the engine or gearbox

I use the gear selector cables bracket normally
 
Jump lead between engine bare metal and battery negative gives proof of the earth cables. AA/RAC should know that.
 
So RAC has just been I told the guy about the earth strap issue and he replaced it with a new earth strap. I then tried to start the car and was facing the same issue of just “click”. He then wiggled a red wire which goes from the battery to the starter and said that it is loose. He tightened this best as he could and mentioned that the mechanic that fitted this did not tighten it properly neither did he use a washer and so it has came loose. After tightening this I tried to start the car and it started straight away. Find it weird that a mechanic is unable to fit a starter properly.
 
So RAC has just been I told the guy about the earth strap issue and he replaced it with a new earth strap. I then tried to start the car and was facing the same issue of just “click”. He then wiggled a red wire which goes from the battery to the starter and said that it is loose. He tightened this best as he could and mentioned that the mechanic that fitted this did not tighten it properly neither did he use a washer and so it has came loose. After tightening this I tried to start the car and it started straight away. Find it weird that a mechanic is unable to fit a starter properly.
they fitted both a battery and starter motor

Sound like a shot gun approach and still got it wrong

RAC should have done a voltage drop test. Would have shown a problem between the battery and starter motor instantly

At least it’s sorted now

Happy it finally fixed. Happy motoring and enjoy your panda
 
they fitted both a battery and starter motor

Sound like a shot gun approach and still got it wrong

RAC should have done a voltage drop test. Would have shown a problem between the battery and starter motor instantly

At least it’s sorted now

Happy it finally fixed. Happy motoring and enjoy your panda

The mechanic that fitted this starter motor is refusing to send me a receipt, I asked him to send the receipt to my email address he says that he doesn’t have access to a computer. I also asked him to return my old starter and his exact reply was “Sorry no old unit I have to return to supplier” which makes me think he’s fitted a reconditioned starter. I don’t mind all that but he’s charged me £200 and a brand new in the box Bosch starter for my Fiat Panda is £100.
 
The mechanic that fitted this starter motor is refusing to send me a receipt, I asked him to send the receipt to my email address he says that he doesn’t have access to a computer. I also asked him to return my old starter and his exact reply was “Sorry no old unit I have to return to supplier” which makes me think he’s fitted a reconditioned starter. I don’t mind all that but he’s charged me £200 and a brand new in the box Bosch starter for my Fiat Panda is £100.
£100 from Halfords brand new in the box
 
Thats £100 for the part and £100 to fit it.. a bit expensive.. equivalent to 1.5 or 2 hours work

Should be 30 minutes work ... maybe you were charged for collecting and returning the parts too 😦

Either way..
there is a slightly odd method of fixing the cable to the starter....
It involves a 'spacer'

It sounds like the mechanic didnt do a very good job (n)
 
It’s a difficult one as anyone can make a mistake.

I have an issue with both the battery and starter being changed.

Garage buy parts much less than you, trade prices. Then charge retail
 
My experience of local 'specialist garages' for German cars has reinforced that.

Im still doing what I can myself

But am seriously considering the use of 'my garage' centres where a lift and all the kit is tented by the hour..along with a resident mechanic for tricky stuff (y)
Agreed

Probably needs its own thread pros and cons of doing your own repairs

Pro
You can pick you own time
You can use parts of your choice
You know the job hasn’t been rushed
You will not bodge the repair
Cheaper

Cons
Inconvenience
Lack of correct tools
Space
Can be a maul
Dirt oil spills

Probably missed loads out
 
My Keeper.. only car owned from new has not seen a trusted garage in 6 years

Last place talked all kinds of rubbish
So dont trust their 'full service' of 2018

The 4 poster lift should be ideal for the Brake Fluid and Coolant jobs

Previous Fiat place closed in 2015.. so its all due..
 
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