Technical FIAT PUNTO 1.9 Diesel 2001. Fuel gauge not working, engine would not start.

[nej]

Hello Fiat community,

I had not started my car for 9 days and when i did, the battery was dead so I had it recharged and then the fuel gauge stayed flat and the yellow dot was flashing although I know there was almost half a tank. The engine would not start. I had it towed to the nearest gas station and added more diesel but still the engine would not start. Has anyone had this problem? thanks. Nej

 

[oldhammer]

Hi,
take negative battery lead off and leave off for 10-15 min's.
see if fuel gauge then reads normal?

*have alook on Bottom of Metal fuel filter on bulk head,
turn tap and see if theres fuel, use a container to catch any waste diesel,

1.9d is a Moody engine when not started for a while,

ive resorted to giving them some sniff. ( easy start etc) in the past.

Make sure Battery is good and is good for Vaults, or you will get no where with it,
Afriends car and jump leads may help,

 

[varesecrazy]

now you've made certain there's fuel in it,
try tow-starting..!!,
most diesels will go with a tow.

 

[s and b]

if this was a petrol i would be concerned the ecu had gone faulty as the flashing petrol light when fueled is a symptom and a cause of a flat battery and a jump start gone wrong
as its an old world diesel i dont know but i wouldnt be attacking it with a jump start as ive often said engines are not designed for this kind of snatch treatment and prefer to be started like fragrent young ladies being offered a first dance

 

[oldhammer]

! Don't try towing/snatch start - these 1.9d's
you wreck the engine mount (passenger side)


the Mount on the passenger side is Aluminium,
this cracks if you give them a snatch start,


it don't do the centre of the clutch plate any good either,
they is plastic plated in the middle these days

 

[varesecrazy]

! Don't try towing/snatch start - these 1.9d's
you wreck the engine mount (passenger side)


the Mount on the passenger side is Aluminium,
this cracks if you give them a snatch start,


it don't do the centre of the clutch plate any good either,
they is plastic plated in the middle these days

OK, I stand corrected..!! :worship:

so good battery and try.. then if necessary a bit of spray and another try..??,

I take it you can warm- it -TWICE on the plugs before cranking..??

any ideas on fuel gauge..??

Charlie

 

[oldhammer]

irember the fuel gauge on these not working
if battery low on volts,
you get noises.. /clicking from bcu too,

 

[a1ant]

Hi mate,

In addition to what the guys have said above... Does the EML illuminate when the key is first turned to MAR, Or does it not come on at all?

Alan

 

[nej]

thanks all for you input, really appreciated.

a1ant - Yes all normal lights come up when the mechanic plugs his portable battery. Problem the engine would not start at all. They changed the fuel pump but the gauge is still not working and they are saying that it must be the diesel pump that is to blame and they are saying I should scrap the car because it is not worth the repairs. I have a feeling that it is not as serious as it seems. They checked that there is electrical connectivity at the fuel pump before and after they changed the fuel pump. All fuses are fine. I really dont know what to do next...

 

[oldhammer]

is this car a 1.9 standard diesel,(No turbo)
or is it a JTD. ?

Reason im asking is because, 19 D (no turbo model) has no lift pump in tank so lack of fuel gauge wont stop it running

alittle bit more info will help.

 

[nej]

yes it is a standard 1.9 diesel (NO Turbo). I wish only the gauge was the problem, but the engine so not starting at all.

 

[oldhammer]

ok,
the unit in the tank wont stop it from running its only a float set up for
the fuel gauge,

The main fuel pump *(Hp) isnt brilliant on these theyre made By lucas,
but they shouidnt fail just by the car not being used in a few days,

iwouid say you have an Electrical problem not Mechanical,

But where do you start?
normaly Cranksensor is the culprit, but thats just a guess,

What lights are on the Dash when you put the ignition on?
anyimobiliser light staying on?

did the garage/mech try starting it up on easy start?
have they checked engine bay earths?

 

[nej]

all usual lights are on when the ignition is on.
This car has no immobiliser. I have the yellow dot that indicates the car is low in petrol flashing.
What do you mean by "easy start"?

Is there a fuel cut-off switch in a Fiat Punto 1.9D W reg? Could this be worth exploring?

 

[oldhammer]

Hi,
all punto's have imobilsers, theres a chip in the key which forms handshake with
airiel round ignition barrel,

inertia switch,
if it has one,will be in passenger side of car pull material back near door post
you will see a conector block for speakers its just to the side of that,
you might need a torch to see it,

hth if any,

 

[oldhammer]

Holts BES1A 300ml Bradex Easy Start: Amazon.co.uk: Car & Motorbike

 

[nej]

Oh thats the easy start, then yes, i've seen the mechanic do that.

I'm struggling to locate the cut-off switch? Are you saying it is inside the passenger's door? Do i need to remove the speaker area and check inside it?

 

[oldhammer]

No not inside the passenger door

near it ..just under glove box footwell area,
see door pillar
then pull back the material,

 

[nej]

guys, just came back from the garage. They are done with their diagnostic and they firmly state that the issue is with the diesel pump since there is not diesel flowing through the engine.

What I need to ask you experts is why did the gauge not rise after replacing the fuel pump with a working one? Also the mechanic is saying that the fuel pump is not really a pump, it is just a gauge and the pump is the diesel pump that is located in the engine, not in the tank. Can someone please confirm this to me as I'm confused?
Also the mechanic is saying that there is no cut-off switch in this car. I'm going to find out myself when I get my car back. Can someone say for definite whether my Fiat Punto 1.9D W reg have one? I'm really hoping this could be the issue.

Thanks all for you time!
Nej

 

[oldhammer]

Ive already said that above,

agreed the pump in the tank that you might think is a pump is only a float,

however idisagree with them condeming the (HP) pump,
Iwouid like to know how they came to that conclusion,

 

[nej]

Hi Oldhammer, they said they checked all the electrics and since there is no fuel coming through the engine, it can only be diesel pump??
I'm going to pay them tomorrow and take my car back so if you have any specific questions/concerns that can help figure out anything, I'm more than happy to try and feed back their answers.

For anyone who lives near Coventry and willing to take a look, please do not hesitate to contact me or refer me to someone. I'm obviously willing to pay.