Grande Punto New Member With A Daft Problem

[dawnrazr]

Hi everyone, new member here . I have a 1.4 Punto and in the last week the oil light has occasionally flashed on. I checked the level and it is quite low but I cannot remove the oil filler cap. I have tried with the engine at running temp. and when it is cold. The cap just turns and clicks (ratchet mechanism?). I have ordered a new cap but was wondering the best way to remove the old one without causing any damage to the threads. I have read that it may be caused by a vacuum because the oil is low. Does that sound about right it or is just the cap? Any help appreciated.

 

[aurick86]

1. are you sure it's the oil fill cap?
2. righty tighty lefty loosey

Get a replacement oil cap. ebay, scrappers, Fiat.
Examine it... see what you need to do to remove it -brake it apart, cut it open wit a dremmel(be really careful not to cut the valve cover, and avoid crap going into the engine), better brake it apart with a chisel/crew driver.

There is no ratcheting mechanism... as far as i am aware, the oil cap is a one piece part, with a rubber gasket.
But i might be wrong about that:


Don't drive the car with low oil/low oil pressure, you will ruin the engine.

 

[Bernievarian]

Alternatively as a conservative action you can add some oïl thru the sticke pipe while waiting for the new cap Delivery; you'll need some fish tank piping and a large 'horse seringue' ...

BRs, Bernie

If someone here helped You fix -or better, understand- your issue, hit the thanks icon @ bottom right corner, it's free and makes us feel helpy ;-)

 

[rallycinq]

However, the oil light indicates lack of pressure not volume.

D

 

[Bernievarian]

Oil level being low (as said), chances are great that the pump might un-prime under certain condition ... O-C the dash light shows a lack in pressure, in this case 'probably' induced by a lack in volume ... (to be trully exact: a low oil LEVEL in the sump)

BRs, Bernie

If someone here helped You fix -or better, understand- your issue, hit the thanks icon @ bottom right corner, it's free and makes us feel helpy ;-)

 

[g8rpi]

I did not respond before as I'm not a Punto expert, but I'm pretty certain this has come up before as an issue. I'd suggest lots of downward pressure while unscrewing or gripping with large waterpump pliers.


Robert G8RPI.

 

[varesecrazy]

I did not respond before as I'm not a Punto expert, but I'm pretty certain this has come up before as an issue. I'd suggest lots of downward pressure while unscrewing or gripping with large waterpump pliers.


Robert G8RPI.

the last similar post I saw ...was related to a stubborn panda FUEL filler cap.. again a LOT of wresting got it free



dawnrazr
the oil light does indeed indicate LOW PRESSURE ..

my older fiat's used to flash the light when there was precious little oil around for the pump to pick up

the suggestion of dribbling fuel down the dipstick tube is VALID.. but I'd be tempted to undo the oil filler cap initially..

yes - it's a conventional thread.. like a coke bottle

Charlie - Oxford

 

[dawnrazr]

Thanks for all the advice. I did use the dipstick tube to add more oil as a temporary measure. New cap still hasnt arrived but I am hopefull that what I have learned from you all will solve my problem.

 

[Ben D]

I've got two Puntos and both have a one piece twist off cap. If it is a vacuum issue holding it which I doubt then remove a breather or vacuum line or take out the cam position sensor.
I'd just get some big vice grips on it, wrap a towel around them and twist it off.

Cheers

Ben

 

[varesecrazy]

I've got two Puntos and both have a one piece twist off cap. If it is a vacuum issue holding it which I doubt then remove a breather or vacuum line or take out the cam position sensor.
I'd just get some big vice grips on it, wrap a towel around them and twist it off.

Cheers

Ben

ANY vacuum effect will only last a few minutes..

I suspect its just self.sealed and needs a little extra effort to break free.