Newbie Needs Help Punto 2002!

[madmanc1973]

Hi Everyone,
I am new to this so please be gentle!I recently bought a Fiat Punto 2002 plate,my first,always had Fords.Since I have bought it I have had a few issues that to be fair I managed to sort,however a few more have arisen the main one being that the power steering has failed a the red light is lit on the dashboard.I have looked through the forum on a regular basis and seen many reason as to what this could be,but the strange thing is When I go to work early mornings its works fine,when I drive home its failed again?And to add to this the alternator warning light has popped up?Am I looking at a new battery?(best case) or is it still going to be steering motor to be replaced?Any help you guys have will be appreciated as you know the cars,Im new to this one,many thanks:slayer:

 

[varesecrazy]

Hi,
batteries for the 1242cc cars are @£43 delivered,

I would fit one of them , and see how things go,
Batteries ARE a common issue,

Charlie

 

[madmanc1973]

Thats going to be my best bet I think,many thanks for the reply

 

[varesecrazy]

No problem,
I used an EBAY company based in Preston,
I got a BOSCH battery for @£43 delivered overnight - excellent service,

Charlie

 

[madmanc1973]

Yeah thats the same one I looked at will order one and see how we get on,just very strange how all week going to work the power steering is working fine then on way home no power steering?I am baffled!
Got brakes to do this weekend so will get on with them,and a mini service,and wait for new battery,thanks again for input.:worship::worship:

 

[ReeceR]

Before you go wasting money have you checked the alternator is charging the battery??

 

[madmanc1973]

Hi,
I havnt I presumed I would get a warning light for that?Whats the best way to check it mate?

 

[varesecrazy]

Really you need a volt meter..,

put it on the battery should read 12V odd,
then start the engine = if it's charging you should have 14.4'ish volts at the battery terminals,
Charlie

 

[madmanc1973]

Top man Charlie,I will do that and see what results I get as its doing it daily now,fine in the morning and fails on way home?I have had some earth issues also with a indicator cluster which I solved by creating a new earth to the body which fixed the problem,so got a couple of days off next week and will have a good go at it,many thanks for the info mate

 

[varesecrazy]

No problem,
as you say it's a little odd how it's o.k. in the mornings..,
may be a TEMP related thing..?,

test the batteries charging - then look at the wiring again,

Charlie

 

[madmanc1973]

I will do mate,let you know what happens Friday,now got an issue with the steering itself,had tracking done as steering wheel was at ten past,got tracking done now its at ten to?I give up!But it drives totally straight,but cant drive with the wheel half cocked!Taking it back to kwik fit

 

[madmanc1973]

Hi,
Just to update,I replaced the battery for a brand new one and hey its still the same power steering fails!!!!AHHHH,so I guess its a new motor,I did test the old battery and it was reading 6-7 volts engine off,and 13 with engine on so presume alternator is ok.Car does start better so its not a total waste of money,on the plus side got some alloys with good tyres cheap!Its strange how so many view the post but dont help as they possibly would know what the solution is......must be a newbie thing

 

[richa]

Have had the same problem with my Punto (2001)! Has been doing it occasionally on and off for a long time but now it's happening more frequently (most days in fact). Really strange because it's so intermittent. Do keep posting if you find a solution. I'll do the same if I can get to the bottom of it.

 

[varesecrazy]

Hi,
never had to fiddle with my FIAT's PAS , but apparently there are 3 different parts that can fail,
MUCH cheaper than replacing the whole system,

a good ECU reader will diagnose the specific fault..,
SOME people on FF have had the column apart and re-soldered thinsgs with success.,

do a SEARCH for more info,
Charlie

 

[madmanc1973]

Thanks for info,I am going to clean all earthing points first as I understand this is also an issue,but I changed the brakes the other day and while the wheels were off and the car was in the air I started the car and the power steering worked????which now has my head in bits!I will delve deeper and update on any progress,I will solve this I am now on a mission!:slayer: