Technical Please Help Me! My Punto Is Ill!!

[yellowbelly]

I have a 2004 Punto Dynamic 1.2 8v. It started to have difficulty in turning over properly about 3 months ago and had a new battery fitted, and alternator checked, which is fine apparently. Problem sorted, but weeks later started again. The car seems as if the starter motor turns very slowly, but used to fire up the majority of the time. The problem was persistent when cold. An auto electrician said it was a lazy starter motor, so I had a new one fitted about 3 weeks ago, but problem came back. Went back into the garage and had all connections and earth cables checked, apparently fine. Even isolated the starter by earthing the unit itself, still not turning properly. Battery is good by the way, even when it has problems starting still reads full, so dont think it is that or alternator.

Problem is so bad now that it will not start at all unless it is jumped by a power pack. When I try to start it, it just dies and the clock resets and the dash click and goes mental!

Also, had an inspection done on the old starter motor, and it appears fine, but for a bit of clutch dust.

Please, please, can anybody help me. Is this a common fault?

 

[Andy Monty]

I have a 2004 Punto Dynamic 1.2 8v. It started to have difficulty in turning over properly about 3 months ago and had a new battery fitted, and alternator checked, which is fine apparently. Problem sorted, but weeks later started again. The car seems as if the starter motor turns very slowly, but used to fire up the majority of the time. The problem was persistent when cold. An auto electrician said it was a lazy starter motor, so I had a new one fitted about 3 weeks ago, but problem came back. Went back into the garage and had all connections and earth cables checked, apparently fine. Even isolated the starter by earthing the unit itself, still not turning properly. Battery is good by the way, even when it has problems starting still reads full, so dont think it is that or alternator.

Problem is so bad now that it will not start at all unless it is jumped by a power pack. When I try to start it, it just dies and the clock resets and the dash click and goes mental!

Also, had an inspection done on the old starter motor, and it appears fine, but for a bit of clutch dust.

Please, please, can anybody help me. Is this a common fault?

How many miles do you do in it? Do you do short journeys < 10 miles between starts? it can take upto 10 miles to fully charge the car especially in this weather when your driving with the lights and blowers on..

 

[yellowbelly]

Hi, and thanks for the reply. I do do short journeys, but also a consistent 15 mile each way journey every day, and the problem still persists. If you test the battery after the car does not start, it is good, so can only assume the battery and alternator is fine.

I really think that it is something more sinister! Is it a straight route from the power supply to the starter, or are there any dreaded computers or sensors in the way? I am beginning to think that it could be this.

It has definitely got worse in the last few days though. Before, it would be hard to start cold, but once warmed for only a short time, would turn fine. Now, I have to jump it every time I start it!!

In anticipation,

yellowbelly

 

[Tris Harris]

hi mate, and welcome to the forum!

you will get a better and probably more useful response (no offence Andy ) in the punto section: www.fiatforum.com/punto

 

[yellowbelly]

Hi,

Thanks for the advice! I hope I can make my Punto well again!!

All the Best,

Ben

 

[psedg]

have you had any luck with solving the problem? i hav a 2002 sporting and seem to have the same problem, changed the battery & starting motor and i'd still be lucky to go out every mornin without jump starting her!?

 

[Edinburger]

Im having the exact same problem,Can anyone help?

 

[Italian Job]

I have had the same problem for two winters and still not resolved it