Problem with starting Fiat Stilo!

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Problem with starting Fiat Stilo!

David White

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Mar 2, 2015
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Hello :),

I posted a question on this forum 3 months ago and was delighted at receiving a prompt reply which precisely suggested a suitable solution for my problem, saving me stress, time and money! I was so impressed that, now that my car has developed another problem, I have no hesitation in posting this question.

I own a 2003 Fiat Stilo 1.2 L Petrol. The problem, which first reared its' head around a month ago but has got progressively worse to the point that the car is all but unusable now is that it won't start cleanly (if at all). I initially thought it was a battery issue and so had the battery changed by a local garage. They said however that there was a problem with the alternator as well and that I would have to change that too. Being short of money however and due to the fact that, just for then, the car was starting OK I said I'd come back later to change that. For a couple of weeks the car started just fine but then the problem returned to the point that most of time, the car won't even make a noise (like it's trying to start) when I turn the key, it just makes a clicking sound. My father has checked the charge on the battery and says it's fine (it should be as it's basically brand new), my father also says that he finds it odd that no warning light comes on when the car is running to indicated a problem with the alternator, which he says would almost certainly happen if the alternator had a problem. The car, once away and running works just as it should, no reduction in fuel economy, no problem at night with all the lights, both interior and exterior lights are of normal brightness which doesn't vary depending on revs applied etc.
As I live in a very hilly part of South Wales, I've gotten around the problem by always parking on a hill and bump starting it in second. This can't go on forever however, so before I take it back to have a new alternator put in, I thought I'd put the question out there just to see if there was a possible alternative. :)

Warm regards,


David White
 
Somebody will no doubt point out that A) this should be in the Stilo section and B) we aren't just here to answer questions but hey hoo. Assuming your Dad has a voltmeter measure the voltage before and after starting. Voltage at rest should be in the region of 12.5V and running you are looking for 13.5 - 14.5v, any less is no good. Oh, and just because the warning light isn't on doesn't mean it's charging OK.
 
Hi david the problem could lie in the starter motor. If the starter is sticking it can cause your to start at times and not in others. The clicking could be the piston stuck in one position which isnt allowing the car to turn over try when the car wont start try giving the starter a tap with a hammer (not belting it :lol:) to get the piston unstuck (old way of testing it I no :lol:) hope this helps in anyway
 
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