General Starting Problem

[cnewton]

Hi all

On my 07 Punto Grande, i went to start it this morning and it made one hell of a grinding noise, was really really loud, and it did not start, it just grinded ! tried it again and same thing. Third time it turned over for a few seconds then started.

Since then it starts like it always used to, first time and no problem.

It would be very hard for me to take it to fiat as its not doing it now, my warranty runs out in 5 weeks time, does this sound like something i should be concerned about??

Thanks all

chris

 

[colin79666]

Yes

could be the starter motor

 

[T14086]

or battery

 

[cnewton]

nothing really i can do tho is there??

 

[danielzieba]

my 566 plate punto has been doing this on and off for months. i took it to lookers stockport and they could not find a fault....

its a really nasty grinding sound.

it did it every day for over a week but since about two weeks ago it has not donde it since....

ic ant explain it. ghosts in the machine? its obviously a commonf ault as theres alot of posts about it.

sorry ive been no help!

 

[Culater]

I had that with my 07 reg... it was the flywheel...

The dealer changed it unde warranty last year

 

[cnewton]

Well its not done it since yesterday morning, its been spot on since, guess i will just have to wait and see if it does it again

 

[bmcecosse]

May be a worn section on the ring-gear. Take it in before the warranty runs out - and complain about it - perhaps even 'slightly over state' how often it has happened! And insist they check the ring-gear all the way round for wear. If it is worn/damaged - it's likely the starter will be damaged too.

 

[cnewton]

what is the ring gear??

 

[cnewton]

Well tonight it did it again

tuned the key and it tuned over for about 20 seconds and did not start, so tried it again and then it made the crunching noise for the next 2 attempts before eventually starting!

Looks like i am going to have to take it in to fiat...after the replies i have had and a bit of research it sounds like the starter motor or fly wheel...are both of these covered under 3rd year warranty??

Thanks

chris

 

[D4nny8oy]

Well tonight it did it again

tuned the key and it tuned over for about 20 seconds and did not start, so tried it again and then it made the crunching noise for the next 2 attempts before eventually starting!

Looks like i am going to have to take it in to fiat...after the replies i have had and a bit of research it sounds like the starter motor or fly wheel or battery...are these covered under 3rd year warranty??

Thanks

chris

Edited to include T's words of wisdom.

Low mileage 1.2/1.4 8v? Fully charging the battery, or replacing it for a larger capacity version will stop this happening 99% of the time (unless severe damage to the starter/ring gear has already occured). Battery not covered by 3rd Year.

 

[cnewton]

yes it is a low mileage 1.2, its done about 23,000 miles