Fiat Punto won`t start

pipmoss

Hi guys Fiat Punto won`t start How do I know if it is a battery problem or a starter motor problem?. I cant hear a click when I turn the key but after a bit of rocking in 2nd gear the car starts but with a grinding sort of noise like the starter is slipping. However when I finally get the starter to turn the engine over it turns over very slooow like it is a battery problem.

Hope to hear from you soon

Thanks in advance.

N9eav

The first thing to do is test the power in the battery.

You need a volt meter. Without being patronising, set the meter on DC and put the red lead on the + and the black lead on the -. It should read about 12.8 v or so. Contrary to what it says on the battery, 12volts is not a full charge and would probably not start the car.

It takes a lot of power to turn over an engine, so a weak battery will often cause things like starter motors to mal function.

If the battery is fine, then it could be the starter or solenoid attached to it. In which case you will need a new one.

Try borrowing a battery if you are not sure or a jump start. Batteries are cheaper.... I get used ones at the scrap yard for £10. They work fine for years.

Check the battery connections are tight and not cracked. Check the lead to the starter is also tight and not damaged

cabbageboy

Once you've got it going, take it to any garage, and ask them if they can test the battery for you - takes a min or two with a special tester that puts an unholy load on the battery, which you just can't do at home..

The above voltmeter method, I'm afraid in this case won't tell you much - it may well read 12 to 13 volts, which looks good - but under load, the battery may then fail - it's this load you need to put on it whilst testing....

They shouldn't charge you anything for this - just clips onto the battery, and flick a switch for 30 secs..

Then you will know if the battery is good under load (i.e when starting the car) - if it's good, then more than likely the starter motor is at fault.

(not 100% the starter motor though - there are a couple of other, less likely candidates)

Tallymanjohn

How old is the car? I only ask because the symptoms could also be down to something as simple as a bad earth connection - either from the battery or the back of the starter motor - may be worth putting a spanner to both to loosen & re-tighten them.

pipmoss

The car is 13yrs old so could be a faulty earth but like you said I think that I should get the battery checked first. Thank you all very much and I will let you know how i get on.:beer: :beer:

rrockettman

Hi Pipmoss.
Have you tried fiat forum? A very friendly and informative place for Fiat owners.

http://www.fiatforum.com/forum

highguyuk

Fix It Again Tomorrow ...

Sounds to me like the starter motor. If when a starter motor goes, you rock the car up and down till you hear a click and then start it up again - it will go ;-)