Fiat Punto intermittent starting problem

Car: Fiat Punto
Variant: 1.2 active sport
Model Year: 2002
Categories: Running Rough, Starting & Power Loss
I also have a punto with a starting problem which is intermittent. It has had new coils, new battery, new wires etc. When it wont start it turns over fine but just doesn't seem to fire up. If I leave the car and go back to it later (sometimes an hour later will do, sometimes a day later) it usually starts up fine. It doesnt store any fault on the diagnostics and has had both RAC and several garages/mechanics look at it but as the fault is intermittent it also often starts again by the time they get out to it so it is hard for them to know what to say as they dont see the fault.

Once it didnt start at all over two days and so the garage came out and towed it and then when they unloaded it at the garage they turned the key and it started first time. There can be anything between days or months of this fault occuring for example three times last week, but before that a month between, prior to that about six months between before that twice in a week etc it is random and unpredictable and not seemingly linked to weather conditions either! I have had this car for two years and spent a fortune tryign to fix it. Each time I have had something replaced and the fault hasn't occured for sometime I think it is fixed but eventually the fault occurs again. Now I am looking to get rid of it once and for all, unless anyone can help me with a solution....?
Posted: Oct 3, 2009 (15 years ago)
any other faults like the fuel gauge reading empty when its in a non start mood?
Posted Oct 3, 2009 (15 years ago)
nope nothing like that, although sometimes when its not starting if I take the keys completely out (and sit there wanting to cry because my sodding car is doing it again!!) the electric windows still work which they dont normally with keys out of ignition, that made me think electrics?
Posted Oct 3, 2009 (15 years ago)
i suspect faulty ECU
i see from your description that the coils have been replaced. usually the coils if they are faulty pop a circuit in the ECU cutting the pulse to the injectors. this can have an effect on intermittent starting. have the pulses been checked on the injector wiring under cranking conditions? if you have no pulse, then i suspect ECU!!!
Posted Oct 4, 2009 (15 years ago)
wiggy could you help??? i have the fuel gauge reading empty problem with intermittent starting. could you help/ expand any further. my problem seems similar to this thread. also i have no indicators or hazards and the interioir light stays on

any help or pointing in the right direction will be greartly appreciated

cheers harry
Posted Jan 24, 2010 (14 years ago)
Hi

I have a similar problem. My engine management light came on on M1, Soon the car lost power and was at standstill. The recovery people started the car car it was very chuggy and jerky even he thought it was the coil pack. he recovered my car home. When he unloaded the car started it, it was fine and it drove. I replace both the coils in the car and last week the car had full service. The car is still chuggy and jerks like mad. it won't pick up speed and cuts out when im standing at lights etc. What is wrong with it?
Posted May 22, 2010 (14 years ago)
Hi,
I have the same problem with my Punto. Could you please share your experiences about possible solutions? (computer, battery,ignition plugs changed, cooling sensor checked, starter unit is OK, ignition cable ok....) Electrical diagnosis done-no fault sign.

Any feedback is highly appreciated

Thanks
Betti
Posted Feb 12, 2012 (12 years ago)

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