I need some advice re my Fiat Punto?
Answers:
could well be the battery, they tend just to die these days with no warning, however check the fuses first then the earth lead from one terminal of the battery to the car body some cars are (+) positive earth some(-)negative earth.''earth'' is the connection from the battery to the body sometimes by a braided copper wire called the 'earth strap'.but a total failure points to battery dying, easy to swap ..buy a new battery then put the car in gear with the handbrake on. lift the bonnet..locate the old battery undo the earth cable first with a small spanner***important***write a plan as a memo showing if its marked negative(-) or positive(+) these are located by the lead terminal that sticks out of the top of the battery, then undo the other cable and note on your plan..if a bit stiff spray with WD40, undo the battery clamp nut(this holds the battery in place) lift out the battery.mind your fingers as the battery is heavy and filled with acid..try to keep it upright, if you spill any liquid from the battery on yourself wash off immediately..plop in the new one connect the non earth side first referring to the notes you made on the negtive or positive connections. then connect the earth side, check its a good tight clamp but don't overdo it then prior to replacing the battery clamp try to start your car.if ok stop the engine and replace in gear with the handbrake on.refit the battery clamping nut till the battery is secure, do not overtighten also once changed you will have to re code the radio so it will pay to have that code handy too
drop the old battery down the local refuse collection plant . job done
Looks like you have a bad earth or a broken wire somewhere. Could be a dead battery but get that checked first. The garage could have damaged the earth strap while fixing the new exhaust but as I don't know where on your car that is situated I couldn't be sure
Oh dear this would NOT have happened if you had bought a Toyota.
I used to have a Fiat Uno, it used to cut out at traffic lights I spend a feckin fortune on it. the best advice i have is to get a new car - sorry
First check your battery was there a possibility that you left the lights on??Check your battery connections check they are clean and secure.Are you a member of the AA/RAC? they are good in this situation Best of luck Mick.
I think if your asking this question with out checking the obvious you may as well get the AA out or a friend who knows something about cars to look over it
Having suffered two Puntos, I believe them to be the most temperamental car on the road. They're zippy and smart and roomy but they have notoriously unreliable electrics.
Mine died on me in the middle of a lonely common at night once. No rhyme or reason. Engine and lights, was just like those scenes when an alien space ship exerts some strange force over vehicles. I thought it might have been the ignition switch. Didn't do it again, which is worrying in itself as you can never be totally confident in the car afterwards.
After a cut price insurance co. got their hands on it to fix panel damage, Punto started when I collected it and then wouldn't start each day and needed battery charging. After a new battery, alternator and weeks of this I got a dedicated electrics man in and he found out the panel beater had broken the boot catch so that the boot light was on all the time and had drained the battery each night. He looked over all the electrics as well to put my mind at rest.
In your case, I wonder if the garage disturbed the actual wiring. Punto's need a delicate hand and if anyone heavy handed worked on it to fit the new parts, could easily happen. Had it so many times with vehicles, almost expect it now. Even had it with a man who was recommended as a Punto expert. Then a main agent fitted new shock absorbers and afterwards each time I turned off the ignition I discovered the lights went on.
If you take the Punto back to the garage, you could end up with more trouble. I'd pay out and get a mobile electrics man in and ask him to check it all out. It's so important to us ladies that a car can get us home each time, would be well worth the investment.
one of your battery leads has come loose
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