Gearbox now fixed but couldn't start car whilst it was at the garage. It took about 10 tries to get it going properly. It was starting up but after a second stopped. I thought it was a no fuel problem, but I've since filled it up and the same thing happens if left cold for a couple of hours. When switching on the temp gauge goes to max before settling down to zero, and the rev counter settles at 8. It doesn't seem to bring in the auto choke. After it's been running a while the rev counter stays at about 9. Is there a temperature gismo that controls the autochoke when cold starting that could cause the problem. At the garage they said that there was a fault registered on the computer indicating the thermo sensor had a problem, but cleared the fault as they could find nothing wrong. Any ideas

hi reg

pity the garage didn't give the OBD code  number...i'd personally check the coolant temp sensor ,as the ecu will probably use that ,possibly along with the ambient temp sensor ,to see how hot / cold it is , and adjust the mixture to suit

phil

meant to say my car last month cut out a second after starting ,though my gagues didn't do as yours are ,and though the engine was turning over ok it wouldn't fire ,..one of the roadside services condemed the engine ,so i got it towed to the truck dealership i work in ,and jump started it ...and it has been perfect since ,i'm not sure ,but i think like the trucks i work on, the  engine ecu may shut down below a certain voltage ...

phil

Phil

Garage have ordered a MAP sensor .. something to do with manifold temperatures and adjusting engine accordingly. £72 + 1/2 hour labour. Interesting that there were 2 other Punto's waiting for the same repair.

Reg

Now fitted and £130 lighter. Big test will be in the cold in the morning.

my grande is in the fiat garage as im typing this.

2 of the sensors have gone costing me £389 and its also a 56 reg plate

rang consumer rights and trading standards as i am sick of the repairs thats needed take in mind i have owned it for 2 years and its been recalled twice for other faults. if fiat would admit its a fault then they would have to repair it free but dont think they goin to, have logged a complaint with trading standards as car only done 20000 so it cant be put down to wear and tear.

Maybe we should put a call out Worldwide for all Grande Punto owners with similar problem to join in the call to force Fiat into an admission that they can't build one to last more than 3 years max. Interesting that my mileage since 11.2006 is only 18500. Something 's wrong somewhere. Mine has had one recall 11.2009, something to do with a steering problem I think, what was your other one for. United we might just beat the. I don't think Fiat will be on top of my next new car list. Between the starting problem and the gearbox it has cost me about £630  ... 10 weeks out of warranty.

hi all :) im back! afters Reg's comment about building a car to last 3 years I had to reply - I have also had the sensors replaced on my engine (plus a head gasket and wiring loom) and my car turns 5 months old on Saturday... so I will def be joining this force against Fiat! :)

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Jack - 1.4 GP Active, Chemical Grey ♥

does anybody know whether there is a world Fiat Forum. If not then maybe a bit of pressure on Fiat to provide one is the way forward.

Bearing in mind what I'm still going through, did you have any luck with trading standards ??