Fiat Punto Common Problems and Solutions
Screeching Engine and Black Exhaust Smoke
Problem:
On cold mornings, the car makes a screeching noise when you start it, and black smoke comes out of the exhaust.
Solution:
This should only happen when the weather is particularly cold and is being caused by a poorly designed windscreen drain pipe. If that freezes, then water won’t be able to get to the alternator, and that means the starting engine will end up dragging the alternator belt around the pulley, hence the screeching noise and the black smoke from the burning belt. You can order a replacement drain pipe from our online store and replace the faulty one, but don’t forget to check the belt for damage too.
Difficulty level
Grinding Noise When Steering
Problem:
You can hear a loud grinding noise whenever you turn the steering wheel.
Solution:
The shock absorbers on the Fiat Punto can wear out very quickly, especially in 2005-2102 models. That’s what’s causing the unpleasant noise when you steer. You will find shock absorbers on our parts list, and they are very easy to replace yourself.
Difficulty level
Shock Absorber
Exhaust Fumes in Car
Problem:
When the car is stationary, you can smell exhaust fumes inside.
Solution:
It’s very likely that the exhaust fumes are getting into the car through the aircon vents. Pressing the recycle button will flush the fumes, but this is a temporary fix. You need to check the exhaust pipes for any holes, and they don’t have to be large holes for this problem to occur. Locate the holes and either seal with glue if the hole is small enough or buy a new exhaust pipe from our online parts list and replace it completely.
Difficulty level
Unpredictable Braking
Problem:
Sometimes your brakes work fine, while other times, the car is slow to come to a complete stop.
Solution:
This should only happen if your car has been fitted with alloy wheels and was built between March 1994 and March 1995. The problem is being caused when you have fitted the spare wheel that came with the car, which is unsuitable and will be causing interference with your braking system. You can order a more suitable replacement from our store, swap the wheels over, and the brakes should return to normal.
Difficulty level
Ineffective Brakes
Problem:
The brakes aren’t as effective as they should be.
Solution:
There is most likely going to be contact between your brake compressor springs and the rear metal brake pipes. This will cause a loss of brake fluid, which is why your brakes aren’t working at full efficiency. Check the contact and adjust as needed. If the problem has been going on for a while, then there may be damage to the brake pipe, which you can order from us and replace.
Difficulty level
Window wiper problems
Problem:
If you have come across some problems with the window wipers then you’re not alone - this is common with the Punto. This problem is caused by a weak wiper linkage.
Solution:
You will need to fit a replacement wiper linkage to resolve this issue.
Difficulty level
Wiper Linkage
Knocking noise from suspension
Problem:
If you are driving over speed bumps or rough surfaces and notice a knocking noise coming from the rear suspension then it may mean that there is a problem with the rear suspension bushes.
Solution:
This problem could be resolved by lubricating the bushes, but if they are damaged in any way then you will need to replace them. Search for your replacement Fiat Punto suspension bushes for the right price through Breakeryard.com.
Difficulty level
Back of car kicking out when cornering
Problem:
If you are turning corners and you notice that the back of the car is kicking out or lacking in control then this is usually caused by a problem with the rear trailing arm.
Solution:
You will need to replace the rear trailing arm to resolve the issue. Look for Fiat Punto suspension parts on Breakeryard.com.
Difficulty level
Trailing Arm
Engine management warning light
Problem:
If you have noticed that the engine management light has lit up on the dashboard it could either be an ECU fault or a problem with one of the sensors. The most common sensors to go on this car are the lambda sensor, or the water temperature switch.
Solution:
Get a diagnostic check run on the car to correctly identify what is causing the warning light to come on. Once identified, you will need to replace the faulty part.
Difficulty level
Power steering problem
Problem:
These cars are known for having problems with the power steering. If you have noticed that the steering is pulling to one side, or that the power steering is sometimes not working, then the main cause for this is usually the steering column or power steering motor.
Solution:
You will need to identify exactly what is causing the fault, and, if it is one of the above you will need to replace the faulty part(s) to fix the problem. Find steering parts for your Fiat Punto here. Have a look at the video below to see the part which is causing this problem:
Difficulty level
Malfunctioning Seat Belt
Problem:
The seat belt doesn’t lock when you move forward quickly.
Solution:
A number of Puntos were built in 1997 with defective seatbelt pretensioners. You could solve the issue by shortening the safety tabs in the inertia reel, but it’s usually a lot easier to find a replacement pretensioner from our parts list and replace that instead.
Difficulty level
Seatbelt Pretensioner
High Revving Noise When Driving
Problem:
The engine makes a high revving noise while you’re driving, and the revs increase when you touch the brakes.
Solution:
It’s very likely that your gearbox is slipping or that there is something wrong with your gear linkage. Check the linkages first for any signs of stretching or wear and tear. You can replace gear linkages very easily, and we always have them in stock. If there are no obvious problems with the gear linkage, then you will need to order a replacement gearbox.
Difficulty level
Gear Linkage
Headlights Stay On
Problem:
The headlights on your Punto stay on even if you turn everything off.
Solution:
Start by checking for water in your engine bay fuse box. If you can see water, then you’ll need to replace the unit as well as the affected fuses. If there are no signs of water or water damage, then the problem is most likely a faulty switch or comms unit, which you can order from us and have delivered directly to you.
Difficulty level
Difficult To Change Gears
Problem:
You are finding it harder to change between gears, and doing so often comes with grinding or clunking sounds. The problem is particularly noticeable when moving between lower gears.
Solution:
You’re going to need to replace the 1st and 2nd gear synchronizers. This can be very difficult to do yourself, and it might be a lot easier to simply find a replacement gearbox from our parts list and replace the entire unit.
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