8 replies to this topic

[spuk87]

Not even going to try the Fiat forum as it is useless so try my luck here. Car is Grande punto 1.3Mjet (Deisel). Other day finished work, drove to a petrol station (50mins) and filled up, car wouldn't start. Managed to roll-start it and get home. Parked up and tried starting it; wouldn't. Bought new battery Tuesday. Fitted it, car started first time (slight stutter), drove around a bit and came home. Didn't try starting it again to avoid draining. This morning; wouldn't start again. Other points; 1. Whenever I first try and start it I get a single click which sounds like the starter motor trying, but any subsequent tries I hear nothing at all. If I leave it 10mins+ then I get that single click again, but only on the first try. 2. First time it happened (at the petrol station) it came up saying "check glow plugs". However a low battery may make the ECU think the glow plugs are weak because they wouldn't be able to heat up enough. 3. Engine was still very warm and glow plugs aren't needed when it's warm, so in theory should've started anyway. 4. Glow plugs were replaced 12mths/15k miles ago. What I'm trying to say is I don't believe it's the glow plugs. Thoughts? My first feeling was something draining the battery overnight, but then how come I could start it fine after work on Monday but 50mins of driving later it wouldn't start? Is this a knackered alternator symptom? Cheers if anyone can help, don't think I can put up with filling the VX every 3 days until the shed is fixed!

[SteveA]

Alternator fooked?

[Craig S]

Does it start with a jump? If so then it sounds battery or alternator related.

[LY_Scott]

Glow plug relay sticking? Had this bother before, would drain battery very quickly when left. Like in less than an hour.

[spuk87]

Haven't tried a jump start yet. Glow plug relay sounds like a good contender...would also explain how I could start the car after work then about an hour later it was flat, though I would've though the alternator would combat it by charging but I don't know who would win in an alternator vs glow plug relay charge fight.

[LY_Scott]

Unplug it. charge battery, plug in, start car, unplug again. See how you get on. I did this for almost 6 months with my van as the price of a relay from vaux was mental I eventually got one for 16 quid off ebay and my dreams were made

[spuk87]

Right then. Brought the battery in the house and charged it fully, went and fitted this morning- lights, dash etc all comes on as usual but no engine start, and not even a click or attempt to fire up. Starter motor must have had it? Can't be battery related now. Not even trying to get going. If it was glow plugs it would still at least try to turn the engine over but wouldn't fire up (IME).

[Nev]

Possible dodgy earth if it's intermittent and not battery charge related.

[spuk87]

Will have a nose round if I get time tonight, sick of it getting dark early now though