Hi All
54 plate Punto active 8v
Bought the car two years ago and it ran fine for a while.
The main problem I am having is that occasionally the whole electrics will cut out. All lights, power steering etc just die. This happens when cold, warm, normal, winter, summer.
Two months ago I went on holiday and when I came back I started the car up. Car started fine but when I pulled off it stalled. After that it wouldn't start. No dash lights, starter motor whirring away but no ignition. RAC Gut spent an hour and half checking all earths, fuses etc but couldn't identify fault. Took it to a garage and they fitted new battery and did an ECU diagnostics check and all was OK.
Last night I was in the Middle Lane of the M6 doing 70 when I had to slow to a 50. As soon as I touched the brakes it died again. All lights on dash lit up momentarily and then all lights went out (except the hazards lucky for me). Turned ignition off and on again but wouldn't start. Managed to roll to hard shoulder and called RAC. I was very lucky not to have caused a mass crash as it was 5.30 pm and the M6 aint a quiet road!
Car wouldn't start although, after about 30 mins the interior lights would come on when previously they didn't. Towed to a garage and 4 mechanics went over it. Dash lights come on when ignition turned but engine wouldn't start. Starter motor worked but no ignition. Nothing. Got towed home and left the car overnight. Tried it this morning and it starts fine and everything is working.
I have been to three separate garages with this and none could identify the fault. I can't reproduce the problem at will. I've lost confidence in the car now and am afraid to go anywhere with it.
One thing the garage engineer said was that my non-standard stereo was wired direct as it will work without ignition and that MAY be the cause. Also, I have noticed that this has always happened whilst under braking.
Does anyone have any idea what the problem could be and what my next step should be? I'm thinking of taking it to a Fiat dealer but would like to try and keep costs down if I can.
Thanks for reading. Sorry for the lengthy post.
Andrew
54 plate Punto active 8v
Bought the car two years ago and it ran fine for a while.
The main problem I am having is that occasionally the whole electrics will cut out. All lights, power steering etc just die. This happens when cold, warm, normal, winter, summer.
Two months ago I went on holiday and when I came back I started the car up. Car started fine but when I pulled off it stalled. After that it wouldn't start. No dash lights, starter motor whirring away but no ignition. RAC Gut spent an hour and half checking all earths, fuses etc but couldn't identify fault. Took it to a garage and they fitted new battery and did an ECU diagnostics check and all was OK.
Last night I was in the Middle Lane of the M6 doing 70 when I had to slow to a 50. As soon as I touched the brakes it died again. All lights on dash lit up momentarily and then all lights went out (except the hazards lucky for me). Turned ignition off and on again but wouldn't start. Managed to roll to hard shoulder and called RAC. I was very lucky not to have caused a mass crash as it was 5.30 pm and the M6 aint a quiet road!
Car wouldn't start although, after about 30 mins the interior lights would come on when previously they didn't. Towed to a garage and 4 mechanics went over it. Dash lights come on when ignition turned but engine wouldn't start. Starter motor worked but no ignition. Nothing. Got towed home and left the car overnight. Tried it this morning and it starts fine and everything is working.
I have been to three separate garages with this and none could identify the fault. I can't reproduce the problem at will. I've lost confidence in the car now and am afraid to go anywhere with it.
One thing the garage engineer said was that my non-standard stereo was wired direct as it will work without ignition and that MAY be the cause. Also, I have noticed that this has always happened whilst under braking.
Does anyone have any idea what the problem could be and what my next step should be? I'm thinking of taking it to a Fiat dealer but would like to try and keep costs down if I can.
Thanks for reading. Sorry for the lengthy post.
Andrew
