Punto problem:

[billy54]

Hi,
I have 06 Fiat punto that starts only with jump leads.

It has been off the road for six months due to a driving ban via the points totting up system.

I had been turning it over daily and letting it run for a while but now i have to use a mobile charger to start it then once charger is taken off and i try to start it again.... nothing, completely dead!

Any ideas why please?
Thanks,
Bill.

 

[SparkoJon]

Once started does it "run down"? Or does it keep drivin until its time to rurn over again?

If it "runs down" - alternator could be goin/gone.

If its fine, then change the battery - Check connections aswel.

 

[Burnerman]

Probably its the battery knackered Bill, and a motor factor would be delighted to test that for you. - as well as sell you a new one!
However, if you do get it started and you have a multimeter handy, you are looking at 14.4 volts across the battery terminals, with the headlamps on. This gives a reasonable check on the alternator charging status.
John

 

[billy54]

No it runs perfect, just when i stop and turn off it won't start again without the charger.
Thanks

 

[SparkoJon]

Yeh, sounds like battery - as Burnerman says - get it to a garage who offer free checks .

 

[billy54]

Thanks everyone,
If i were to bring the battery inside and slow charge it would that help, i havn't tried it yet.

If i were to buy a new battery and i still had the same problem would that mean its the alternator?

 

[SparkoJon]

Doing a slow charge wont help if the battery has had it. If you do get another battery and it does happen again - it would most likely be alternator - get yourself a multimeter and test voltage while engine running.

 

[Mursal]

If the charging light goes out when the engine is running, chances are the alternator is charging the battery (but good to check with meter)
Might be worth checking the terminals of the battery for corrosion, especially the positive one.

Then charge up the battery for as long as possible (using trickle charger if you want) or go for a long drive in daylight hours and then see if it starts unaided. If not its the battery.
If it does disconnect the battery and leave for a few hours. Reconnect and try for a start, if it starts the battery is ok and something in the car may be discharging it (something left switched on). If it doesn't start its the battery.

After all the last thing you want to do is change the battery only to find its something else causing the problem.