Panda Problems

[ML]

My 2005 Fiat Panda has recently started playing up. When you turn the key, it begins to make a clicking sound, and doesn't start. I've traced this to the fusebox, but my lack of electrical know how means I'm worried I might do something stupid when I open it. I've also noticed that one of the doors isn't locking properly. Does anyone know what the problem is or how I can fix it? Is it a common problem? It's a 1.3 Multijet BTW

[Papa Hotel]

ML said:

My Fiat

That'll be your problem right there.

I'd think maybe starter motor, alternator or battery.

[ML]

Hahaha. Yes, it's been good so far (reliable), but I've always been suspicious of Fiat electrics.

[Balmoral Green]

ML said:

When you turn the key, it begins to make a clicking sound, and doesn't start.

Starter motor solenoid, or possibly the battery is duff or the alternator isn't charging it fully. If the problem isn't solved with a fully charged or new battery, see my first point. If you put the car in gear, release the handbrake and rock it a little back and forth, and it then starts, this might confirm starter motor solenoid.

Anyone concur? Dr Bob?

Edited by Balmoral Green on Saturday 17th April 19:23

[ML]

I think what's happening is that the battery is shortingout somewhere. You can hear it crackling, and all the electrics are on the blink. Any ideas why this might happen?

[XG332]

sound like a flat battery, the clicking is the starter solenoid moving but without enough power to turn the starter and engine over.

charge the battery, bump start or new battery

[ML]

XG332 said:

sound like a flat battery, the clicking is the starter solenoid moving but without enough power to turn the starter and engine over.

charge the battery, bump start or new battery

I was thinking that, but the starter motor is on completely the other side of the engine, and the noise is coming from, or just behind the engine.

[ML]

Just a diagram to show why I think it isn't the starter

[Bugeyeandy]

Isn't that the alternator? Starter is normally at the other end on the gearbox.

[XG332]

yep, thats the alternater or another aux unit. The starter is not belt driven and attatched to the engines flywheel by the gear box.

[ML]

Bugeyeandy said:

Isn't that the alternator? Starter is normally at the other end on the gearbox.

Oops, that explains why! I'll check that out, thanks

[EDLT]

ML said:

Just a diagram to show why I think it isn't the starter

The "starter" is actually the alternator and the "battery" is a particulate filter (I think). The battery and the starter aren't shown on that picture.

Have you tried jump-starting it?

[mph1977]

sounds like it's got a flat battery, the solenoid clicks the starter gear into mesh with the fly wheel and then can't turn the engine due to a lack of elastictrickery

[ML]

The "starter" is actually the alternator and the "battery" is a particulate filter (I think). The battery and the starter aren't shown on that picture.

Have you tried jump-starting it?
[/quote]

Yes, it isn't show, which is why I said rough position. Sorry for the confusion!

[XG332]

rough location?
may aswell of done this.

[joewilliams]

Sounds like a flat battery to me.

If you know nothing about electrics, how exactly have you traced the problem to the fusebox?