A fault on a Fiat model, triggered by a corroded earth point which results in poor starting, is causing premature failures, rotating electrics specialist, Autoelectro, has warned.
The starter motor for the Grande Punto 1.4 (2006-onwards), because of the poor electrical connection, has been known to excessively crank. As a result, the component begins to burn out and fail.
To avoid such problems, technicians are advised to remove the earth point, clean and lubricate it, before installing the replacement starter motor; however, if the fault has already occurred, check the condition of the earth point, which can usually be found under the windscreen washer reservoir, before fitting the replacement starter motor.
Below is a list of symptoms that indicate potential failure:
- Blue colour on armature shaft near pinion
- Rattling inside motor when starter motor is shaken
- Burnt smell from inside the starter motor
- Damaged teeth on starter motor
- Burnt/discoloured/melted/broken wire from solenoid to starter body
Failure to rectify the fault above will result in early failure of the replacement starter motor and the warranty will be void.
This latest technical bulletin is one of more than 500 available to subscribers to Autoelectro’s website. Not only can users access the library to solve issues that arrive in their workshop, but the latest bulletins will be delivered straight to their inbox.
If, however, technicians still want to pick up the phone, then a member of the remanufacturer’s team of experts, based at its Bradford headquarters, will happily take their call. There is also a live chat facility online.
