2003 Fiat Punto HGT Abarth doesnt like starting

LOL no they didnt,
and only charged 30mins labour not the hour and a half I was there (for the 2nd time).

So where are you at with this?
I have to shoot to work but am happy to help if I can when I get home.
Has it gone to a Fiat specialist at all?

Well I'm glad to hear that Mvr.

I'm constantly horrified at the tales of misdiagnoses I hear about.

Just, re-read your post (sorry was in a hurry this morning), I wasn't sure you actually had a solution but on re reading it I take it the new leads fixed it for you?

Also, these little cars are getting on a bit in age now. Like any car of the age it's important to stay on top of maintenance and to expect little repairs now and then. You are most welcome to come on here for advice before you part with the cash as often there are inexpensive but good fix's for some of these things.

For example, the faded rear lights tends to be a Japanese import thing, they have Jap lights fitted as part of their local content rules and those lights don't like NZ's harsh UV. There is actually a very good "fix" for them when they fade that only costs about $6 and a few minutes. So if you get the same problem on the other car yell out.

Likewise the wiper arm problem, if it's the internal linkage I think it is (as opposed to the actual arm with the blade) they are better to be drilled and a split pin and washer put in. Which only costs you about 10 min in labour and a few cents for the pin and washer. These sorts of things are easy home jobs if you are so inclined too.

So anyhow, it's entirely up to you but you are more than welcome to come and ask before you part with cash. Sure the trolls may jump on board and make a fuss because there is a broken Fiat thread but that doesn't bother me in the least.

Lastly. don't forget about servicing that CVT every 40'000km or so, that's the big expensive one (if it breaks) to watch out for on those cars, as with any auto. One last trick too. I tend to replace plugs and leads together on those cars as part of the "major birthday" scheduled maintenance. Usually when I buy the car or at timing belt time (at least every 100K with iridium plugs).

Doing them ahead of time can save you a small fortune as you can order them direct from the UK. The timing belt, waterpump, tensioner, spark plugs, plug leads, air, cabin and fuel filters I got for the major service on our 1.2 Panda (much the same engine as the Punto) came to not that much over $200 from memory. So gives you some idea.

OP. What is the clutch on yours like when engaging? Reason I ask is I test drove an Abarth HGT this morning and the clutch was very very sharp when engaging making the car very hard to get off the line and gear change and hard to reverse smoothly. I wondered if they are all like that. If not for that it was nice to drive. I don't think I'd get used to it either, it was SO sharp. Thanks in advance.

Hi rovercitroen, Sorry I hadnt checked back on this thread for a while!
Yeah the clutch is hard getting into 1st gear! You really have to 'manage' it! We just got used to it - all other cars now seem so easy lol!
Also my accelerator has a wee bit of play/travel whatever you call it, so its learning how much to put the pedal in to get the revs up vs the hard clutch.
I used to joke that my left thigh was going to bigger then my right from all the clutch work from sitting in Auckland traffic lol!
The biggest thing I learnt about the HGT was make sure the Variator is changed when the cambelts are done! I dont think Ive seen one yet that has had this done . I only know cos I bought mine thinking Great cambelt has been done recently, only to have to do it all over again when the variator crapped out :-(