FAQ
TL;DR: Fiat Grande Punto 1.2 no‑crank fixed by replacing 1 failed engine‑bay relay. "The relay in the box by the engine was the culprit." [Elektroda, Padrettini, post #17119252]
Why it matters: This FAQ helps owners quickly isolate no‑crank faults (relay, grounds, ignition switch) and avoid unnecessary starter swaps.
Quick-Facts
- Symptom set: no crank from key, bump‑start works; battery earlier read 12.2 V, dropping to 11.8 V on key. [Elektroda, Padrettini, post #16960479]
- Final fix: starter relay in the engine‑bay fuse/relay box replaced; cranking restored. [Elektroda, Padrettini, post #17119252]
- Ground paths to verify: battery‑to‑ground, battery‑to‑starter, body‑to‑engine straps. [Elektroda, triakw, post #17030067]
- Audible clue: solenoid/Bendix clicks but motor doesn’t spin. [Elektroda, Padrettini, post #17017385]
- Ignition switch (“cube”) checked under steering column; connectors appeared OK. [Elektroda, Padrettini, post #17027822]
Quick Facts
- Symptom set: no crank from key, bump‑start works; battery earlier read 12.2 V, dropping to 11.8 V on key. [Elektroda, Padrettini, post #16960479]
- Final fix: starter relay in the engine‑bay fuse/relay box replaced; cranking restored. [Elektroda, Padrettini, post #17119252]
- Ground paths to verify: battery‑to‑ground, battery‑to‑starter, body‑to‑engine straps. [Elektroda, triakw, post #17030067]
- Audible clue: solenoid/Bendix clicks but motor doesn’t spin. [Elektroda, Padrettini, post #17017385]
- Ignition switch (“cube”) checked under steering column; connectors appeared OK. [Elektroda, Padrettini, post #17027822]
What finally fixed the forum author’s Grande Punto no‑crank?
The root cause was the starter relay inside the engine‑bay fuse/relay box. Replacing that relay restored normal cranking and starting. [Elektroda, Padrettini, post #17119252]
My Punto bump‑starts but won’t crank—what’s the most likely culprit from this case?
In this case, the engine‑bay starter relay failed. The car push‑started fine, yet the key produced no crank until the relay was replaced. [Elektroda, Padrettini, post #17119252]
What does “Bendix bounces” mean here?
It describes the starter solenoid engaging with an audible click while the starter motor itself does not turn the engine. [Elektroda, Padrettini, post #17017385]
Where are the key ground cables I should check?
Verify the battery‑to‑ground strap, the battery‑to‑starter cable, and the body‑to‑engine ground connection. Clean and tighten them. [Elektroda, triakw, post #17030067]
What battery and charging voltages were observed in this thread?
Battery measured 12.2 V at rest and sagged to 11.8 V with the key turned; charging system output was 13.8 V. [Elektroda, Padrettini, post #16960479]
Can a brand‑new starter still fail to crank the engine?
Yes. In this case, a new starter still didn’t spin because the relay path was faulty. "New starter also does not spin." [Elektroda, Padrettini, post #16960479]
Is there a starter relay on the Grande Punto 1.2, and where is it?
Yes. The successful fix replaced a relay located in the engine‑bay fuse/relay box next to the engine. [Elektroda, Padrettini, post #17119252]
How do I rule out the ignition switch (“cube”) quickly?
Access the switch under the steering column and inspect the block and pins for damage or looseness. The thread author’s looked OK. [Elektroda, Padrettini, post #17027822]
What quick 3‑step test helps diagnose no‑crank on this car?
- With a helper turning the key, check for 12 V at the starter’s small control wire.
- If absent, trace back through the ignition switch and relay.
- If present, the fault is downstream (starter/brushes/ground). “The basis is: check if there is electricity to the starter.” [Elektroda, migmig85, post #17017599]
Could the problem be intermittent and then return?
Yes. The author reported a day when the car started normally after prior failures, then the no‑crank returned later. [Elektroda, Padrettini, post #16999140]
Does the solenoid clicking automatically mean the starter is bad?
No. The solenoid can click while the relay, wiring, or grounds prevent motor current flow. This thread ended with a relay replacement. [Elektroda, Padrettini, post #17119252]
What practical sign shows the ignition area isn’t the main issue?
Inspection found the ignition switch block and pins visually OK, and moving the harness while cranking changed nothing. [Elektroda, Padrettini, post #17027822]
