Corroded earth causing Fiat Grande Punto starter failure, experts advise

Starter motor known to crank excessively due to poor electrical connection on Grande Punto 1.4 (2006-onwards)

Corroded earth causing Fiat Grande Punto starter failure, experts advise

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.

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 faults above will result in early failure of the replacement starter motor and the warranty will be void.

The latest technical bulletin is one of more than 500 available to subscribers to Autoelectro’s website.

Users can access the library to solve issues that arrive in their workshop.

Technical advice is also available via Autoelectro’s website chat facility and via phone.

Select ‘more details’ below for further information about Autoelectro.

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