1997 FIAT PUNTO Ignition fault

4A*2 Fuel system - single-point petrol Injection models
1 General information and precautions
General information The iAW Weber-Marelli single point Injection (SPI) system is a self-contained engine management system, which controls both the fuel Injection and Ignition (see Illustration), This Chapter deals with the fuel Injection system components only - refer to Chapter 5B for details ol the ignition system components. The fuel Injection system comprises a fuel tank, an electric fuel pump, a fuel filter, fuel supply and return lines, a throttle body with an integral electronic fuel Injector, and an Electronic Control Unit (ECU) together with its associated sensors, actuators and wiring. The fuel pump delivers a constant supply of fuel through a cartridge fitter to the throttle body, and the fuel pressure regulator (integral with the throttle body) maintains a constant fuel pressure at the fuel injector and returns excess fuel to the tank via the return line. This
constant flow system also helps to reduce fuel temperature and prevents vaporisation. Tne fuel injeclor Is opened and closed by an Electronic Control Unit (ECU), which calculates the injection timing and duration according to engine speed, throttle position and rate of opening, Inlet air temperature, coolant temperature and exhaust gas oxygen content information, received from sensors mounted on the engine. inlet air is drawn Into the engine through the air cleaner, which contains a renewable paper filter element. The inlet air temperature is regulated by a vacuum operated valve mounted in the air ducting, which blends air at ambient temperature with hot air, drawn from over the exhaust manifold. Idle speed is controlled by a stepper motor located on the side of the throttle body. Cold starling enrichment is controlled by the ECU using the coolant temperature and inlet air temperature parameters to increase the injector opening duration. The exhaust gas oxygen content is constantly monitored by the ECU via the Lambda (oxygen) sensor, which is mounted in
me exhaust downpipe. The ECU then uses this Information to modify the Injection timing and duration to maintain the optimum air/fuel ratio. An exhaust catalyst Is fitted to all SPI models. The ECU also controls the operation of the activated charcoal filter evaporative loss system • refer to Chapter 4D for further details. It should be noted that fault diagnosis of the I IAW Weber-Marelli system is only possible with dedicated electronic test equipment. Problems with the system should therefore be I referred to a Flat dealer for assessment. Once i the fault has been Identified, the I removal/refitting procedures detailed in the following Sections can then be followed.
Precautions |

A


Warning: Many procedures in thH Chapter require the removal ot fuel lines and connections, which may result in fuel spillage. Before carrying | out any operation on Me fuel system, refer to the precautions given In Safety flrstt at the beginning ot this manual, and follow them Implicitly. Petrol Is a highly dangerous and volatile liquid, and the precautions
1.1 IAW Weber-Marelli single point Injection (SPI) system 1 Fuel
tank
2 Fuel pump 3 Fuel filter 4 Anii'reflux valve 5 Fuel pressure regulator 6 Injector
7 Air cleaner 8 Fuel vapour
trap
9 Idle stepper motor
10
Absolute pressure sensor J11njection/ignition ECU 12 Tnrottle position sensor
13 Engine coolant temperature sensor 14 Intake air temperature sensor 15 Inject'onfignitron dual
relay
16 Ignition coils 17 Rpm and TDC sensor
18 Spark plugs 79 Diagnostic socket 20 EVAP solenoid 21 Lambda/oxygen sensor 22 Rev counter 23 IAW failure warning light

4A*2 Fuel system - single-point petrol Injection models
motor c) Ensure that all hoses are correctly reconnected and, where necessary, that their retaining clips are securely tightened. d) Adjust the accelerator cable as described In Section 4.
Fuel injector Note: If a faulty Injector Is suspected, before condemning the Injector, it is worth vying the effect of one of the proprietary Injector cleaning treatments. Removal 8 Remove the air cleaner and air duct as described In Section 2. 9 Disconnect the wiring then unscrew the mounting screws and remove Ihe Injector from the throttle body. Refitting 10 Refitting is a reversal of removal.
Fuel pressure regulator
Removal 11 Remove Ihe air cleaner and air duel as described In Section 2. 12 Using a marker pen. make alignment marks between the regulator cover end the throttle body, then undo the four retaining
screws. As the screws are loosened, place a rag over the cover to catch any fuel spray which may be released. 13 Lift off the cover, then remove the spring and withdraw the diaphragm, noting Its correct fitted orientation. Remove all traces of dirt, and examine the diaphragm for signs of splitting. If damage Is found, it will be necessary to renew the complete upper throttle body assembly. Refitting 14 Refitting is a reversal of removal ensuring that the diaphragm and cover are fitted the correct way round, and that the retaining screws are securely tightened,
Idle control stepper motor
Removal 15 Disconnect the battery negative terminal (refer to Disconnecting the battery In the Reference Section of this manual), then remove the air cleaner and air duct as described in Section 2. 16 Using a crosshead screwdriver, unscrew the mounting screws and remove the stepper motor from the throttle body. Recover the gaskei (see illustration). 17 Clean the unit and check for damage and wear. Refitting 18 When refitting the unit use a new gasket and make sure that the plunger is inserted correctly using the following procedure. Insert the unit and refit the mounting screws loosely. Reconnect the wiring then switch on the ignition several times so that the unit centralises itself. Finally fully tighten the mounting screws to the specified torque. Note: The mounting screws are covered with a locking agent and must be renewed every time they are removed 19 Leave the battery negative terminal disconnected for about 20 minutes - the injection/ignition ECU will position the Idle control stepper motor correctly the first time the engine is started. Reconnect the battery negative terminal.
Throttle potentiometer
Removal 20 Remove the air cleaner and air duct as described in Section 2. 21 Disconnect the wiring from the throttle potentiometer. 22 Using an Allen key unscrew the mounting screws then withdraw the unit from the throttle body (see Illustration). Note: The mounting screws ere covered with a locking agent and must be renewed every time they are removed. Refitting 23 When refitting the unit make sure that the pin Is correctly engaged, and tighten the mounting screws to the specified torque. 24 If a Rat test Instrument is available, the
operation of the throttle potentiometer can be checked at this stage. Before connecting the wiring first turn Ihe ignition key to position MAR and wait a few seconds, then return the key to the STOP position, Reconnect the wiring and connect the test instrument. Turn the Ignition key to the MAR position and cancel the error that will appear. The throttle position Indicated should be between 0° and 4°. If greater than this, check thai the accelerator cable is correctly adjusted however If the correct reading cannot be obtained renew the unit.
Inlet air temperature sensor
Removal 25 Remove the throtlle body assembly as described earlier In this Section. 28 Extract the plastic pins and remove the press-fit cover from the top of the throttle body. 27 Invert the cover then unscrew the mounting screws and remove the Inlet air temperature sensor from the cover. Refitting 28 Refining Is a reversal of removal.
Manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor
Removal 29 The manifold absolute pressure sensor is located on the left-hand side of the bulkhead. 30 Unscrew the mounting screws and remove the sensor from the bulkhead, Disconnect the wiring and vacuum pipe. Refitting 31 Refitting is a reversal of removal, but check the condition of the vacuum pipe and renew it if necessary.
Coolant temperature sensor
Removal 32 The coolant temperature sensor Is located on the left-hand side of the inlet manifold. Drain the cooling system as described In Chapter 1A before removing it. 33 Disconnect the wiring. 34 Unscrew the sensor and remove It from the Inlet manifold. If using a socket take care not to damage Ihe wiring connector on the sensor. Refitting 35 Refitting Is a reversal of removal bui tighten Ihe sensor to the specified torque. Do not exceed the specified torque otherwise the unit may be damaged.
Crankshaft TDC sensor
Removal 36 The crankshaft TDC sensor Is located on the front side of the crankshaft pulley. Firmly apply the handbrake, then jack up the front of the car Bnd support It securely on axle stands (see Jacking end vehicle support). Remove 5.22 Throttle potentiometer mounting screws

4A*2 Fuel system - single-point petrol Injection models
1 The luel system referred to In this Section is defined as the tank-mounted fuel pump, the fuel litter, the throttle body and pressure regulator components, and the metal pipes and flexible hoses of the fuel lines between these components. All ihese contain fuel which will be under pressure while the engine Is running and/or while tha Ignition is switched on. The pressure will remain for some time after tho ignition has been switched off, and must be relieved before any of these components are disturbed (or servicing work. 2 Disconnect the battery negative terminal (refer to D/sconnecf/ngr the battery in the Reference Section of this manual), 3 Place a container beneath the relevant connection/union to be disconnected, and have a large rag ready to soak up any escaping fuel not being caught by the container. 4 Slowly loosen the connection or union nut (as applicable) to avoid a sudden release of pressure, and wrap tho rag around the connection to catch any fuel spray which may be expelled. Once the pressure is released, disconnect the fuel line, and Insert plugs to minimise fuel loss and prevent the entry of dirt Into the fuel system.
9 Inlet manifold -removal and refitting ^
Note: Refer to the warning given In Section 1 before proceeding.
Removal 1 Remove the throttle body assembly as described in Section 5. 2 Drain the cooling system as described in Chapter 1A. 3 Disconnect the winng connector from the coolanl temperature sensor (situated on the left-hand sidB of the manifold). 4 Undo the bolt securing the accelerator cable mounting bracket to the manifold, and position it clear of the manifold. 5 Slacken the retaining clip and disconnect tha coolant hose from the rear of the manifold. 6 Disconnect the brake vacuum hose. 7 Undo the seven manifold retaining nuts and
10.2 The diagnostic connector la located behind the ECU bolts, and remove (he manifold from the engine. Remove the gasket and discard It; a new one should be used on refitting.
Refitting 8 Refitting is a reverse of the removal procedure, noting the following points: a) Ensure that the manifold and cylinder head mating surfaces are clean and dry, and fit a nev/ manifold gasket. Refit the manifold and securely tighten Its retaining nuts. b) Ensure that all relevant hoses are reconnected fo their original positions and are securely held (where necessary) by the retaining clips. c) Refit the throttle body assembly with reference to Section S. d) On completion, refill the cooling system as described In Chapter 1A.
correctly adjusted, and that the engine breather hoses are clear and undamaged. 2 If these checks fall to reveal the cause of the problem, the vehicle should be taken to a suitably-equipped Fiat dealer for testing. A wiring block connector Is Incorporated In the engine management circuit, into which a special electronic diagnostic tester can be plugged; the connector is situated behind the ECU (see Illustration). The tester will locate the fault quickly and simply, alleviating the need to test all the system components Individually, which is a time-consuming operation that carries a high risk of damaging the ECU.
Adjustments 3 As mentioned above, the idle speed and mixture adjustment are all monitored and controlled by the ECU, and are not adjustable Experienced home mechanics with a considerable amount of skill and equipment (including a good-quality tachometer and a good-quality, carefully calibrated exhaust gas analyser) may be able to check the exhaust CO level and ihe idle speed. However, If thes* are found lo be in need of adjustment, the car must be taken to a suitably-equipped Flat dealer for testing using the special test equipment which is plugged into the diagnostic connector.
11 Unleaded petrol -general Information and usage
10 Fuel injection system - & testing and adjustment S
Testing 1 If a fault appears in the fuel injection system, first ensure that all the system winng connectors are securely connected and free of corrosion. Then ensure that the fault Is not due to poor maintenance; ie, check that the air cleanor fitter element is clean, the spark plugs are In good condition and correctly gapped, that tho valve clearances are
Note: The information given in this Chapter
is
correct at the time of writing. If updated Information is thought to be required, check with a Fiat dealer. If travelling abroad, consult one of the motonng organisations (or a similar authority) for advice on the fuel available. 1 All petrol models are fitted with a catalytic converter and must be run on unleaded fuel only - the fuel recommended by Flat is given In the Specifications of this Chapter. Under no circumstances should leaded fuei (UK 4-slar) be used, as this may damage the converter. 2 Super unleaded petrol (98 octane) can also be used in all models if wished, though there is no advantage in doing so.

4A*2 Fuel system -
single-point
petrol Injection models
1 General information and precautions
General information The
LAW
Weber-Maretil multi-point Injection (MPI) system is a self-contained engine management system, which controls both the fuel injoction and Ignition (see Illustrations). This Chapter deals with the fuel Injection system components only - refer to Chapter 5B for details of the ignition system components. The fuel injection system comprises a fuel tank, an electric fuel pump, a fuel filter, fuel supply end return lines, a throttle body, a fuel rail with four electronic Injectors, and an Electronic Control Unit (ECU) together with its associated sensors, actuators and wiring. On pre-1998, 8-valve engines and all 16-valve engines, the fuel pump delivers a constant supply of fuel through a cartridge filter to the fuel rail, and the fuel pressure regulator (located on Ihe fuel rail) maintains a constant fuel pressure at the fuel Injectors and returns excess fuel to the tank via the return
line, This constant flow system also helps to reduce fuel temperature and prevents vaporisation. On later 8-valve engines, a returnless fuel system is used. With this arrangement, the fuel filter and fuel pressure regulator are an integral part of the fuel pump assembly located In the fuel tank. The regulator maintains a constant fuel pressure in the supply line lo the fuel rail and allows excess fuel to recirculate in the fuel tank, by means of a bypass channel, if the regulated fuel pressure is exceeded. As the fuel filler Is an integral part of the pump assembly, fuel filter renewal Is no longer necessary as part of the maintenance and servicing schedule. The fuel injectors are opened and closed by an Electronic Control Unit (ECU), which calculates the Injection timing and duration according to engine speed, throttle position and rate of opening, inlet air temperature, coolant temperature and exhaust gas oxygen content information, received from sensors mounted on the engine. The injectors are operated simultaneously (le not sequentially) and Inject half of the quantity of fuel required on each turn of the crankshaft. Inlet air Is drawn into the engine through
the air cleaner, which contains a renewable paper filter element. On 8-valve engines, the Inlet air temperature is regulated by a vacuum operated valve mounted in the air ducting, which blends air at ambient temperature with hot air, drawn Irom over the exhaust | manifold. Idle speed Is controlled by a stepper motor 1 located on the side of the throttle body. Cold storting enrichment is controlled by the ECU using the coolant temperature and Inlet air temperature parameters to Increase the Injector opening duration. The exhaust gas oxygen content it constantly monitored by the ECU via the Lambda/oxygen sensor, whioh Is mounted in the exhaust downpipe. The ECU then uses this Information to modify the Injection timing and duration to maintain the optimum air/fuel ratio. An exhaust catalyst is fitted to all models. The ECU also controls the operation of the activated charcoal filler evaporative loss system - refer to Chapter 4D for further details. It should be noted that fault diagnosis of the IAW Weber-Marelll system Is only possible with dedicated electronic test equipment.
1.1a IAW Weber-Marelii multt-point Injection (MPi) system (8-valve engines) f Fuel
tank
7 Air
cleaner
13 Coolant temperature sensor 19 Diagnostic socket 2 Fuel pump 8 Fuel vapour trvp 14 Intake air temperature 20
EVAP
solenoid 3 Filter (pre-1998 models) 9 Idle control stepper motor sensor 21 Lambda/oxygen sensor 4 Fuel
rail
10 Manifold absolute pressure 15 Duel
relay
22 Rev counter 5 Pressure regulator
(pre-1998
sensor 16 Ignition colls 23 IAW failure warning light models)
11 ECU
17 Rpm and TDC sensor 24 Anti-refhjx
valve
6 Injectors 12 Throttle position sensor 18 Spark piugs

4A*2 Fuel system -
single-point
petrol Injection models
1.1b IAW Weber-Marelli multi-point injection (MPI) system (16-valve engines) J Fuel
tank
2 Fuel pump 3 Multi-purpose
valve
4 Safety
valve
5 Anti-reflux
valve
6 F/fter 7 Battery 8
EVAP
solenoid
9 Dual
relay
10 Ignition switch 111nertia switch
12
Air conditioning compressor
13
Fuse 14 Throttle position sensor

1$
idle control stepper motor 17 Ignition coils 18 Sparkplugs 19 Fuel
rail
20 Pressure regulator 21 Injectors
15
Intake air temperature/pressure 22 Coolant temperature sensor sensor 23 Lambda/oxygen sensor
24 Rpm and TDC sensor 25 Engine immobiliser control unit 26 Catalytic converter 27 IAW failure warning light 28 EVAP canister 29 ECU 30 Diagnostic socket 31 Rev counter
Problems with the system should therefore be referred to a Fiat dealer for assessment. Once the fault has been Identified, the removal/ refitting procedures detailed in the following Sections can then be followed.
Precautions

A


Warning: Many procedures In this Chapter require the removal of fuel lines and connections, which may result In fuel spillage. Before carrying out any operation on the fuel system, refer to the precautions given In Safety flrstl at the beginning of this manual, and follow them implicitly. Petrol Is a highly dangerous and volatile liquid, and the precautions necessary when handling it cannot be overstressed. Note that residual pressure will remain in the fuel lines long after the vehicle was last used, When disconnecting tny fuel line, first depressurise the fuel system {see Section 9).
2 Air cleaner and inlet system Sk - removal
and
refitting ^
Removal
1242 cc (8-valve) engines 1 Remove the air cleaner element as described In Chapter 1A. 2 Disconnect the outer section from the hot air tube and the Inlet air duct and remove it from the engine compartment. 3 If necessary remove the inlet air duct. 4 Disconnect the large and small breather hoses from the inner section of the air cleaner, then unscrew the retaining nuts and lift the section from the throttle body. 5 Recover the sealing ring. Check the nng for condition and renew it it necessary. 6 Wipe clean the inner surfaces of both the Inner and outer sections of the air cleaner,
1242 cc (16-valve) engines 7 Release the hose clip and disconnect the inlet air duct from the resonator (see illustration).
2.7 Release the hose clip and disconnect the inlet air duct from the resonator

4D*3 Exhaust and emission control systems
Refitting 8 Refitting is a reversal of the removal pro-cedure but fit new gaskets. Tighten the nuts lo the specified torque.
Diesel models Note: On diesel models the inlet and exhaust
manifolds
are located on the rear of the engine
end
share the same securing nuts and gasket. Removal 8 Remove the inlet manifold as described In Part
C
of this Chapter. 10 Firmly apply the handbrake, then jack up lite front of tho car and support it securely on axle stands (see Jacking and vehicle support). 11 Straighten the tab washers (where fitted), then unscrew and remove the exhaust downpipe retaining nuts. Detach the downpipe from the manifold/turbocharger. Suitably support the downpipe. 12 Undo the manifold-to-cylinder head securing nuts and withdraw the manifold (see Illustration). 13 Separate the turbocharger from the manifold with reference to Chapter 4C. 14 Remove the gasket and clean the mating
(aces
of the manifold, cylinder head and down-pipe flange (see illustration). The gasket must
be
renewed when refitting the manifold, Refitting
15 Refitting is a reversal of the removal procedure but fit a new gasket. Tighten the retaining nuts to the specified torque and where necessary lock them by bending over
the
tocktabs.
6 Exhaust system - % general information and ^ component renewal
Genera/ Information 1 A three section exhaust system is fitted consisting of a twin-branch front downpipe, a catalytic converter, and a tailpipe with two silencers. The downpipe-to-manifold and downpipe-to-catalytic converter joints are both of flange and gasket type, whereas the remaining joint Is of the sleeve type secured
witn
a clamp ring (see illustration). 2 The system is suspended throughout its entire length by rubber mountings.
Removal 3 Each exhaust section can be removed individually or, alternatively, the complete system can be removed as a unit. Where separation of the rear sleeve Joint is necessary, it may be more practical to remove
the
entire system rather than try and separate
the Joint
In position. 4 To remove the system or part of the system, first jack up the front of the vehicle and support on axle stands (see Jacking and nhlcle support), Alternatively position the
vehicle
over an inspection pit or on car ramps.
5.12 Removing the exhaust manifold (diesel engine) Downpipe 5 Support the catalytic converter using an axle stand or blocks of wood. Where applicable on petrol models, refer to Section 4 and remove the oxygen sensor from the exhaust downpipe. 6 Unscrew and remove the bolts securing the downpipe to tha catalytic converter, then separate the joint and recover the gasket. 7 Bend back the locktabs (where fitted) then unscrew the nuts securing the downpipe to the exhaust manifold/turbocharger. and lower the downpipe, Recover the gasket. Catalytic converter
8 Support the tailpipe section of the exhaust using an axle stand or blocks of wood. 9 Unscrew and remove the bolts securing the downpipe to the catalytic converter, then separate the joint and recover the gasket. 10 Unscrew the clamp bolt and separate the converter from the tailpipe section. 11 Release the mounting rubber and remove the converter from under the vehicle. Tailpipe and silencers 12 Support the catalytic converter using an axle stand or blocks of wood. 13 Unscrew the clamp bolt and separate the catalytic converter from the tailpipe section. 14 Release the tailpipe section from its mounting rubbers and remove from under the vehicle. Complete system 15 Disconnect the downpipe from the ex-haust manifold as described in paragraph 7.
6.1 Exhaust clamp ring securing the tailpipe to the front exhaust system
5.14 Removing the oxhaust manifold gasket (diesel engine) 16 With the aid of an assistant, free the system from all its mounting rubbers and manoeuvre it out from underneath the vehicle. Heatshield 17 The heatshield is secured to the underbody by bolts and Is easily removed once the exhaust system has been removed.
Refitting 18 Each section is refitted by a reverse of the removal sequence, noting the following points. a) Ensure that all traces of corrosion have been removed from the flanges and renew ail necessary gaskets. b) Inspect the rubber mountings for signs of damage or deterioru tion and renew
as
necessary. c) Before refitting the tailpipe joint, smear some exhaust system jointing paste to the joint mating surfaces to ensure an air-tight seal. Tighten the clamp bolt. d) Prior to fully tightening the rear joint damp, ensure that all rubber mountings are correctly /ocafed and that there is adequate clearance between the exhaust system and vehicle underbody.
7 Catalytic converter -general information and precautions
The catalytic converter is a reliable and simple device which needs no maintenance In itself, but there are some facts of which an owner should be aware if the converter is to function properly for its full service life.
Petrol models a) DO NOT use leaded petrot In a car equipped with a catalytic converter - Ihe lead will coat the precious metals, redudng their converting efficiency
and
will eventually destroy the converter. b) Always keep the ignition and fuel systems well-maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's schedule. c) If the engine develops a misfire, do not drive the car at all (or at least as little
as
possible) until the fault is cured.

5A«2 Starting and charging systems
Maintenance-free battery -charging Note: The following is intended as a guide only. Always refer to the manufacturer's recommendations (often printed on a label attached to the battery) before charging a battery. 13 This battery type takes considerably longer lo fully recharge than the standard type, the time taken being dependent on the extent of discharge, but it can take anything
up
to three days. 14 A constant voltage type charger is required, tooe set, when connected, to 13.9 to 14.9 votts wth a charger current below 25 amps. Using
mis
method, the battery should be usable within three hours, giving a voltage reading of 12.5 vofts. but this Is for a partially discharged battery and, as mentioned, full charging can
take
considerably longer. 15 If Ihe battery is to be charged from a fully discharged state {condition reading loss lhan 12.2 volts), have it recharged by your FIAT dealer or local automotive electrician, as Ihe charge rate is higher and constant super-vision during charging Is necessary.
3 Battery -removal and refitting
Note: Refer to Disconnecting the battery in ifte Reference Section of this manual before proceeding.
Removal 1 Slacken the clamp bolts and disconnect the ctamp from the battery negative (earth) terminal. 2 Remove the insulation cover (where fitted)
and
disconnect the positive terminal lead(s) in
Die same
way. 3 At the base of the battery, unscrew the bolt from the battery holding clamp plate and remove the clamp plate (see Illustration). A Remove the battery from Ihe engine compartment. 5 II necessary the mounting tray may be removed by unscrewing the bolts. On diesel models it will be necessary to remove the relay guard bolts as well.
Refitting 6 Refitting is a reversal of removal but make sure that the positive terminal is connected first followed by the negative terminal.
4 Alternator/charging system - >%•> testing in vehicle
Note: Refer to the warnings given in Safety first! and in Section 1 of this Chapter before starting work. 1 If the ignition warning light fails to Illuminate when the ignition is switched on, first check the alternator wiring connections for security. If satisfactory, check that the warning light bulb has not blown, and that the bulbholder is secure in its location in the instrument panel. If the light still fails to illuminate, check the continuity of the warning light feed wire from the alternator to the bulbholder. If all is satisfactory, the alternator is at fault and should be renewed or taken to an auto-electrician for testing and repair. 2 If the ignition warning light Illuminates when the engine Is running, stop the engine and check that the drivebelt is correctly tensioned (see Chapter 1A or 18) and that the alternator connections are secure. If all is so far satisfactory, have the alternator checked by an auto-electrician. 3 If the alternator output is suspect even though the warning light functions correctly, the regulated voltage may be checked as follows. 4 Connect a voltmeter across the battery terminals and start the engine. 5 Increase the engine speed until the voltmeter reading remains steady; the reading should be approximately 12 to 13 volts, and no more than 14 volts. 6 Switch on as many electrical accessories (eg. the headlights, heated rear window and heater blower) as possible, and check that the alternator maintains the regulated voltage at around 13 to 14 volts. 7 If ihe regulated voltage is not as stated, the fault may be due to worn brushes, weak brush springs, e faulty voltage regulator, a faulty diode, a severed phase winding or worn or damaged slip rings. The alternator should be renewed or taken to an auto-electrician for testing and repair.
3.3 Removing the battery clamp plate
5 Alternator -removal and refitting
Removal 1 Disconnect the battery negative terminal {refer to Disconnecting the battery In the Reference Section of this manual). 2 Firmly apply the handbrake, then jack up the front of the car and support it securely on axle stands (see Jacking and vehicle support). Remove tho right-hand front roadwheel. 3 Remove Ihe Inner cover from under the right-hand wheelarch for access to tho right-hand side of the engine. 4 Disconnect the cables from the rear Of the alternator (see illustration).
Petrol models 5 Loosen the pivot and adjustment bolts then swivel the alternator towards the engine and slip off the drivebelt. Note that the position of the rpm sensor will prevent complete removal of the drivebelt from the crankshaft puiley. 6 Unscrew and remove the pivot and adjustment bolts then unscrew the upper slot-mounted bolt. Withdraw the alternator from the engine (see illustrations).
Diesel models 7 For additional working room, unclip and remove the upper timing belt cover then unbolt and remove the lower timing belt cover.
5.4 Cable connections on the rear of the alternator
5.6a Alternator adjustment and pivot bolts (petrol engine) B Adjuster bolt C Pivot bolt 5.6b Removing the alternator (petrol engine)

5A«2 Starting and charging systems
5.9a Unbolting the alternator upper bracket from the rear of the coolant pump
fl Loosen the pivot bolt and adjustment locknut then unscrew the adjustment bolt and swivel the alternator towards the engine so that the drivebefi may be slipped off the alternator pulley. 9 Unscrew and remove the pivot and adjustment bolts and withdraw the alternator Irom the engine compartment. If preferred the upper alternator bracket may bo unbolted from the rear of the coolant pump {see illustrations).
Refitting 10 Refitting is a reversal ot removal. Refer to Chapter tA or 1B as applicable for details of tensioning the auxiliary drivebeit. On completion lighten the pivot and adjustment botts/nut to the specified torque.
6 Alternator -brush holder/regulator module renewal
%
1 Remove the alternator as described in Section 5. 2 Extract the two small bolts and withdraw the brush box. Note the small plastic grille on the Marelli alternator (see illustrations), 3 Using a steol rule chock the length of the brushes. If less than 5.0 mm the complete brush holder assembly should be renewed. Note: On Bosch alternators it may be possible to obtain the brushes separate//, in which case the brush ieads should be unsoldered
5.9b Removing the pivot bolt and alternator from the engine
from ihe terminals and the new brush leads soldered onto the terminals. 4 Check the slip rings for excessive wear and clean them with a rag soaked in fuel. 5 Pit the new holder using a reversal of the removal procedure but make sure that each brush moves freely.
7 Starting system • & testing
Note: Refer to Ihe precautions given In Safety firstI and in Section I of this Chapter before stoning work. 1 If the starter motor falls to operate when the Ignition key Is turned to the appropriate position, the following possible causes may be to blame. aj The battery is faulty. b) The electrical connections between the switch, solenoid, battery and starter motor are somewhere failing to pass the necessary current from the battery through the starter to earth. c) 77:© solenoid is faulty. d) The starter motor is mechanically or electrically defective. 2 To check the battery, switch on the headlights. If they dim after a few seconds, this indicates that the battery is discharged -recharge (see Section 2) or renew the battery. If the headlights glow brightly, operate the ignition switch and observe the lights. If they
dim, then this indicates that current it reaching the starter motor, therefore the iao8 must lie In the starter motor. If the lights continue to glow brightly (and no clicking sound can be heard from the starter motor solenoid), this indicates that there is a lairt
In
the circuit or solenoid - see following paragraphs, if the starter motor turns siowfy when operated, but the battery is In good condition, then this indicates that either lae starter motor is faulty, or there is considers resistance somewhere in the circuit. 3 If a fault in the circuit is suspected, disconnect the battery ieads (including ihe earth connection to the body), lt» starter/solenoid wiring and tne engine/transmission earth strap. ThoroygWy clean the connections, and reconnect the leads and wiring, ihen use a voltmeter or J«i lamp to check that full battery voltage is available at the battery positive lead connection to the solenoid, and that the earth is sound. Smear petroleum jelly around ttie battory terminals to prevent corrosion > corroded connections are amongst the most frequent causes of electrical system faults. 4 If the battery and all connections are in good condition, check the circuit disconnecting the wire from the solenod blade terminal. Connect a voltmeter or less lamp between the wire end and a good earth (such as the battery negative terminal), ais check that the wire is live when tne ignition switch is turned to the start position. If It is. then the circuit is sound - if not. the circut wiring can be checked as described Chapter 12. Section 2. 5 The solenoid contacts can be checked
Oy
connecting a voltmeter or test lamp across Ihe solenoid. When the ignition switch is turned to the start position, there should b»a reading or lighted bulb, as applicable. II thars is no reading or lighted bulb, the solenoid is faulty and should be renewed. 6 If the circuit and solenoid are proves sound, the fault must lie in the starter motor. In this event, it may be possible to have tre starter motor overhauled by a specialist, but check on the cost of spares before proceeding, as It may prove more economical to obtain a new or exchange motor