Hi,
I've got a 2001 Fiat Punto and the temperature light has just started coming on over the weekend. l put the heater on full blast to try and get rid of some of the heat from the engine, but it is blowing cold the whole time. Anyone got any ideas what could be wrong? My first thought was the thermostat but I've just been reading otheron here and came across horror stories of head gaskets failures...oh dear!!
cheers,
Dave
Thanks all for yourso far. I've just been outside and run the engine with the lid off the radiator expansion tank - every 5-10 secs there is a bit of an air bubble popping up. Sounds like a head gasket does not it? Any ideas on what is a reasonable quote to fix it?

whats wrong, my friend, is that it is a fiat!

You should check the radiator the could be a hole in it if there is you can buy rad weld to try and seal it but this will be only temporary when refilling your radiator make sure you put in anti freeze and try not to let it burn dry as this could cause a lot more damage

l had a 00 Fiat Punto, and the same thing happened it this time last year. At first l thought it was the thermostat, l got it removed and it helped for a while, but the problems just came back. Then l was told it was the head gasket, so l gave up and sold it. l loved that car, l was sorry to see it go, but l am afraid your worst fears are true. Time for a newer car!

You have to change thermostat first to rule it out, tho it is the most likeky cause. Head gasket will show up as bubbles in header tank so you can check this without getting a spanner out. Good luck!

First of all, its a Fiat!!! second check the radiator water is full, by removing the cap, if it aint full top up and run the car, see if that changes anything, if the radiator is full dip a finger into the water ( not whiles its hot though) if the water appears oily then get it a garage for a headgasket problem, quite expensive though..

Trust me mate, im going to give you advice that you must listen to. GET RID OF YOUR PUNTO!!! You will only receive more problem in the future and plus the car has no respect. You know the say your car represents you.

Hi,

A friend of mine has just had the same problem as you. Sorry to say but that turned out to be the head gasket. The garage said that the cost of having the head skimmed was about £200 plus labour. In the end he replaced the engine from a scrap yard for £80 and £90 to fit it.

Older Italian cars, particularly Fiats have notoriously erratic electrics. Your problem could be a faulty coolant temperature sensor if no other temperature issues. Our first port of call is the fiatforum (google it and use search box). You will find that others have had your problem before you and there will be relevant posts.

We've solved faults that way that defeated Fiat main Agents and various mechanics.

check the oil cap and look for white scum on the lid ..if there is its the head gasket fiats are prone to this happening

If its overheating you should try to have it fixed.
but usually if its already the way its always overheating
you should always make sure to use your car into short places of distance usually 30-60Kms so it wont overheat.

head gasket defo away. its not a big job about 3 to 4 hours to a good mechanic. you shouldnt need to get the head skimmed unless you really overheated the engine.

l was told to buy a fiat punto n said no cause of the hole fix it again tomorrow deal. the guy telling me to buy it (not the seller) tried to change my mind by explaining to me its the engine overheating that normally goes wrong with them. it is cause the engines water cooled, there is an easy way around it (if he didnt waffle so much l could give u full instructions) but im sure u could do a search online for it.. he said something about drilling a hole.. l wouldnt if u werent sure of what ur doing though hope that helps