2011 Abarth Punto 1.4L Petrol · S26 VAR

The GM-FPT M32 6-speed manual gearbox fitted to Grande Punto and early Punto Evo models is prone to premature wear and pitting of the output shaft and 6th gear end-casing bearings. Excessive factory preload tolerances, poor lubrication to the upper bearings, and thermal fluid breakdown lead to spalling of the bearing tracks. As the bearings degrade, a pronounced whine develops in 1st, 2nd, and 6th gear, accompanied by noticeable gearstick twitching under acceleration and overrun. If ignored, the bearings disintegrate completely, punching through the aluminium casing and causing total transmission failure.

The electric power steering (EPS) column unit on the Type 199 platform suffers from failure of the internal steering angle and torque position sensors. Thermal cycling and vibration fatigue the delicate internal potentiometer tracks and solder connections on the column ECU. The fault initially presents intermittently, often causing the steering to feel heavier in one direction before progressing to sudden total loss of steering assistance. When the system fails, a red steering wheel warning illuminates on the instrument cluster, making the vehicle exceptionally heavy to steer at low speeds.

The electro-hydraulic MultiAir uniactuator module fitted to the 1.4-litre Turbo engine on the Punto Evo replaces the intake camshaft with computer-controlled solenoid valves regulating oil pressure to the intake valves. If engine oil changes are delayed or incorrect oil specification is used, sludge and varnish contaminate the microscopic hydraulic passages and internal micro-filter. This causes solenoids to stick, leading to severe cylinder misfires (commonly P1061 to P1064), rough idle on cold start, limp-home mode, and unburnt fuel washing cylinder bores. Complete module replacement is required.