Timing belt is really easy job on a Punto. I wouldn't have thought the battery would cause an engine to stop running and coil packs would probably have played up beforehand - there are two, so unlikely they would both fail together. Was the car running OK previously? Any warning lights showing?

Chris, thanks for replying so quickly.

Yes car was running OK beforehand - had a new clutch fitted about 10 days before 'incident' has done around 500+ miles since!

Couldn't say what warning lights were showing as my son stated 'the whole dash lit up like a christmas tree' - very seasonal.

Suppose timing belt looks favourite - how long would you say it would/should take to change?

Cheers

Mark

Timing belts very prone to jumping on these engines, especially as the pullys wear/. Worth checking the water pump.

Check the timing first, alighn crank to TDC using marks seen through bell housing and a horizontal v will should line up with the edge of the cylinder head.

Belts were always prone to jumping when the engines were reved to excess. Also worth checking the crank sensor & condition of alt belt as when the belts start to shread they can take out the crank sensor. If its just had clutch fitted check the earth strap down the rear of engine/bell housing/gearbox. If this has been left loose it will also cut out.

Thanks for the response injection doc.

I will check the earth strap first then the timing belt etc. etc.

many thanks

Mark