Hi Julie, another Punto with steering problems, sorry to hear you're having trouble. Whilst it takes a great deal more effort to turn the steering wheel when the assistance is off, there is still a solid mechanical connection between the steering wheel and the steering rack so the steering will still work but with much greater effort needed. Once on the move it will get easier to steer as the vehicle speed increases. There are several possible faults that will have made your steering system shut down, only connecting the car to a diagnostics computer will reveal what has gone wrong. Take a look at
www.magik-spannerz.co.uk/punto
for further details, you will find my contact details there and I'll be happy to help.
Best wishes
Magik Joe, February 2013
