Van seems to be completely dead?

[KAD]

Hi all,
I'm new to transits, the forum and frankly mechanics.

I have just bought a '97 lwb transit minibus, 2.5d, currently trying to get it through its MOT.
However a new problem has just arisen and I have no idea what caused it.
Basically when I turn the key in the ignition, there is absolutely nothing. No dash lights, not even a click. The immobiliser light is off.
It's a brand new battery, as the van was running fine yesterday so I assumed it just needed a new battery. (It did, the old one is dead as a dodo but the new battery hasn't fixed it. Gutted.)

Could it be the immobiliser? I have no fob or whatever's needed and didn't think an immobiliser was fitted as I hadn't had to do anything to get it started before apart from turn the key.(Have since looked in the handbook's section on the immobiliser and it left me baffled ).
Any help or clues greatly appreciated,
Keith.

[ake]

Check the main fuses at the battery

[alan87460]

Yep we had the same problem with the earth strap that has a built in fuse, but watch out as our starter motor was knackerd and the amount of power needed took the new fuse out straight away.

happy fixing

Alan

[KAD]

Thanks chaps. Checked fuses earlier, they were fine. Bit dark to look at anything now. Have a mechanic coming to look tomorrow but it would be nice to work it out.
Thanks again.

[KAD]

Hi all,
Just an update for anyone interested.
Haven't really got to the bottom of it but did get it started.
Got a mechanic out to look. It seemed at first like the brand new battery may be dead but a volt test showed otherwise.
He then connected a battery booster which got us some juice but not enough to start her. So he then connected his Transit Connect's battery in addition to the booster and my battery (!) which after a few goes, did the trick.
He's going to look into it for me, while he does the MOT work.
Cheers for now.

[madmark_50484]

Sounds like either the starter motor has had it of the Earth strap has either had it or needs a good clean up could also be starter motor connections

[KAD]

Thanks, will look into that, that's the second mention of the earth strap...