MK3 (1988) won't start

[SnarfSnarf]

Hi Guys,

New to this forum, just made an account for this question. I've searched all over the internet, but couldn't get my answer.

The problem is that my MK3 won't start. I've fully charged the battery, so that shouldn't be the problem.

All the electronics are working, and never had problems before with the starter. I hear a click once I turn the key, so my guess is the starting relay needs replacement.

My question is; which of the relays in the relay/fuse box, is the starting relay?

I did find the fuse box index (attached to this post), but it doesn't mention it there either.

Your help would be much appreciated, thanks.

[twin wheel camper]

Hi Guys,

New to this forum, just made an account for this question. I've searched all over the internet, but couldn't get my answer.

The problem is that my MK3 won't start. I've fully charged the battery, so that shouldn't be the problem.

All the electronics are working, and never had problems before with the starter. I hear a click once I turn the key, so my guess is the starting relay needs replacement.

My question is; which of the relays in the relay/fuse box, is the starting relay?

I did find the fuse box index (attached to this post), but it doesn't mention it there either.


Your help would be much appreciated, thanks.

Do you not think people would need to know what van your talking about?
Is it petrol or diesel?

[SnarfSnarf]

Ah, my apologies.

It is a transit 100d Campervan, Diesel engine. Mk3 from 1988. I’m not exactly sure what the model type is.

[Kjeles]

If your starter motor makes a click, but does not turn, I suspect you have worn brushes in the starter motor. The starter solenoid kicks in, but the motor doesn't get the voltage needed to turn due to poor contact between the brushes and the commutator.

Some say you can tap the starter a bit in the back (or 'front' actually, relative to the van – where the brushes are located) with a hammer. If you are lucky, this might give just enough contact to make the starter run.

If the brushes are not worn, it might help to clean the carbon and copper dust inside of the starter.

I assume you have made sure that the cable between the battery and the starter as well as the battery's grounding have good contacts.

Starter.jpeg

[jamie182]

transits of this age may have had a start inhibitor relay in the engine bay its attached to the right hand side battery tray might be worth checking the pins on the plug for corrosion.

20171027_141430.jpg

[SnarfSnarf]

Ok thanks for your replies. I will check and try this.

[Kjeles]

Please tell us what the solutions was, so we can learn from your experience.