Ford Transit Kombi 300CP 2.2 TDCI Minibus
Diesel
YOM 04/2010
mileage 232064 KM
Hi
We're having issues with our minibus
To start with, we dont use it regularly (bought for when we were hosting Ukranian refugees, theyve long since gone and so we no longer need a 9 seater minibus)
Initially the issues started with it not starting at all (even with a jump start)
Our machanic took a look and said he believed the former owners had removed the alarm and just left the connecting wires in place (attached to nothing) and the van was leaking power all the time
He tidied things up and we replaced the battery and this seemed to fix things, for a while
We decided as we dont use that it would be a good idea to sell it as its just taking up space
We got a favourable Controle technique no mention of any engine issues
Had no luck with the sale and so things continued.. the isssues persisted: if the minibus was left for more than a day without being started, then it needed to go on charge for 24 hours before it would start
We took it to a local garage to have a look and they could find no issues with the battery or power getting to the battery
Asked a friend for some advise as they have some knowledge
They advised to try the following
1. With the ignition switched off, disconnect the Negative terminal of the battery and tuck it out of the way so that it can’t swing back and touch the terminal. It doesn’t matter if it touches the bodywork, engine ectcetera but try not to let it touch anything electrical.
2. Using a multimeter set to Volts dc, direct current ( straight line under the V symbol not a wavy one as the wavy one is ac, alternating current.) check the volts of the battery. Note it down.
3. Charge the battery for a minimum of 12 hours, preferably 24, still with the negative terminal disconnected. A longer lower ampage rate of charge is better than a higher ampage faster one.
4. After charging the battery check the voltage and note it down.
5. Reconnect the negative terminal to the battery. If there are large sparks as you do so then something in the vehicle is drawing a significant amount of current.
6. Start the engine and check the battery voltage as it ticks over.
7. Get someone to steadily rev the engine and check the battery voltage. As the revs rise so should the battery voltage. Make a note of the max voltage. If the voltage does not rise as the revs rise then the system is not charging the battery and something is wrong.
8. Repeat for the second battery.
9. As you are doing this it is worth checking that the battery terminals are clean and not corroded
We followed these instructions and gave him the results (on phone so not recorded) - for 6 & 7 I have video but it wont let me attach- Ticking over, the battery has stayed at around 14. 45 > 14.5 , for a good 20 mins now. Hasn't dropped below 14.44. when I rev it differently it seems to jump up a little, but not a lot. To be honest, 14.6 is about as high as this battery seems to go... It's still at around 14.5 now
Our friend advised "It looks as though things have been added and then disconnected. Such as alarm, accessories, etc.
ith the same setting.
With the black lead on the multimeter going to the negative terminal of the battery ( or the engine or gearbox casings, or an unpainted bolt in the chassis ) touch the red lead to a wire and see if it shows any voltage.
As they are disconnected I would expect them all to be zero.
I usually would do it with the engine off but the battery connected and the ignition on. It shouldn’t hurt to do it with the engine running."
Our response
Did a little test.
Left battery connected.
Waited 90 mins.
Went back to van > reconnected tester > battery said 12.5 v.
Started engine , first go, with no revving , and within 30 seconds ( probably less, in truth ) , the tester changed up to 14.5 / 14.6, so it charged , undoubtedly.
4 days later - I've tested everything I can now regarding van without further help. After several days of battery attached , and without starting the van , it read 12.5v on battery, coughed a bit , but started nevertheless.
After start reading = 14.5 v .
We then decided to try and list it again for sale and so got another CT - Again favourable, no issues mentioned wuith engine/battery
Bought a maintainer and had the minibus attached to that
Left a few days and van started with no issues at all
We got another favourable Controle technique
Then I had someone interested in viewing and so decided to take the minibus to the carwash, and now it wont start at all
wont start with a jump start, wont start with my novo booster thingy, with the novo maintainer attached, there are the numbers shown on the screen (mielage etc), but when I try the ignition, nothing. Doesnt even try to start
I am not a mechanic
and am at the end of my tether with this van
Does anyone have any ideas?
