Stranded -non starter

[iHawk]

59 plate 300TDCi LWB RWD

for 12 months now every day when I get to the van it will turnover once or maybe twice displaying signs of a dead battery. second attempt and it fires up with gusto, like it has found the battery power and then it will start first time all day long.


i've since replaced both batteries, swopped them around several times and I still have the same issues, even after a 300 mile journey the next day i have to go through the same procedure. there are no signs of any drain on the battery

just recently there's been a slight change in the morning routine where it has taken 2 or 3 failed attempts before finding the power to start the engine.

then today it changed again, it no longer started perfectly after the first start of the day, each time it would appear like a drained battery turning over maybe once or twice but then eventually it would find the power to start. until now. at the diesel pump it attempted to turn over twice and now nothing, all the lights on the dash work, the heater plug light goes out but i get nothing, the lights on the dash show no signs of dimming, the windows go up and down like the batterys are fine but nothing from the starter.

any heros out there that can help shed some light/thoughts would be very much appreciated, whilst I now set about searching for clues on the internet.

cheers for reading.

[metalworker0]

You need to do a starter motor cranking amps test

Starter motor will prevent engine starting, due to not enough speed to get the compression pressures up. cranking amps on average temperature day should be between 70-90 amps .. anymore and then you suspect the starter . you need a clip on ammeter to do this test.

FIRST THOUGH - also fails if bad connections anywhere in thick cables ..earths to body and engine battery terminals this will prevent enough power getting to the starter ....take them all off wire brush - re-install .

all the best.mark

[andz327]

Fit new ignition switch (cheap to buy)
If still happening I'd be looking into the starter and see condition of brushes etc

Sent from my SM-G990B using Tapatalk

[Kopon]

Probably no need to change the ignition switch, just run a live to the solenoid to check if it works ok.
Then check the heavy positive connection, make sure it's clean.
Then check the earth, run a jump lead from the battery negative to the engine, preferably close to the starter.
If this all fails to show a result THEN check the starter.
Good luck and please let us know your findings.

[iHawk]

thank you all for your time and suggestions, it was indeed the starter, i've never known a starter give up over 12 months like this has, we live and learn. thanks again.

[Altransit]

thank you all for your time and suggestions, it was indeed the starter, i've never known a starter give up over 12 months like this has, we live and learn. thanks again.

I thought I read that you had changed the starter, but I need to read more carefully

Starter motor failure is more common than you would think, mainly due to a lot of the 'new' ones being 'refurbished', not done properly using new and tested parts, but merely cleaned and treated to a fresh coat of paint!