Transit 230 wont start, No dash lights, but starter turning?

[AllyMac]

We have a 1994 Transit 230 Welfare minibus. The kind of buses that local councils and Community groups use. It's a 2.5 diesel engine It's only done 54000 miles so it's in pretty good nick

This morning I try to start it and it fires up first time, as usual. It ran sweet for about one minute then died.
This has happened once or twice before. Usually I just start it again, and it's fine.
But this time all the dashboard lights have gone. No ignition light, parking break, oil light. .. nothing.
And, although the starter motor is turning fine, it just won't start.

Has anyone got any suggestions, please?

Allyssa

[mountainpike]

Try taking the battery connections off and giving them a thourough clean, as in nearly sandpapering them. Also when you put them back on tap them on with a small hammer and tightne them up well with a smear of vaseline on the connections.

Sounds like a bad connection to me

[Frag]

Melted connections in ignition switch multiplug
(under bottom column cover)

[jay]

is there a seperate immobilisor switch like a master switch somewhere?sometimes on rear bumper area or front wing..maybe near the dash

[AllyMac]

Thanx for the replies, guys.

I can hardly believe it, but you got it spot on, Frag!
The ignition switch multiplug has a loose wire inside. I don't know if it's actually melted, but when you wiggle it, you get the dash lights back and the engine starts.
Your post saved me calling out a mechanic, mate!

Cheers
Allyssa