1.6 turbo diesel won't start

[Vanda]

]Hi there, I know this is probably a long shot as I really don't know what the problem might be, but any ideas would be appreciated!

I haven't been using my van as much as I should/would like for the past few months for various reasons. It is usually totally reliable and starts every time. But it just won't start with out a junp start now. Took it to the garage where I've been going for the last 3 years, regular garage but the mechanic has had a couple of T25s and has always been great. First time he said it was the battery, changed it, brought it home but didn't use it for a week and wouldn't start without jumping.

Took it back and he changed the alternator on Wednesday. I picked it up, started first time, brought it home, tried to take it out today and nothing!

Just been out to see if there is a ticking etc when I try to start. The dash lights come on at the first turn of the key and there is a buzzing from the fuse box by the engine, opened it up and found what looks like a burnt out fuse (see pics below). The dash lights go out when I fully turn the key.

Any ideas what the burnt out looking fuse is please?
Is that why it isn't starting?

I will be calling the garage tomorrow, but getting a little desperate as we are (hopefully!!) setting off for 4 weeks in France and Spain in 3 weeks time!!

[lloydy]

Had a similar problem with mine a while a go. Does all the electrical stuff work? (like radio, wipers ect) Mine did, but when the ignition turned just a click and no start. First place to look would be the connection on the starter, make sure its not hanging off. Mine was the earth connection from battery to engine block, it had come loose and was arcing when the full current of starting was put through it. Basically check your earths, hope you find it!

oh, and that is not a fuse, just a spade connection, black is earth, so you would have to trace the wire and see where it goes

[Smcknighty]

Also check glow plugs - will turn over forever if they aren't working - check for voltage on the rail between them. Is it running out of cranking power or just cranking all day?

[Oldiebut goodie]

Buzzing noise = glow plug relay duff?
Looks like just a connector not a fuse.

[Vanda]

Thanks for the replies

Will speak to the mechanic tomorrow and see what he has to say. If it is the starter motor, is it a big job - for mechanic, not me? I don't think it is the glow plugs, I changed those myself a couple of years ago and the buzzing sound is not familiar.

Can't see anything loose or rusted, but as he has changed both the alternator and the battery, I'd imagine anything dodgy will be tucked away out of sight!

Can anybody recommend a mechanic in SE London or Kent if I don't get any joy from my (usually very reliable!!) mechanic?

Thanks.

[lloydy]

starter motor is dead easy on a diesel, but it might just be the connection

[Vanda]

Thanks - will let you know how I get on!

[lloydy]

When it doesnt start have you checked if the battery is dead/flat? if it is, something is draining your battery. As oldie mentioned, it could be a bad glow plug relay, get your mech to check if there is a drain

[Vanda]

I don't think the battery is flat because when I did have a flat battery, the side door (electric mechanism) wouldn't open, and it's opening fine. It does seem to be something to do with the starter motor or connection to the starter.

Thank you for al your suggestions - will hopefully be sorted for my trip, fingers crossed!

[Smcknighty]

I'm with obg on the relay - I had the same thing, relay failed, engine wouldn't catch but would turn over all day. I had also changed the glow plugs only 6 months before so ruled them out for a while. Check the supply to the rail when the ignition is on and before the glow plug light goes out.

[hardwick53]

Hi, I can highly recommend The VW Engine Company in Deptford SE8 3DZ (near Greenwich), ask for Adrian.

He has fixed what other garages couldn't on my van

[peel567]

Hi, can I join in this thread?

Our van has also suddenly started playing up. Not dissimilar story to the original post. 1.6TD. Usually completely reliable starting. Used last week no problem. Dead yesterday afternoon.

So, the dashboard lights come on as usual. Yellow glowplug light came on and then off. But when I turned the key to start the engine not a peep. Couldn't be the battery I thought as the glowplug light works. Also radio turns on etc. After a few goes there was a buzzing noise (as in a buzzer I think) from a black plastic box within the engine bay each time the glowplug light went off.

Before calling the AA, I thought I'd better try a jump start. Immediate success. So must have been the battery after all.

Went for a 30 minute drive. The battery light on the dashboard is not on (so I presume the alternator is charging the battery - is this a correct assumption?)

Switch off and leave for a few hours.

Tried again: exactly the same.

I've repeated this 3 or 4 times over the weekend. Had to go everywhere with a the wife in a backup car and jump leads in the end.

So how do I narrow this down?

Battery not charging? As in alternator failure? Would the dashboard battery light not be on? And I'd have thought a 30 minute drive should be enough to charge it up sufficiently.

Battery not holding charge, as in a leak somewhere? But nothing is turned on, and why should this suddenly start happening?

Battery not holding charge, as in the battery has died?

Thanks all for any pointers..........

dave

[Vanda]

Thanks for all the ideas people.

However, the problem was a dead leisure battery! It was dead, so was draining the main battery if left too long without being driven. Apparently I should have something which stops that happening but haven't, or it isn't working. so we've disconnected the leisure battery.

We are going to be staying in sites with electric hook up, so shouldn't be an issue, I hope!

Will have a look at how to sort this out when we get back, will have a look on here to see if anyone has posted any tips!

Off for tomorrow, 4 weeks in France and Spain, coming back on the ferry from Santander!

Hope you are all enjoying this fabulous camping weather and get some T25 fun in the sun!