Help please - starting problem

[thechubbsdub]

Being mechanically challenged, this is probably something simple but beyond my meagre ability. When I turned the key in my van this evening, it did not turn the starter motor. I heard a click from the fuse box which I assume is the ignition relay but that was all that happened. I then put the lights on and turned the key and they dimmed down a fair bit.

I had driven the van approx 20 miles earlier in the day but it had cooled down and I have never had hot starting problems which I have seem others on here suffer from.

Next I removed the battery, checked it on a meter and it is showing 13V. I have stuck it on a charger just in case.
Thats just about the extent of my knowledge and it's now a bit dark to go diving into the engine compartment.

Any suggestions on what to do next or what it might be would be very welcome. Not sure if it's significant but the leisure battery seems to run down very fast as well. Not sure how old the battery is as I have only owned the van since feb this year.

Thanks

Adrian

[Fritz]

Classic symptoms of a failing earth usually at or near the battery box, check that one before all the others......


Regards


Fritz,,,,,,,,,,,

PS, this provided it isn't the battery its self....

[thechubbsdub]

Thanks Fritz, I will check the earth strap first thing in the morning and then get the battery back in. I think I saw the earth strap attaching to the metalwork in the bottom of the battery bay under the seat, does that sound right? I assume I should just disconnect it, clean up the metal surfaces with a bit of sandpaper and reconnect, is that right?

Adrian

[kevtherev]

yes thats right

so if that doesn't cure it
get under the van and clean up the connections to the starter.

[AngeloEvs]

..... confirm by switching the ignition on and measuring the voltage directly across the terminals of the battery, with ignition still on, measure positive terminal to convenient chassis point (safety belt bolt good for this) and compare the readings - should be virtually identical, if not = bad earth.

[thechubbsdub]

Thanks everyone. i will get on the case first light in the morning before work. Need to get it sorted as we are going to the fox and goose saturday. Will let you know how I get on.

Adrian

[jpee]

Also. Make sure the terminal connectors are well tight. I had same problem recently. Checked cleaned and refitted earth strap no luck. Bought new earth strap nope. Turned out positive terminal connector slightly loose but tightening nut was fully closed couldn't be tightened any further. Had to put a lead shim in and haven't had a problem since.

[thechubbsdub]

BINGO !!! you were spot on Fritz, just been out there, took off the earth strap, cleaned up all metal surfaces put the battery back in and it works.

Thanks everyone for the quick response and good diagnosis. I wish my doctor was as quick and accurate, anyone know a similar good forum for human bodies?

[kevtherev]

, anyone know a similar good forum for human bodies?

yes.. it's called an 80-90 meet.

simple these vans huh?

[thechubbsdub]

Going to one of those tomorrow, not sure I want to ask them about my backfiring and corrosion problems though

[ermie571]

Not sure that we want to hear.....


Em
x

[Pepperami]

After a few Magners you can tell me what you like