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Starter motor intermittent problem

Posted: Thu Jul 25, 2013 11:33 pm
by Tony x
Hello,
I've been here before I think....the starter motor will sometimes not operate as in be completely dead. Try it a few times and it will at some point work just fine.
On our previous Bongo, the problem was sorted with new solenoid contacts. However our present Bongo is the north Japanese model with the different starter.
My questions are:-
I read new contacts are not readily or easily available for the northern model. Does that mean I can get them somehow / with difficulty?
If cleaning up the contacts doesn't work, will the other starter motor from the non north Japanese model fit straight on?

I'll be checking a couple of other things also - the alarms immobilizer and the starter inhibitor switch but I'm pretty sure it's the solenoid contacts.

Thanks

Re: Starter motor intermittent problem

Posted: Fri Jul 26, 2013 12:19 am
by Simon Jones
My understanding is the northern spec unit cannot readily repaired (for whatever reason). Simplest solution is to replace it with a used standard starter motor, and maybe fit new solenoid contacts before you install it.

Re: Starter motor intermittent problem

Posted: Fri Jul 26, 2013 10:00 pm
by Tony x
Thanks for the reply
Just in case someone has already done this swap over, is there an easy way to identify which starter motor is fitted?

Re: Starter motor intermittent problem

Posted: Fri Jul 26, 2013 10:04 pm
by thedogsbollox
Just a point to test. On my bongo I sometimes have to push the shifter forward when in park to operate the starter. I think the cables just need adjusting but I see it as an additional security feature

Re: Starter motor intermittent problem

Posted: Fri Jul 26, 2013 10:36 pm
by Tony x
thedogsbollox wrote:Just a point to test. On my bongo I sometimes have to push the shifter forward when in park to operate the starter. I think the cables just need adjusting but I see it as an additional security feature
I think, though don't know that this may be a problem with the starter inhibitor switch. If it is and your technique doesn't work one day. put it in neutral, foot on brake and it should fire up.

Would still appreciate any information on the winter model and sorting out worn solenoid contacts...

Re: Starter motor intermittent problem

Posted: Fri Jul 26, 2013 10:47 pm
by Simon Jones

Re: Starter motor intermittent problem

Posted: Fri Jul 26, 2013 11:20 pm
by Tony x
Thanks again Simon.
If I find a way to sort the solenoid contacts on the winter one, I'll post it up.
However, I still need to eliminate the alarms immobilizer and the inhibitor switch.
Intermittent problems are such a pain.

Re: Starter motor intermittent problem

Posted: Fri Jul 26, 2013 11:31 pm
by Simon Jones
Put a 12v bulb or multimeter between chassis as the wire that feeds solenoid. If it shows power when you turn the key then you can eliminate imobiliser / inhibitor issues.

Re: Starter motor intermittent problem

Posted: Sat Jul 27, 2013 4:55 pm
by Tony x
Simon Jones wrote:Put a 12v bulb or multimeter between chassis as the wire that feeds solenoid. If it shows power when you turn the key then you can eliminate imobiliser / inhibitor issues.
Thing is, if I did this I know the problem wouldn't occur until, of course, I removed the test gear.
The Bongo has only not started about 4 times in around 4 months of ownership.
Like I say, intermittent problems are such a pain.

Re: Starter motor intermittent problem

Posted: Sat Jul 27, 2013 10:48 pm
by Velocette
Tony x wrote:
Simon Jones wrote:Put a 12v bulb or multimeter between chassis as the wire that feeds solenoid. If it shows power when you turn the key then you can eliminate imobiliser / inhibitor issues.
Thing is, if I did this I know the problem wouldn't occur until, of course, I removed the test gear.
The Bongo has only not started about 4 times in around 4 months of ownership.
Like I say, intermittent problems are such a pain.
IIRR the How to fit video on You Tube shows how to identify the starter that the kit fits by the label. This is one intermittent fault that gets steadily worse until it eventually becomes inoperable. I had the same with mine but have the standard starter.

Re: Starter motor intermittent problem

Posted: Sun Aug 04, 2013 10:36 pm
by Tony x
For info and in case anyone else has this issue.
I've been told the North Japan starter is Mitsubishi and a new solenoid is £25.95 + £3.00 post from repairkitsuk.com in the UK
and is a quick job to fit.
I'll post again if any problems relevant to others

Re: Starter motor intermittent problem

Posted: Thu Aug 08, 2013 8:24 pm
by Tony x
Fitted the solenoid for the North Japan starter today and it works just fine.
It's an easier job than replacing the solenoid contacts on the other type of starter as you don't have to remove the whole motor.

Disconnect the electrics - 2 hefty nuts on copper studs and one small clip on wire.
Then remove the 2 screws that hold the solenoid to the starter and off it comes.

Re: Starter motor intermittent problem

Posted: Thu Aug 08, 2013 10:38 pm
by Simon Jones
Great news. That's another Bongo urban myth dispelled about the repairablity of that type of starter motor.

Re: Starter motor intermittent problem

Posted: Fri Aug 09, 2013 8:23 am
by wonkanoby
got a part number or link for futue reference

Re: Starter motor intermittent problem

Posted: Fri Aug 09, 2013 9:58 am
by teenmal
wonkanoby wrote:got a part number or link for futue reference

As above...


http://www.repairkitsuk.com/