Intermittent starter problem - V6 2.5 litre petrol

Gungadon · Post by **Gungadon** » Mon Jul 09, 2007 12:55 pm

Our Bongo starter motor is suffering from the clickerty click syndrome. Don is embarrassed to ask but he has been unable to locate the starter motor. The partfinder guide for the V6 2.5 lists two models (a 1.0kw and a 1.7kw) but we don't know which we have fitted. We are told that the starter and solenoid is located beneath the drivers seat; we have removed the drivers seat (necessary because a kitchen unit has been installed behind the drivers seat) but still cannot see the starter motor. Don is unable to get under the vehicle. Can anyone help ? We need to know exactly where the starter motor and the contacts are located. Even better, does anyone know of a garage (or individual) in the Southampton area who is willing and able to undertake this maintenance work. We've been in touch with a few auto electrical firms none of whom have been able to help. We've read all the starter info on the forum but everything seems to be for the 4-cyl diesel engines.
Grateful for any help.

Shirley (Mrs Gungadon)

Bongo Virgin · Post by **Bongo Virgin** » Tue Jul 10, 2007 7:44 pm

I have just checked my V6 and the Starter Motor is located quite well under the main block of th engine. It is very well shielded by the plastic undertray too and whilst there is a sticker on mine it is unreadable. With the tray removed from underneath it looks very easily accessible.

A dealer worth trying might be Budget Bongo's in Southampton. They have a local garage that does their servicing etc and they might be able to put you in toch with them for the work to be done.

Hope this helps.

Gungadon · Post by **Gungadon** » Wed Jul 11, 2007 7:39 pm

hello Bongo Virgin

Thank you so much for taking the trouble to look. We have been recommended an auto electric chap locally in Hedge End and hopefully the problem will have been sorted by tomorrow.

Best wishes

Mrs Gungadon

Gungadon · Post by **Gungadon** » Thu Jul 12, 2007 6:16 pm

Hi Bongo Virgin
Just to let you know the problem has been solved. We contacted Laver Auto Electrical Repairs, of Hedge End, Southampton (tel: 01489 724747) who dismounted the starter motor, stripped it down, skimmed the commutator, renewed the solenoid (which includes the contacts), reassembled and tested the unit, refitted it and road tested. It took them a day and a half and cost £145. The starter motor was identified as a Mitsibushi M.000T81081. We are so relieved to have it sorted - we couldn't possibly have done any of the work ourselves. Thank you for your input - much appreciated.
Best wishes -
Shirley and Don

Bongo Virgin · Post by **Bongo Virgin** » Thu Jul 12, 2007 8:54 pm

Very glad you got it sorted and that starter info is worth knowing. Sounds like a thorough job done in Hedge End.

It is an excellent vehicle to own too isn't it...I love the relaxed drive it gives.

Hope the starter proves reliable.

BV