Problem starting my bongo

[davelochs]

Hello, after about 3 weeks of not being driven i was unable to start my bongo. It had very little charge and sounded like the battery was going flat so i tried to jump start it, this didnt work and it sounded as though the battery was flat but the ignition lights were still coming on. The starter now makes a constant clicking noise when i try and start it but doesn't turn over at all, does this sound like i just need to replace the battery or might i have also now damaged the starter?

Thanks

[wonkanoby]

could be either but clicking is usually contacts

if a regular 2.5td then get this kit

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BONGO-FREDA-2 ... 43ac7f8f16

[Driver+Passengers]

This is quite common and it may well be due to the copper contacts in the starter motor which degrade over time.

There are two types of starters in Bongos - a 'standard' type and a 'heavy duty' type. The former are serviceable, the latter not. Locate the starter motor under the driver's seat towards the rear of the engine. If you can see the solenoid on top of the starter, it's probably the heavy duty one and not serviceable - new starter. The standard starter motor has the solenoid mounted out of view. There may be exceptions, but this should be a good indication.

If you're a Bongo Fury member, check the factsheet (http://www.igmaynard.co.uk/bongo/member ... rmotor.pdf). Otherwise a search on here should give you a few hits.

A set of contact kits should cost <10quid in the usual places, and the job should take a couple of hours to do, if you're handy. Some kits come with new plungers too, I think.

Mine started doing this a while ago, but I had to get a new starter as mine was the 'heavy duty' type.

Matt.

[teenmal]

Hi,check or get the battery voltage checked.

[davelochs]

Thanks Tribal Elder...i replaced the solenoid contacts myself about 2 months ago so i don't think it's that...i'm hoping it's just the battery that's causing the problem. When i replaced the contacts it would just click once when i tried to start it and eventually would start but this time it clicks constantly when i turn the key. I'll get the battery checked and take it from there

Thanks again

[westonwarrior]

I would say its battery try a charge

[teenmal]

Thanks Tribal Elder...i replaced the solenoid contacts myself about 2 months ago so i don't think it's that...i'm hoping it's just the battery that's causing the problem. When i replaced the contacts it would just click once when i tried to start it and eventually would start but this time it clicks constantly when i turn the key. I'll get the battery checked and take it from there

Thanks again

As you said,if it clicks once it normally the contacts in the starer,if it chatters it is normally the battery or the battery/ starter terminals.

PS what model do you have?

[M 80NGO]

What were you trying to jump it off cos deisels take some grunt to spin them over and really need a comparable vehicle to jump them off, also cheap jump leads don't conduct electricity as well as thicker more expensive ones.

Sounds like a flat battery to me and you need something man enough to do the job properly.

[davelochs]

I have a 1995 2.5 TD and i tried jumping it from a Mitsubishi pick up, left it running for about 5 + minutes and gave it it a good try...will try charging the battery first and see how that goes...

Thanks for all the help

[cazzyblues]

Hi i have had same problem, so I replaced the old possibly orginal battery with a heavy duty new one, but soon that wasn't working either. I was told by my ex something was draining the battery so I have had a battery isolator fitted. Early days but hoping this will sort it out. I have also had someone check what is draining battery but no luck. Only time will tell now if it was battery problem or something else. I will keep you posted on any developments and will keep and eye on this thread for any news on yours Dave.

[jaylee]

I had similar problems with the battery on my van a while back.. Even after getting a new one! I cleaned up both the terminals that attach to the battery, & the earth strap to the chassis that bolts behind the wing.. No problems since.

..Then blow me the wife's Micra did the same thing.. She got the battery changed & after two days laid up it did it again!!
I checked the battery alternator everything, just like i did on the Bongo... Two days later it did it again, wouldn't start..
I took back to where the battery was bought, they found nothing wrong.. Then i took it it to Nissan, they found nothing wrong... I got the Micra back & tightened the terminals on the battery & it's been fine since.. Sometimes these battery places don't do em up tight enough...!?

From memory. (Correct me if i'm wrong.) The earth from the starter motor on a Bongo runs up to the negative terminal on the battery & then grounds to chassis via the earth strap..

[davelochs]

I first tried cleaning the contacts but that didn't make any difference, turns out that the battery was the problem...i bought a 6amp battery charger, took the battery out and let it trickle charge for about 36 hours (as advised) and now it starts fine

Thanks for all the help