Starter motor intermittent problem

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Tony x
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Starter motor intermittent problem

Post by Tony x » Thu Jul 25, 2013 11:33 pm

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
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Simon Jones
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Re: Starter motor intermittent problem

Post by Simon Jones » Fri Jul 26, 2013 12:19 am

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.
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Tony x
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Re: Starter motor intermittent problem

Post by Tony x » Fri Jul 26, 2013 10:00 pm

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?
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Re: Starter motor intermittent problem

Post by thedogsbollox » Fri Jul 26, 2013 10:04 pm

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
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Tony x
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Re: Starter motor intermittent problem

Post by Tony x » Fri Jul 26, 2013 10:36 pm

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...
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Simon Jones
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Re: Starter motor intermittent problem

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

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Tony x
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Re: Starter motor intermittent problem

Post by Tony x » Fri Jul 26, 2013 11:20 pm

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.
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Re: Starter motor intermittent problem

Post by Simon Jones » Fri Jul 26, 2013 11:31 pm

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.
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Tony x
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Re: Starter motor intermittent problem

Post by Tony x » Sat Jul 27, 2013 4:55 pm

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.
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Re: Starter motor intermittent problem

Post by Velocette » Sat Jul 27, 2013 10:48 pm

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.
[url]http://germanshepherdrescue.co.uk/[/url]
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Tony x
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Re: Starter motor intermittent problem

Post by Tony x » Sun Aug 04, 2013 10:36 pm

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
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Tony x
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Re: Starter motor intermittent problem

Post by Tony x » Thu Aug 08, 2013 8:24 pm

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.
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Re: Starter motor intermittent problem

Post by Simon Jones » Thu Aug 08, 2013 10:38 pm

Great news. That's another Bongo urban myth dispelled about the repairablity of that type of starter motor.
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Re: Starter motor intermittent problem

Post by wonkanoby » Fri Aug 09, 2013 8:23 am

got a part number or link for futue reference
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Re: Starter motor intermittent problem

Post by teenmal » Fri Aug 09, 2013 9:58 am

wonkanoby wrote:got a part number or link for futue reference

As above...


http://www.repairkitsuk.com/
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