The dreaded hold light

[xmichaelx]

Hi Peeps
I have not long purchased my first bongo, i had brought it in as scrap with a blown head and radiator, I hadn't had any dealings with this vehicle before and to make it short had loaded it up on a trailer to send it round to the scrap yard, BANK HOLIDAY MONDAY saved the day, back to the yard and look to see what parts were worth, then realized just what i had payed £220 for.

anyway after much searching around i managed to find a new head and rad and a few other bits and the once damaged little Bongo has been reborn and now breathes a new life for the next several years I hope and will be well looked after.

now then, after many fixes on many items and treating the little Bongo with kid gloves the DREADED HOLD LIGHT COMES ON

this happens after about 25 minutes of driving, basically once it has got up to running temp, i have red many many items in the forums but to no avail

the HOLD light comes on and flashes and sure enough wont allow out of third gear, the engine doesn't over heat and no strange noises or problems, it just wont go higher than third gear

PLEASE HELP (its not a problem when i go racing as i dont need to get much above 50 mph towing the race car) but would like to use it going away with the children without towing as they love it to.

i am growing to love my little Bongo more than the kids

[Northern Bongolow]

what engine and year is it please.

[xmichaelx]

it is the 2.5 turbo diesel n reg wl engine

[xmichaelx]

4x4 sorry

[Northern Bongolow]

most flashing hold lights should point to transmission faults, you may need to read the flashing sequence using a method on here, use the search tab at the top of the page. but in reality all the ones ive found and fixed have been electrical BUT elsewhere on the bongo.
ive had them with bad connections around the alternator/batteries and wiring looms, these give flashing hold light. even a blocked fuel filter can give you grief.

i would check all the charge system connections first then try to read the fault code/s.

has it got a split charge system and 2 batts fitted or the wires for a second bat but not fitted??

[Velocette]

There is a diagnostic socket under the glove box. shorting certain pins will cause the hold light to flash a fault code. The fault code is stored for five starts after each fault indicated and then resets. The interpretation of the code is in the Fact sheets in the Members Section and elsewhere on the internet too. It sounds like it is going into limp mode, it could be solenoid or senors. Mine was the throttle pot but that didn't cause limp mode, just hold light on.

[xmichaelx]

i just fitted two brand new batteries and all the wiring has been checked to make sure secure, as for the pin connector will this take the solus two system, if so i will put the comp on it tomorrow and see what it brings up

[Simon Jones]

There are very few diagnostic systems that will work with the Bongo, so you'd be lucky if it will work with yours. This may help: http://www.philmcfadden.co.uk/MazdaDiagnosticBox.htm

Some more reading: http://igmaynard.co.uk/bongo/forum/view ... tic+socket

[Tony x]

A possible cause could be the turbo gasket as a fellow Bongo owner had this go and his went into limp mode (no locking into top gear).
In truth, one of many possible causes but maybe worth a look.

[Ahead]

I also had the flashing hold light and limp mode problem. Mine was coupled with a speedo going crazy. Solved by removing the convertor chip and replaced speedo faceplate. Good luck

[tiger8]

I had exactly the same fault and symptoms. Used the diagnostic terminals and was line pressure solenoid valve.
£600 to fix and now all is well.
Bill.