Transmission (Gearbox) and/or electrical issue

[AndyPerkins]

I have two problems with my Bongo (year 2000, diesel, automatic, 2.5l) which I need to sort. They may be related. Hoping someone can provide some pointers.

First issue: From cold, after about 5 minutes running, the glow plug light comes on (flashes). This then causes acceleration problems (i.e. Bongo doesn't like to) and I understand why. I had thought originally the light started to flash when the engine had got to a certain temperature but as the days are now getting colder, the light is still starting to flash on but with the temperature needle (on dashboard) a lot lower - so it seems as if the light is coming on after a certain amount of time rather than being linked to something being at a certain temperature ?? Anyone any ideas what might be the cause of this.

Second issue: The above always is happening. I just put up with it. However, after a journey of some length, when the engine is up to temperature (i.e. the needle reaches the point (roughly 12 o'clock) where it always sits when warm), if I stop for a few minutes and turn the engine off (e.g. to fill up at a petrol station), when I start up again, Bongo doesn't like to engage in (D)rive. Bongo will go forward with acceleration but reluctantly - it's like what you get in 1st gear in a manual car. No manner of playing around with the gear shift (e.g. into reverse, neutral, back into (D)rive) can get the engine to engage properly. Its very odd. However, after driving for a bit (the revs are quite high), Bongo will suddenly engage, the rev counter will drop and things will be back to normal (although Mr Glow Plug light still flashes). Very odd. One other thing that goes with this reluctance to engage in (D)rive, is the speedometer doesn't work (i.e. the needle sits on zero) even though we can be driving along at some speed. But then when the engine does suddenly engage, the speedometer kicks in too and starts working as normal. All very odd. I don't get any of this behaviour if the stop in my journey is longer than about 15 minutes.

If anyone has any pointers that I might be able to look at before opting to spend £££ at a garage, I'd be grateful. I don't have much knowledge at all - I did manage to change the metal contacts in the starter motor last year with the help of some videos off YouTube if that gives you an indication of my capabilities.

I live in Bristol and normally get Bongo serviced/MOT'ed locally at ADS but if I can fix this myself and save a few £££ I'd like to.

[wonkanoby]

viewtopic.php?f=3&t=62548&p=602107&hili ... or#p602107

[AndyPerkins]

Thank you wonkanoby.

I've looked at the thread you linked. I don't have an issue with the Hold light - it's the glow plug warning light in my case. And with the speedometer, the behaviour I am getting is not what the thread described. Mine is either not working at all (when the engine is not properly in (D)rive) or it is fine.

That said, is your suggestion that the issue is within the ECU ?

[rita]

When you say the speedometer stops working do you mean the actual speedo (mph) or the rev counter (rpm)

Good Luck

[AndyPerkins]

When you say the speedometer stops working do you mean the actual speedo (mph) or the rev counter (rpm)

Good Luck

The speedo (mph). The rev counter is fine.

[rita]

It could be a problem with the gearbox output speed sensor, you would probably be better having your respected garage test the vehicle rather than guessing a throwing money at the problem.

Good Luck

[mikeonb4c]

Seems to have similarities with this owners problems?

viewtopic.php?f=3&t=64665&hilit=Speedo+chip

Hope it might help. Good luck and keep us posted.