Bongo Fury

I had the same problem within two hours of buying mine last year. I got the solenoid fixed and its been first time start ever since.

Regards

Ah well..........you were right guys, new starter motor now in the post and hopefully will arrive and be fitted by my friendly local mechanic tomorrow.
Cost of motor £169.00 plus £10.00 postage plus £40.00 fitted. = 219.00 - £30.00 for old starter = a total cost of £189.00 So not too bad.
Lee

Hi Lee, was the old starter actually diagnosed as being knackered?

There was something about how you said it would be fine all day,and you had a feeling that park wasn't fully engaged that got me wondering....

Hope the new motor does the trick

Hi Bigdaddy.
The problem wasn't that it wasn't in park, it would just happen anytime. it may start fine for a few days then not start at all then all of a sudden it would just burst in to life on the fiftieth turn of the key. All very frustrating.
Took it to the chap who does my servicing and MOT and he said the connections were corroding and though it may last a while it may also let me down for good probably in a field somewhere miles from home. he managed to locate a starter but it would be £240.00 plus fitting, but I managed to find one much cheaper.
Lee

I see, i suspected that it may be an underlying fault with the safety lock thing on the auto selector.

I didn't realize that the problem was still evident to the extent of having to turn the key fifty times

It does indeed sound like the starter,good move with finding a cheaper version...

Bigdaddy,
It was becoming quite a nightmare. Quite lucky with the cheaper starter. Just typed Mazda Bongo Starter Motor in google and found an Ebay shop who had 4 in stock. Gave them a ring and one is winging its way to me as we speak.
Lee

Good, i bet that's a relief....

It's probably the original starter that's been removed from yours Lee... I only had the original pads replaced earlier this year! Built to last these bongo's!

Well I can't complain really. This has been the only problem we have had and if I didn't mind getting tennis wrist (or whatever it's called) I suppose we could have stuck it out for a bit longer. No point in making matters worse though.
Lee

True... Apart from wear and tear items,the only component ive had to replace on the bongo are a set of glowpugs... But i suppose it could be argued that they fall under the "consumable" bracket.

Not bad for four years of ownership (uh oh, what have i said?)

If that is not testing providence then I do not know what is............
I suggest adorning yourself with streams of garlic to ward off the evil spirits that may now burrow into your beloved Bongo.
Lee

I should be ok, i had a black bean last night with extra garlic

I really shouldn't tempt fate should i?

It is testament to the reliability of these unique vehicles.

I will keep my fingers crossed just in case.
Lee

Cheers lee, i'll be crossing my toes too now i've put my size 12 in it!

New starter motor now installed.
Excellent service from Autojapspares. I ordered the starter motor by phone at 3pm yesterday. It arrived at 12.25 today by City Link so I dropped it off at the garage and it was installed by my mechanic by 2.30pm and the Bongo was home by 3pm.
Lee