Bongo Fury

Hi All, not been on here for a while, good to see a few familiar names still around. Just been on hols with the Bongo and it seems to have developed a fault which while I can find mention of using the search, I cant see a definitive fix.

All was well until I parked up for 20 minutes, returned and when I tried to start it there was nothing from the starter motor. Literally no click or anything. I didn't really think it was the battery (in fact 2 newish batteries as this is a North Model) but tried to jump start all the same. No change.

The RAC man couldn't find the reason but did manage to get it going. I'm not 100% sure if it's shorting out a switch or adding a live feed but he has added a small wire to the cable that goes to the starter and if I put the keys in and then touch this wire onto a bronze stud on the starter motor turns and the engine starts. It got me to the end of the holiday but hardly convenient !

He suggested a starter relay issue but then couldn't find one. We also wiggled and jiggled the gearstick, tried starting it in Neutral, measured the voltage out of the ignition switch and generally checked fuses and for loose connections without luck.

The threads I've seen suggest contacts and to change them (but I dont think I can with a double battery Bongo) and doesn't the fact it starts mean that is OK ?

Anyone seen this and had it resolved before ? Appreciate any ideas. I usually go to ADS in Bristol and I spoke to them when it broke but they didn't have any quick fixes and it'll be difficult to get it there anytime soon so hoping to fix it myself if I can.

Looking forward to responses

http://www.igmaynard.co.uk/bongo/forum/ ... rter+motor

it can be fixed

have you checked the main relay 18-811 on the link below.

http://lushprojects.com/bongopartsmk2/c ... o=.html#16

are the main fuses ok, the blue 100amp one 66-136d on the link below.

http://lushprojects.com/bongopartsmk2/c ... o=.html#10

Thanks for the quick response guys, fuse is ok, will check the relay tomorrow.

With regard to the solenoid, that's the thing that I am bypassing with the RAC mans bodge ? If so it looks likely but I'm still a bit unconvinced. Is there any way to check for sure ?

Finally is there any reason why I can't just carry on bypassing the issue until I can get to an auto electrician ? I can't think of one but .........

Thanks again,

for the cost of the kit i would just do it as the starters getting on in age

Griffin wrote: The RAC man couldn't find the reason but did manage to get it going. I'm not 100% sure if it's shorting out a switch or adding a live feed but he has added a small wire to the cable that goes to the starter and if I put the keys in and then touch this wire onto a bronze stud on the starter motor turns and the engine starts.

this looks like the relay mentioned in my above link is not working.

Would agree with Ady, its almost certainly the starter relay its the front one on the left under the offside wing A1-04 on this diagram;

Northern Bongolow wrote:have you checked the main relay 18-811 on the link below.

http://lushprojects.com/bongopartsmk2/c ... o=.html#16

are the main fuses ok, the blue 100amp one 66-136d on the link below.

http://lushprojects.com/bongopartsmk2/c ... o=.html#10

to be fair geoff i meant this relay 18-811.

To be fair Ady, either of them would have similar effects! Its operation (MAIN relay) on the V6 is clear - it won't start, but its actual impact on the WL is less clear from the diagrams, and only having a V6 to play with I can never be absolutely certain!

Thanks Guys, I haven't been able to sort it so will need to find an auto electrician. In the meantime I've fitted a pushbutton to the dash which shorts out the wires I was talking about which seems to work without any issues. Obviously not ideal as it means the started can be invoked at any time with or without keys but it's only me driving it.

Sort of feels sporty, pressing a start button to get going

When I do get it fixed I'll post the fix, sounds like it's a known if not common fault.

Cheers.....