Page 1 of 1
startup issue
Posted: Thu Jul 21, 2016 7:45 pm
by sarahp
I have a 2.5l diesel 96 Bongo and recently she's not been starting. Ignition on, all dashlights working, diesel warning light works and goes out but nothing when I turn the key?? Just a click, no turn over. But try it a few times in park or neutral and she goes. Intermittent but becoming more frequent. Won't do it when garage has her to see what's going on! Once started drives fine but never sure if its gonna start. Any ideas??? Cheers, Sarah
Re: startup issue
Posted: Thu Jul 21, 2016 7:57 pm
by Northern Bongolow
Re: startup issue
Posted: Thu Jul 21, 2016 8:58 pm
by teenmal
The first thing you need to do before you start tearing the poor soul to bits , check and clean the battery clamps and battery terminals ,also check the earth strap to bulkhead connection.
If that doesn't cure it resort to plan B.
Re: startup issue
Posted: Thu Jul 21, 2016 11:04 pm
by mikeonb4c
teenmal wrote:The first thing you need to do before you start tearing the poor soul to bits , check and clean the battery clamps and battery terminals ,also check the earth strap to bulkhead connection.
If that doesn't cure it resort to plan B.
Good advice - does no harm to check these simple things. Does sound like a classic case of starter motoritis though.
I always remember it was long gone Bongo owner Colin (Moonshine) who long ago gave the invaluable tip on how to save mucho pesetas with his discovery of how to repair the Bongo starter motor on the cheap. A whole industry of suppliers soon followed.

Re: startup issue
Posted: Fri Jul 22, 2016 10:41 am
by MalcW
I had a similar problem, bought a solenoid repair kit including the plunger, then found that it was a loose wire to the solenoid. Sometimes it made contact, sometimes not. Plugged it back on firmly and it's been fine ever since.
Re: startup issue
Posted: Fri Jul 22, 2016 11:12 am
by Scratch
As previously stated please check the terminals to the starter battery first. I had the same problem and was just about to contact the AA when I discovered that the terminals were loose.
