Sudden cut-out on motorway
Posted: Sat May 16, 2026 1:36 pm
If you were heading up or down the m74 just South of Johnstonebridge on Saturday 2nd - I saw at least 3 fellow Bongonauts passing - you would have seen Auntie Bongo and I stranded on the hard-shoulder. I was happily trundling down lane one at around 55-60 when she just cut-out. Thankfully I was able to coast gracefully on to the hard-shoulder. I am a member of the RAC so was rescued and taken back home, though I did have to wait 4 hours, and the recovery driver apparently had received the call only 10 minutes before he set off to pick me up!
There were no real attempts to diagnose, and it appears no thought of fixing it once it was established it wasn't a battery issue; I had a portable booster which didn't help in re-starting, or fuelling error.
I'm hoping to carry out some checks, and possible repair myself before taking to a garage; there are a couple of candidates reasonably nearby, but neither offers tow, or mobile mechanic services.
I have done some initial diagnostics myself
1.As mentioned the booster pack didn't help with starting.[/list]
2.I have checked all fuses in the cab, and under the bonnet, with the exception of the high amp ones just behind the starter battery.
3.I have had the driver's seat up, and can see/feel the fuel cut-off solenoid activating when the ignition is turned to position 2.
I'd appreciate any pointers for things I could investigate with the caveat that I have no access to a pit, I don't have anything to raise and support my van safely either.
a. Auntie Bongo is a 1995 2.5 TD AWD AFT
b. I did fill up before I set out on my journey, and it was definitely the black pipe
c. Ignition turn-over seems fine and isn't "racing"; it was suggested this could be an indicator of a failed timing belt, I had that replaced around 6 months ago. I generally have no problems starting.
d. The glow plug light goes out after a few seconds as usual.
e. I've made a visual inspection, and apart from a bit of oil on the block, there are no obvious signs of leaks, certainly not from the fuel system that I can see.
Any advice gratefully accepted.
Matt
There were no real attempts to diagnose, and it appears no thought of fixing it once it was established it wasn't a battery issue; I had a portable booster which didn't help in re-starting, or fuelling error.
I'm hoping to carry out some checks, and possible repair myself before taking to a garage; there are a couple of candidates reasonably nearby, but neither offers tow, or mobile mechanic services.
I have done some initial diagnostics myself
1.As mentioned the booster pack didn't help with starting.[/list]
2.I have checked all fuses in the cab, and under the bonnet, with the exception of the high amp ones just behind the starter battery.
3.I have had the driver's seat up, and can see/feel the fuel cut-off solenoid activating when the ignition is turned to position 2.
I'd appreciate any pointers for things I could investigate with the caveat that I have no access to a pit, I don't have anything to raise and support my van safely either.
a. Auntie Bongo is a 1995 2.5 TD AWD AFT
b. I did fill up before I set out on my journey, and it was definitely the black pipe
c. Ignition turn-over seems fine and isn't "racing"; it was suggested this could be an indicator of a failed timing belt, I had that replaced around 6 months ago. I generally have no problems starting.
d. The glow plug light goes out after a few seconds as usual.
e. I've made a visual inspection, and apart from a bit of oil on the block, there are no obvious signs of leaks, certainly not from the fuel system that I can see.
Any advice gratefully accepted.
Matt