Bongo Fury

Just renewed my membership, and find I need to call on the collective Bongo brains already!

Sometimes when I insert the ignition key, everything lights up as normal, but when i turn the key theres a click, then all lights, and the van, dies completely!

After a short rest, while I traditionally rattle wires under the bonnet the courtesy lights come back on, and life returns to the dashboard. Sometimes this happens two or three times in a row before the engine starts.

Is this the dreaded starter solenoid contact problem i,ve read about in other posts , and if so, why do all of the vans electrics die?

Any help would be greatly appreciated!!

I take it you have checked and cleaned the battery terminals? if they are slightly loose or dirty, the "jolt" from the attempted start can momentarily disconnect the battery. Check the earth strap very carefully...

Chris, have you got an immobiliser fitted?

Cheers for the replies bigdaddycain and Ian!!

I havent got an immobiliser fitted, but I'll give the battery leads a good clean and tighten tomorrow, and let you know if it solves the problem.
Many thanks.... Chris

I've had a few problems with the "clicking". Check your battery - see if its fully charged.
When mine started clicking I found I was pulling 5 Amps. Once recharged starts first time.
I think at this time of year I am wearing the battery down a touch because its dark and wet and I have the following on:
lights
radio
wipers
rear demister is on (now and again)
blower for front window.
Plus I only travel 7 miles to work therefore I think I'm not giving the battery to charge before I reach work and switch the ignition off.
I've had the battery check out and its fine.
What I was told is that there's not enough juice in the battery then your starting motor fails to engage properly.

takes about 15 minutes to remove starter and look at state of contacts

in the solenoid