DRAIN ON BATTERY

Ginge · Post by **Ginge** » Sat Feb 17, 2007 7:11 pm

Twice in the last week I have went to start the Bongo and it seems as if the battery is flat. However when releasing the key from the start position a sound as if a fan is running sounds for about 3 seconds. Both times this has happened I have managed to get a jump start and for a few days starting is normal, does anyone think maybe a relay somewhere is sticking , and more to the point which one would it be???. Also what do you think the fan noise may be

Any guidance at all would be appreciated.

Colin Lambert · Post by **Colin Lambert** » Sun Feb 18, 2007 11:47 am

IMO>
I think that the shaft on your starter motor may be dirty. thereby not allowing the dog to fly into the ring gear. The torque on a starter motor is huge, so if the shaft is spinning but not engaging it will continue to spin for some time after you release the key.Hence the fanny noise!
Remove the starter motor and clean the spiral thoroughly. DO NOT OIL IT!! it is meant to be dry. Oil will attract dirt and you will be back in the same position in double quick time. while you're at it, make sure the battery terminals are clean and tight.

Ginge · Post by **Ginge** » Sun Feb 18, 2007 12:28 pm

Colin thanks for your reply, but on further investigation the two fans by the radiator are the ones trying to run up. Van did same again this morning and with the help of a friendly neighbour we have seemed to diagnose that it is a dodgy relay and that the fans trying to run are pulling down the battery voltage. If you look at the van from the front looking under the bonnet thre are 3 relays on the very right hand side, on removing the middle one the fan noise stopped, anyone know what this relay is for. I substituted it with the front relay which is exactly the same and again no fan running when trying to start, put original back in and fans run again. Halfords do not stock this relay and Mazda main dealer closed today.

Colin Lambert · Post by **Colin Lambert** » Sun Feb 18, 2007 2:46 pm

Well I'm glad you found the problem. A lot simpler than taking out the starter motor. Genius' can't be right all the time!

Ginge · Post by **Ginge** » Sun Feb 18, 2007 4:35 pm

Thats ok Colin, only hope it is the right diagnosis, I would still like to know what the three relays are for.