LDV Convoy not starting

parko202

Hi All,

First time posting here so hello to you all!

I have a 98 LDV Convoy camper which we are having trouble starting. Will start on a pull but not on a jump start.

I took the battery out and charged it, reading 12.63volts, once I connect it back in the dashboard lights and headlamps are brightly lit and the glowplugs start. When I turn the ignition there is a clicking sound briefly and it goes dead. Voltage drops to approx. 12.40v afterward and the dash lights / headlights are dim from there on in.

The battery issue seems to have come up after it felt like the starter was having a bit of trouble (typical clicking when trying to turn over) but this now has me stumped!

Connections are good, checked the starter is getting voltage on the positive terminal and it lines up with the battery.

Any help would be great.

Thanks

megafan

How old is the battery? & being in a camper van had it been flat for a long time (if voltage allowed to drop too low battery will destroy it'self!) battery may be reading 12v but not have Amp hrs to supply enough power to starting motor... get battery tested at your local Motor Factors/Halfords...

parko202

Thanks!

battery is about 2 years old. use the van about once a week so shouldn't be too bad from that side. Will bring it up the halfords though for a check.

megafan

Van used frenquently & battery not that old?... At least by getting battery tested properly it will help eliminate it from issue!

porsche boy

Have you checked to see if the starter is working correctly? Solanoid might be stuck

tobothehobo

porsche boy wrote: »

Have you checked to see if the starter is working correctly? Solanoid might be stuck

+1
Sounds like starter motor to me

parko202

porsche boy wrote: »

Have you checked to see if the starter is working correctly? Solanoid might be stuck

That was my initial thought but I can't understand the voltage drop and the dash lights etc. not working after the initial turn of the ignition

Ogogo

If you get the battery checked and its OK - it is worth looking at your earthing.

The negative side of the battery (earth / - ) is likely connected directly to either the body or the chassis. The starter will will also need to have its body connected to the chassis / body. There is a high propensity for this connection to fail at one of the connections along the way. Mind you it could as easily be on the positive side but there are twice as many connections on the earth side.

In any case - its a pretty easy job to open, inspect, clean (with sandpaper) and assemble these connections.

(Before you go ripping the starter motor apart)

parko202

Ogogo wrote: »

If you get the battery checked and its OK - it is worth looking at your earthing.

The negative side of the battery (earth / - ) is likely connected directly to either the body or the chassis. The starter will will also need to have its body connected to the chassis / body. There is a high propensity for this connection to fail at one of the connections along the way. Mind you it could as easily be on the positive side but there are twice as many connections on the earth side.

In any case - its a pretty easy job to open, inspect, clean (with sandpaper) and assemble these connections.

(Before you go ripping the starter motor apart)

Got the battery tested and is grand. Got new earthing straps as I had the same thought. Will try that this evening.

Thanks,