I've had my doblo now 2 years, so had the normal slow starting for 2 winters where i'd have to turn ignition about 3-6 times to get it going.

but now this summer has seen the same thing, i have to turn ignition 3 or 4 times to get it going, i expected it in the cold weather but not summer.

so a month ago, i needed jump lead start and it was ok, back to turning it 3 or 4 times and it would eventualy start.

but this morning, dash just lights up, but will not start for me, no glow plug light appeared either for me i think. i was starting to think maybe with all the turning that the starter motor now needs replacing, anyone any suggestions ?


I will have no choice it seems after today to go along and have mechanic try and sort it for me.


thanks
Paul.

abble said:

I've had my doblo now 2 years, so had the normal slow starting for 2 winters where i'd have to turn ignition about 3-6 times to get it going.

but now this summer has seen the same thing, i have to turn ignition 3 or 4 times to get it going, i expected it in the cold weather but not summer.

so a month ago, i needed jump lead start and it was ok, back to turning it 3 or 4 times and it would eventualy start.

but this morning, dash just lights up, but will not start for me, no glow plug light appeared either for me i think. i was starting to think maybe with all the turning that the starter motor now needs replacing, anyone any suggestions ?


I will have no choice it seems after today to go along and have mechanic try and sort it for me.


thanks
Paul.

Click to expand...

Hi Paul,

need more info,


so when were the glowplugs changed?

you say it took lots of switching the ignition to get it to crank..,

non-turning(cranking) is basic electrics.. , maybe linked to the flat battery.

have you tried with an additional earth lead - as that is a worthwhile test for a poor earth cable,

Charlie

Hi Charlie,
i haven't changed the glowplugs to date, nor the battery.
i wouldnt even know how or where to start to try with additional earth lead. but i have seen it elsewhere on the forum about the earth cable being a very good starting point.

ok, before today, i turned my key in the ignition to 1st turn, my lights come on and i hear a further noise, i know something is doing its thing (whatever that is!) and then i mkae further key turn to try start, so i might have to do this over 3 times to get car to start

i had one incident where i flattened the battery trying to start, so the jump leads got it going on that occassion

and then this morning, i'd turn key in ignition to first turn, but not as many lights came on, and no glow plug light, i didnt hear any other noise like i did on normal good start, then i tried key to 2nd turn but just kept chugging on trying to start but i knew this time it was moreorless game over

needs auto electrician on this job then

also..i had something v similar in a citroen xsara
electric to the lower pump was knackered so a button was inserted on dash to get that pump going allowing car to start... its this same pump that i didnt hear going this morning after my first ignition turn....if this is correct would this also cause the glow plug light to not come on ?

on top of it all, now the bloody immobiliser light has came on on the dash, not helping my mechanic at all !! how has this happened, any ideas

Disconnect the battery. Fully charge it and try again. My Dobbie also throws similar hissy fits with a semi charged battery (ABS failure, air bag failure, glow plug failure to name but three). Once the battery is fully charged and back in the car, it is fine again until the next time!!

computer expert says ECU, he can get second hand kit for me. Would the faulty ecu been the cause all my slow starting /non starting problems then?

I think Maggie has given you the best advice. Cranking the engine many times in order to get it to start, having a jump start, and slow starting which might mean slow turnover, it all points to a worn out battery or the earth cable problem, its only £50 for a new battery.
The solid state ecu is probably the least likely culprit but its a big expensive item, if you do go that route make sure you ask for the old one back as its yours. Anyone can go round saying its the computer at £600 a time and not actually change it or just swap one for the next one.

Yea them batteries are sh@te, change it for a bigger one,the housing is adjustable but next it happens connect a jump lead to negative terminal and somewhere metal on engine. That will rule out earth wire problems.