Hi all I have a 2011 Ducato 3.0l camper with an intermittent starting problem, which has got worse. the dash lights up but starter doesn't crank, I have fit a new starter, and a new ignition switch/steering lock assembly. the fault still persists, but it has just started working again, I have looked in the fuse & relay boxes . no water/ corrosion, sprayed with wd40. any ideas. I have swopped a few relays around, and back... ignition imob is ok as when working it cranks but wont start ..,

Peter,

I cannot speak from experience of your model, but only from what I have read, as my vehicle is an x244 2.8JTD.

One cause of intermittent faults on x250s that repeatedly crops up is the engine block earthing strap, which can look OK but be corroded internally. As a quick check, the application of a jump lead between battery negative and an engine lifting lug can be useful.

If the starter cranks the engine, but the engine does not fire, the key code system is a possible suspect, at least on the x244 there is no connection from the key code system to the starter circuit. One reported elusive cause of key code failure was an intermittent fault on the short screened cable between the code receiver and the key detector on the ignition switch assembly. Have you checked whether the key code light goes out? In moments of stress we do not always think of such things.

If the starter does not crank, then check the battery connections both positive and negative. I have read about loose fuse connections on top of the battery, and a cracked battery positive clamp. All points to eliminate.

Another hidden fault was a loose nut on the thick positive supply to the engine bay fuse and relay box. See below.


When checking battery positive connections do please disconnect the negative first.

I hope that one of these suggestions may reveal something.

Many thanks for your prompt response, I have looked into the engine imobi., and it is behaving as it should, I have even disconnected the key sensor at the lock, it cranks but does not start. Problem at the moment is … its starting ok every time..... dam... I have looked at the +ve and -ve leads, but as you say they can appear ok, next is to try your idea of a earth lead to the starter when it fails to crank. going to have another look at the battery as well.

I think we are getting nearer, tried to crank it this morn. .. nothing.. wiggled a group of wires under the fuse box r/h lower side of the dash whilst holding the key in crank position. hey presto it started, turned it off, wiggled the wires and tried to crank it again. ..nothing. again held key in crank position wiggle the wires under the fuse box and it fired up, repeatability at last or a fluke... todays job me thinks...

Peter,

Your vehicle may be wired differently to my x244, but on the x244 the ignition switch is supplied from F03 (30A) in the engine bay fusebox, directly to the ignition switch connector A pin3 Red/Black wire. The starter solenoid connection returns via the same route to the fusebox and loops there to the solenoid lead. No intermediate connectors shown.

If you are loosing supply to the ignition switch, I would expect the battery warning symbol to go out.

Hi I had checked f03 and the relays for corrosion, seems ok, further investigation today. Sigma alarm at fault all connections soldered ok.so I removed the ign. isol. circuit and works every time, will need to test over next few days, but pretty confident its sorted. Many Many thanks for you input, its good to bounce ideas around, and it gives time to think as well. Happy days.. fingers crossed.

Peter,

I am pleased to read that you are making progress.

On my vehicle a "Laser" alarm was fitted for the converter. The quality of installation is a constant source of annoyance to me. There is a jumble of connectors above both cab fuse panels, some have which have altered wiring. Shortly after delivery, when I was checking some fusing a wire dropped out of the added alarm fuse. Inspection revealed that it had been crimped with side cutters. No records of what was done, and if I had your problems, I would struggle.