Technical Ignition

[Brian snail]

Hi, on a couple of occasions when starting the ignition key goes against the spring return to engage the starter there has been a slight delay before starter cuts in, maybe 10 ,15 seconds?

Is there a relay which might be getting tired?, if so where abouts would it be and what type, and where to buy one, if anyone can help?

It's a 2005, 2.8, jtd, 52000 miles, hymer a class body

Thanks Brian

 

[Communicator]

Brian,

Sorry no easy fix by changing a relay.

The starter solenoid is connected by a red wire with black tracer from the ignition switch, to pin 15 of connector C in the engine bay fuse box, where there is a link to pin 19 of connector A.

From this point, the connection is direct to the starter solenoid.

Your problem could be due to high resistance at the ignition switch contacts, or in the engine bay fusebox connections.

Another possibility is a sticky starter solenoid.

Have your problems been with a cold engine, or after it has warmed up?

 

[Brian snail]

Ok thanks no relay then, bugger, usually first start of the day, don't use it everyday as is motorhome could be stood for a week or two, once a fortnight take it on a run to supermarket, don't have a car just scooter and van

 

[Communicator]

Brian,

Given the age and use of your vehicle, can I add the starter battery to my list of possible causes. It is possible that the battery is due for replacement, and or is being partially discharged.


A discharge current of only 0.2A can completely flatten a 100Ah starter battery in 3 weeks. Also cold weather impairs battery performance.


Do you have some means of keeping the starter battery charged, during periods when the vehicle is not being used?

I think that you may find the following link interesting. https://forums.outandaboutlive.co.u...-charge-Bessacarr-E460-11-plate-Ducato/53606/

I asked about engine temperature, because I have previous expierience of starting failures with an engine at operating temperature only, but on the vehicle concerned, the starter and turbo were adjacent, and the starter solenoid was getting too hot. That will not apply with the 2.8JTD. (Mine is a 2006 x244, so similar to yours in that respect.)

 

[Brian snail]

Thanks for the reply, had new starter Bosch battery last year, 130 watt solar panel on roof keeps leisure and engine batteries charged
The only other fly in the ointment is the sigma s30 alarm this has a starter circuit inhibit in it, so with ignition on have to press the alarm fob to make starter circuit active?
Our local alarm service centre gone bust so can't get that checked, have put new battery in fob.
This last year has been problematic, still have immolbiliser issues as well

 

[Communicator]

I am not familiar with the Sigma alarm system, but I would expect the starter inhibit function to use a relay.

To check for any modifications to the starter wiring, you would need to remove the lower steering column cover. A fiddly procedure best carried out with a slightly modified PZ2 screwdriver. (Enlarge the shaft diameter with tubing or tape to facilitate engagement in deep recess.)