Technical 2005 Ducato Autotrail campervan (engine) batt jumpstart

[Telemel]

Hi all, a dumb question r.e jumpstarting a 2005 Autotrail tracker campervan: engine battery appears to be flat, but I see there's what looks like a load of fuses, cables, etc attached to the positive battery terminal (the 2005 engine doesn't have the handy chargepoints, those only came in the following year). Anyway, question as follows: provided I can get the jumplead clip in there can I /should I just go ahead and connect the jumplead straight onto the battery or do I need to take all the connectors/housing etc off before jumping it? I'm afraid of frying something in the attempt..

 

[Communicator]

Hi Telemel,

Welcome to the forum.
Given the manufacturing year, your vehicle will be an x.x ltr JTD, which requires power to the ECU for the engine to start. Hence you will be unable to jump start the engine if you remove the battery fusebox. The starter motor (unfused on x244 and earlier versions) also connects at the battery fusebox, The connection options for jump starting, are either at the M6 clamping bolt for the battery positive terminal, or at the point where the large starter cable connects to the fusebox.
Have you confimed that the battery is flat by applying a multimeter across the battery terminals? Is it possible to connect a charger to the battery?
Another point to consider when jump starting, is possible damage to the habitation 12V system. If the split charge relay becomes operated during the procedure, excessive currents could flow from the habitation battery, into the starter and or starter battery. To remove this risk disconnect the habitation battery negative before attempting a jump start.

 

[Telemel]

Hi Telemel,

Welcome to the forum.
Given the manufacturing year, your vehicle will be an x.x ltr JTD, which requires power to the ECU for the engine to start. Hence you will be unable to jump start the engine if you remove the battery fusebox. The starter motor (unfused on x244 and earlier versions) also connects at the battery fusebox, The connection options for jump starting, are either at the M6 clamping bolt for the battery positive terminal, or at the point where the large starter cable connects to the fusebox.
Have you confimed that the battery is flat by applying a multimeter across the battery terminals? Is it possible to connect a charger to the battery?
Another point to consider when jump starting, is possible damage to the habitation 12V system. If the split charge relay becomes operated during the procedure, excessive currents could flow from the habitation battery, into the starter and or starter battery. To remove this risk disconnect the habitation battery negative before attempting a jump start.

Hi Telemel,

Welcome to the forum.
Given the manufacturing year, your vehicle will be an x.x ltr JTD, which requires power to the ECU for the engine to start. Hence you will be unable to jump start the engine if you remove the battery fusebox. The starter motor (unfused on x244 and earlier versions) also connects at the battery fusebox, The connection options for jump starting, are either at the M6 clamping bolt for the battery positive terminal, or at the point where the large starter cable connects to the fusebox.
Have you confimed that the battery is flat by applying a multimeter across the battery terminals? Is it possible to connect a charger to the battery?
Another point to consider when jump starting, is possible damage to the habitation 12V system. If the split charge relay becomes operated during the procedure, excessive currents could flow from the habitation battery, into the starter and or starter battery. To remove this risk disconnect the habitation battery negative before attempting a jump start.

Thanks for the prompt reply, that's hugely helpful. I haven't stuck a multimeter onto the battery as yet but the starter is kicking in for 2-3 turns on keyturn and then stopping, so presuming battery is flat, will check it prior to jumping though. Good tip r.e the leisure batt, have heard this can happen, wasn't sure how to prevent it. I don't currently have a charger so not sure if it's possible to fit one, I may have to get one though... thanks again, much appreciated...

 

[Anthony489]

Hi Telemel

At risk of telling you what you already know, there is a difference between a "Boost Start" and a true "Jump Start".

For a boost start, you need a reasonably hefty set of cables. Connect them to the vehicle with the flattened battery and wait about 10 minutes for it to acquire some charge. It helps if the donor vehicle engine is running. When you then attempt a start, part of the current will come via the jumper cables and part from the rejuvenated battery. This method won't work if the battery has failed completely and won't take a charge.

For a true Jump Start, you need a heavy duty set of copper jumper cables. Connect them to the vehicle with the flattened battery and you can attempt a start straight away, as all the starting current comes via the jumper cables.

Most of the cables sold for non-professional use are described as "booster cables", i.e. they cannot supply enough current on their own to start an engine.

Once you have achieved a start, the vehicle alternator will recharge the battery. It will do this at a reasonable rate even at idling, you don't need to drive anywhere.

 

[Telemel]

Thanks Anthony489, v valid points and adds some detail to something I have to admit I was a big vague about, mine are big-ass truck cables (advised similar by a mechanic friend a few years back, though without the "why" detail), so hopefully will be ok. The engine is in great shape generally so hopefully this will work...much appreciated..

 

[Ocwobio]

Taking Communicators advice a step further, be advised that low starter battery voltage can (how do I know? shh, state secret!!) cause ECU problems for sure. I ended up hundreds of pounds out of pocket when it happened to me (aagh! shouldn't have said that, lol!) so strive to get a charger on it first. Disconnect the leisure battery, and take the negative off the starter battery; if you can get the positive one off easily, that's even better. When charged, disconnect the charger, connect the battery up again, and wait a minute or two before trying .Then turn the ignition on for about 15 seconds before going to start it, to let the ECU wake up and voltages to steady a little. Also make sure all other systems like lights and wipers etc. have not inadvertently been left on beforehand too. Don't give the system a single chance to rebel. Also thoroughly check the integrity of the earth cables too. Many posts on here about those bad boys!