Technical Ducato won't start, just clicks

[isaac85]

Hi all,

My 2001 Ducato Maxi won't start. Here's the details and what we've ruled out:

-Lights and indicators work.
-Makes repeated clicking noise but doesn't even crawl over when key is turned.
-Jumping from a Fiat Doblo Cargo didn't work, nor did a trickle charger left plugged in for 4 hours (no life at all, not even trying to turn over).

We really need to get it up and running for work, so I'd like to check the most likely problems first. I don't want to buy a new battery or mess around with the starter just to find that the solenoid needed a tap.

Any ideas are greatly appreciated, thanks!

 

[Crossingkeeper]

An easy cheap check is to ensure that the battery terminals are clean and tight plus same for the engine to chassis earth strap.

If you have access to a multimeter you could check battery voltage (should be at least 12.5 volts) and see what happens to the battery voltage when you turn key (if starter is jammed voltage will drop to about 7 volts; if it doesn't drop there is probably a fault in the starter or solenoid)

 

[digger58]

Solenoid stuck on starter motor

 

[Mohojo]

If the starter motor's jammed try putting it in gear (engine off and on a flat surface) and rocking it backwards and forwards with the handbrake off.

 

[jontee61]

sounds like battery problem make sure your battery is fully charged (4 hours on a trickle charger WONT do it) and that its got a high cold start capacity CCA as these cold mornings an engine takes a lot more starting then it would during mild weather i suggest you have battery tested as if the plates are on the way out it will lose its charge very quickly and give the symptoms your exsperiencing

 

[andydiver]

Bad earth.

 

[varesecrazy]

Hi all,

My 2001 Ducato Maxi won't start. Here's the details and what we've ruled out:

-Lights and indicators work.
-Makes repeated clicking noise but doesn't even crawl over when key is turned.
-Jumping from a Fiat Doblo Cargo didn't work, nor did a trickle charger left plugged in for 4 hours (no life at all, not even trying to turn over).

We really need to get it up and running for work, so I'd like to check the most likely problems first. I don't want to buy a new battery or mess around with the starter just to find that the solenoid needed a tap.

Any ideas are greatly appreciated, thanks!

Swap batteries with the doblo..

If the doblo doesnt start your battery is toast..

from experience..if its lost a cell..10v is useless..and a jump lead cannot supply enough juice to crank a diesel.

Charlie

 

[isaac85]

Thanks for all the tips!

 

[varesecrazy]

Thanks for all the tips!

do let us know..,
Charlie

 

[cosminman]

Any update on the issue? What was it?

 

[Ocwobio]

My motorhome battery (2,8jtd) died in storage, ok in october/november. had it on float charge for a week over christmas. feb 2nd and its dead as dead can be. voltage showing 12.7v after 24h of 4amp charre, but no joy. watched voltage after second charge drop in 15 secs to 10.5v. new battery fitted and off it went, like a good un. batteries can be subtle in their dying days, they never cease to amaze me- they can croak in a flash, or linger, or anything in between. try a jump with the present battery disconnected completely. BUT switch off engine before disconnecting it (if it starts). Voltage monitoring with even a cheap metrer can be revealing if you have the chance. Have a look and post back here what you found. Cheers.