Technical Engine keeps running when taking key out

[Niels maes]

Hi Everyone,

I'm new on this wonderfull forum and I'm starting off with a weird problem!

The van is a Fiat Ducato Hymer 2.5 diesel from 1992.
When I was about to change the light bulbs yesterday I found this contactor laying on a beam beneath the engine. It's the white one which is attached to this message. Serial number: SCHER 07.1200.10, 12V, 40A, contact numbers: 30, 87, 86 and something I cannot read.

After placing this back(where I thought it should go, next to the black contactor), I wanted to start the engine to see if it still worked. First thing I noticed was that the orange pre-heating light didn't light up. Since I just drove the car for a while a thought this had to do something with the engine still being hot and no preheating was required.
So I started the car without any problems, thinking everything was allright.
After checking all the lights / windscreen wipers / ... I concluded everything was working fine and no harm was done.
So I turned the key back and took the key out, but the engine kept running!
It kept on running so I had to stall it which didn't feel healthy for the car.

When I tried it again this morning, on a cold engine, after checking all the fuses, I noticed the preheating light still doesn't come up so I don't want to start it again because I'll probably have to stall it again to shut it up.

So my questions:
- What does the white contactor do?
- How is the ignition key related to the preheating system?
- WHY DOESN'T MY CAR STOP WHEN I TAKE THE KEY OUT??!!!

I'm kind of desperate here!
Thanks in advance for the help!

 

[iweb]

Hi Everyone,

I'm new on this wonderfull forum and I'm starting off with a weird problem!

The van is a Fiat Ducato Hymer 2.5 diesel from 1992.
When I was about to change the light bulbs yesterday I found this contactor laying on a beam beneath the engine. It's the white one which is attached to this message. Serial number: SCHER 07.1200.10, 12V, 40A, contact numbers: 30, 87, 86 and something I cannot read.

After placing this back(where I thought it should go, next to the black contactor), I wanted to start the engine to see if it still worked. First thing I noticed was that the orange pre-heating light didn't light up. Since I just drove the car for a while a thought this had to do something with the engine still being hot and no preheating was required.
So I started the car without any problems, thinking everything was allright.
After checking all the lights / windscreen wipers / ... I concluded everything was working fine and no harm was done.
So I turned the key back and took the key out, but the engine kept running!
It kept on running so I had to stall it which didn't feel healthy for the car.

When I tried it again this morning, on a cold engine, after checking all the fuses, I noticed the preheating light still doesn't come up so I don't want to start it again because I'll probably have to stall it again to shut it up.

So my questions:
- What does the white contactor do?
- How is the ignition key related to the preheating system?
- WHY DOESN'T MY CAR STOP WHEN I TAKE THE KEY OUT??!!!

I'm kind of desperate here!
Thanks in advance for the help!

Hello - I have a Fiat Ducato campervan conversion 2009
Sorry to hear you have this problem - I have had the same problem that was traced to the main fuse board in the engine bay- The board had a lot of corrosion which caused the main relay to remain closed - the connector plug was also corroded to the fuse board
My lights were also on and the horn was sounding to complicate the situation

Solution - replacement of main fuse board

A friend also has a fiat based motor home with a similar problem (2017)

£450 to £500 at an auto electrician will solve the problem
Or
You could have a go yourself if you can trace the problem back to the fuse board and you can easily remove the plug at the rear of the board - maybe with a spray of WD40 or similar overnight
Replacement fuse boards are available!!!
Removal of one of the relays will also stop the engine - sorry cant remember which one
Good luck with your chosen method

 

[Communicator]

Hi @iweb
Welcome to the Forum.
I applaud your well meant, and helpful post, but you are replying to a post that is over ten years old. We have to assume that the OP has fixed his problem and too often happens, neglected to post the cure.

You may find this current thread interesting, and may wish to contribute, if only to relate your own experience.