Technical Peculiar battery/ignition problem

[Fleaspirit]

Hello ,this is peculiar , I have a 2003 2.8 JTD maxi

The starter battery is a healthy 1yr old

When turning ignition lights come on and when I turn to start it just goes dead , then I need to jump start , the battery is showing 12.6 v

This doesn't happen all the time, mainly when the van is at a stand still over night sometimes after 5 min.
I have found that when you disconnect the negative cable from the battery and then re connect the cable sometimes the van will start .
Has anyone ever come across this sort of problem.
Is there possibly some kind of immobilizer that I don't know about ?

 

[jackwhoo]

Try fitting a jump lead from your battery negative to a good clean metal part of engine, leaving existing negative lead connected.

If your problems are reduced or cured you have proved you need to replace the battery negative lead-which not uncommon.

 

[Communicator]

Hi,

Your symptoms suggest a poor battery connection.

Is the battery negative clamp, the Fiat original with quick release lever and 3 x M6 terminal studs, or has it been replaced?

The following thread could be helpful. https://www.fiatforum.com/ducato/482468-urgent-help-needed-weird-problem-my-05-x244-van.html

 

[Fleaspirit]

Hello ,thanks for your help it has been very helpful.
I have solved the problem , I decided to investigate from the top , so I started with the battery and terminals , I cleaned the battery poles with wire wool and buffed up the cable terminals and now they shine . I turned the ignition and the starter kicked in straight away with more enrgy than ever and the dash lights shine bright now , so all it needed was a bit of spit and polish , the ignition starts a treat now . thanks have a good day

 

[Communicator]

Fleaspirit,

I am pleased that you have succeeded. May I suggest that you apply a light smear of vaseline, to the now shiny connection surfaces. and to the exposed end of the main negative cable at the negative battery post clamp.

If the negative cabling is similar to that on my 2006 x244, the main chassis earth point is on the RHS wing below the battery. Worth checking and greasing there also.

 

[Fleaspirit]

Thanks Communicator , I have put a silicon gel on both poles and will have a look at the earth next .