Help! Bongo will only drive 2 mph - after left for 2 months in cold!

[Treetalk]

Hi, before I call out AA restart, any idea what problem might be?!

Engine started but could barely chug along the road. Maybe 1 or 2 mph! I had to abandon bongo after 30 yards, once I found a parking space.

I haven’t driven it for over 2 months. It’s just been sitting parked in the cold, probably not a good idea I know .

Any suggestions as to what I should do? Thanks.

[Bob]

Oh dear.

Which engine do you have, and what year?

[Treetalk]

Hi Bob

Petrol, 2004.

[Bob]

Thanks.

Someone with more techie know how than me might have an idea, although I have been scratching my head.

[Treetalk]

Yes it’s puzzling. It can move, but only at snail’s pace. I might have to get AA peeps out next week to take a look as I can’t drive it anywhere ...

[Bob]

Will the engine rev freely in neutral, or just limited when drive engaged?

[g8dhe]

Is that a 2l petrol or a V6 ?
If the engine is running smoothly, but no acceleration then maybe your pipes that carry the auto transmission oil to and fro the radiator may have failed and dumped all the ATF oil on the ground ?

[Treetalk]

Hello.

Its 2L petrol.

I'll check the "neutral" thing tomorrow.

Yes, its running smoothly, just almost no acceleration Gdh8. Maybe you are right.

Do you think perhaps I should get AA out next week, or a mechanic of some sort?

[Bob]

I don't think the problem will go away so you might a well start with the AA right away.

They might not help unless you have Home Start as I'm guessing it's still 30 yards from home.

Otherwise a friendly local garage is a good bet. Geoff may well be right about loss of transmission fluid - there is a dip stick to check the level, and is there a pool of oil on the drive or a trail of oil to where you stopped?

[Treetalk]

Thank you Bob. I don't even know if I have Home Start. I'm not with AA by the way, I'm with "Emergency Assist Ltd". My bongo is parked two streets away from home. I do know of a local motor repair person who has been recommended as well. I'll have to think about what to do tomorrow ...

[JulesMartin]

Sorry to hear about your problem. I'd go as Geoff suggests and check your ATF. also while you have the seats up check to see if something hasn't been feasting on the cables and vacuum hoses and air pipes. check that the exhaust is clear and not blocked. if it drove to its resting place two months ago and it was fine then, then the problem must be related to its idle time. does it roll on its own? it's not the brakes seized on? if it's really low on fuel maybe a couple of gallons of fresh petrol might help it out. when it's running have a look to see if any of the plug leads are tracking. Good luck keeps us posted

[Merlot man]

I wonder if the brakes are locked on especially the hand brake ?
Simple things first
Good luck with it , it will be a simple fix I'm sure
Brian

[Treetalk]

I got it home, about 80 yards.

It’s not the handbrake, but maybe the normal breaks locked as you say (not sure how to check this though?).

Last question - if I can’t do this, do you think I should get local mechanic out OR my Breakdown company? Not sure which is cheaper or better, do you think? .

Not used to this particular kind of mechanical drama. I’m completely clueless I’m sorry to say . I am hoping to go on a few local bongo meet-ups in 2020, so might meet a few nearby people who have a clue.

[Bob]

Check if you have Home Start with your breakdown cover, if yes then call them first.

If not then it's your local mechanic.

If you can't find the (breakdown cover) paperwork just phone them and ask.

[Merlot man]

To check the brakes simply jack up the bus and rotate the wheels ' the fronts should be completely free and easy to turn , no 4wd
The rear will also turn a bit but only if the hand brake is off , you might then feel restatance from the rear diff .
If your not confident though get someone who is as it can be dangerous. !!!
Best if luck with it and keep,us informed
Brian