Funny noises from my new Bongo :-(

[g8dhe]

I've just checked all the fuseboxes

First of all you should have TWO fuses between the batteries and split charge system, one fuse close to each battery, if one fuse blows then BOTH fuses need to be changed, as the one that didn't blow will almost have blown and invariably blows shortly after if you don't change it!
If there is only one fuse then that might well explain why it appears to work when the alternator is running, this is a serious NO NO, get it seen to by a competent auto electrician ASAP. It is also an indicator that the rest of the wiring might be suspect

[abernethybongo]

Hi again folks,

I checked and there were indeed two fuses in between the batteries - hadn't spotted the other one. It hadn't blown but as advised I changed both and immediately the interior lights and radio worked, which is great. The central locking also started working and the glow plug warning light stopped flashing, which is a bit of a puzzle as I don't think the ECU or central locking are wired to the LB looking at the fuseboxes.

We decided to take it to the Bongo specialist at Dairsie for a service and to check some of the things I was concerned about. Unfortunately the news is not great and it looks like it could be £900+ to fix everything required;
- new glowplugs required (now done)
- hole on bracket under radiator
- timing belt does not appear to have been replaced as claimed
- coupling on steering is very worn and needs replaced urgently or it could fail
- new brake pads needed
- inlet manifold leaking
They also suggested getting it undersealed again, and said the hissing noise was relatively minor - something to keep an eye on but not to worry about too much. A bit gutted that it needs so much else doing to it though, I think I'll be calling the previous owner and asking that he either does this work for us or gives us some money back.

Thanks again,
Jamie

[the laird]

Is he in the motor trade ? A member of the smta? Worth trying to find out as this would give you leveridge ,good luck

[Bob]

If he is a dealer Trading Standards may be interested, if he's not I don't think you have much come back.

[Simon Jones]

When it comes to timing belt changes, you really need to see a receipt for the work or parts otherwise you have no evidence if it being changed. A lot of folk would just replace it as a matter of course when buying a used car and factor that into the offer price. If however it was advertised as having had new cambelt fitted, then the seller should have backed that up with evidence.

The other points you mention are pretty standard Bongo maintenance / service issues and likely to affect any vehicle. A bit gutting when you have just bought a vehicle I know, although £900 seems quite steep to put them right. Hope you get it all sorted to your satisfaction.

[abernethybongo]

He isn't a dealer as such, just owns a repair garage. I'll check if he is a member of the SMTA though, good thought. He claimed not to have any receipts showing the work done as it had all been done in his own garage. Hopefully we'll get it all sorted eventually anyway.

Cheers,
Jamie

[Simon Jones]

If he runs his own business he would have an invoice from his parts supplier for the cambelt. Of course it could be a cambelt for a Fiesta for all you would know, but he could send a copy to give you some possible reassurance.

[abernethybongo]

I contacted the seller , but he was rude and unhelpful, and claimed the glowplugs and timing belt were new (without being able to offer any proof). He said if the steering coupling was badly worn then it would have failed it's MOT (which he carried out in his own garage). A great shame, I'm surprised he would risk his reputation by selling a car which at best he must have known wasn't starting properly, particularly when he claimed to be a member of Bongo Fury and someone who serviced a lot of Bongos at his garage.

Meanwhile I'm kicking myself for not taking it for a longer test drive, at speed (it wasn't taxed so we could only take it around the industrial park), and for not walking away when he couldn't show a full service history. It's booked into Autopoint in Dairsie again for later this week, hopefully that will resolve these issues, but it isn't the start to Bongo ownership I'd hoped for.

Once again, many thanks for all your invaluable advice, hope I can return the favour one day!

Jamie

[the laird]

Good luck mate pretty sad to know of guys in the trade doing this.keeping fingers crossed you don't let this dampen your spirit as this is a great family you've joined

[Bob]

Might be worth seeing if VoSA are interested in the MOT.

Pop along to a Test Station and explain it has just been given a clean ticket.

[steviebongo]

Who did the Mot I stay next to anniesland and might no the station in question ?

[abernethybongo]

It's been pointed out to me that I'm not allowed to name names on the forum so my post above has been edited (I should have read the rules first), but if anyone is keen to know the garage in question, send me a PM (I've sent you one steviebongo). In fairness having double checked the MOT certificate it looks like it was tested by another garage on the industrial estate, but it still shouldn't have been sold in that condition.