Sporadic no power/not starting

[TonyW]

Hi all,

I may answer my own question here but ......

Our 2.5TD 1995 Bongo has developed an issue where sometimes when the ignition is turned electrical power just goes. It completely fails; lights, radio, central locking ... the lot ..... no lights on dash ...... completely no power.

However, if I open the bonnet, hit the battery and general wiggle stuff about ..... often when I try again, he starts immediately.

It doesn't seem like there's a battery issue as when it does start, it's a good clean start with no slow turn over and the battery is reasonably new. Starter motor serviced last year and new alternator fitted last year too.

It does have a basic immobiliser but I reckon I've ruled this out as when the power goes, even the little flashy light on this goes ..... it's a total electrical power loss.

No leisure battery fitted.

Probably some sort of electrical system issue, of which I have no idea what to do as not mechanically minded and local mechanic may need to be employed ...... but any thoughts just in case there's a common issue here?

Any assistance gratefully received.

Thanks.

Tony.

[roosmith]

It certainly sounds like dodgy connections, probably on the battery terminals. You're right you probably did answer your own question!

[Tris]

My first thought is to check your earth lead, how well it is connected to the battery terminal, any corrosion (usually green) on the cable that may indicate a break, then check the connection to the body, usually the weakest link.
Beyond that I will defer to those who know more about it.

Hope that may help.
Tris

[cbbacon]

Hi,

Did you manage to get to the bottom of this issue? I have the same problem.

Cheers,
Chris.

[Northern Bongolow]

i would check the connections to the battery/s then the neg to the inner wing /body. then the conns to the starter motor solenoid, then the engine earth strap, this is the braided cable that goes from the lower side of the engine to the body if i remember right its visible from the underside on the passy side, there is also another from the gearbox to the body, dont confuse the 2, but usually a strip off using one bolt at each end and a good clean up does the trick.

[Bob]

One of these little rascals is handy for cleaning the battery terminals:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Silverline-868 ... B0015NNP08

Disconnect the earth, clean both bits, then disconnect possitve and clean, then apply a thin smear of Vasseline.

Reconnect positive first - that way if your spanner touches the bodywork you won't short the battery. Very dangerous.