Hey! Got an escort van 1.8d 55 1996. One problem, It dont start unless i jump it. othertime i will be okay for a couple of runs.

What happens, atm i can put the ignition to the 'on' position. wont start just clicks, bearing in mind ive already replaced starter. its like starter ent getting power it should? Anyway i left it for a few moment, and this strange noise (like a something rotating) came from somewhere on the gearbox side, and all of a sudden the dash lights get to a bright as they should be, but put key to crank and still dont start.

What you think??

Help appreciated

 

the noise from the passenger side [like something rotating] is the glowplug relay kicking out due to low voltage yr battery /alternator is duff ,could also be main wiring ie big wires from battery or black relay in fusebox or ignition switch or immobiliser or fuse box itself TRY BATTERY FIRST

 

When its running see what voltage your getting at the battery to rule out the altenantor.

 

When trying to crank do any of the wires get hot, you say it was a new starter was in brand new or recon

 

Okay, so it that make the dash lights go as bright as they should be then take it? Well this is what ive done, replaced battery thats fine, cleaned battery to gearbox earth cable even though that was fine anyway. And new starter.

Its odd, the starter is brand new.

And nope no wired get hot at all.

Ive got personal thing might be alternator, the lights go brighter when i accelerate too, and they go dim when i put the fans on.

 

Have you tested the alternator, also does the volume on the stereo change when you rev the van

 

Apparently if you disconnect positive off battery while running and it dies the the alternator is poo?
Nope radio stays same :s very strange going to do that positive test again today. Will let you know how it goes

 

DON'T do that, that can cause damage!

The fact it starts when jumped means the battery does not have the power it needs, coupled to the fact you replaced the battery, suggests to me the charging system is not all that it might be, under load, with the current conditions you will have a higher electrical demand as well.

You can test this with a 'DMM'.

Martin

 

Okay i wont try that, what damage can it do like if ya do that then? Just interested

Yeah i think somets happning so the starter motor isnt getting the feed its meant to. Dont understand it. Ya have idea what it could be?

 

I said above, you need to check the charging system, the output might not be good under load, thus the battery discharges.

It's just a tacky thing to do and won't tell you anything, you can end up with voltage spikes etc, when can fry delicate ECU'S etc.

Martin

 

^^ yeh as said disconnecting the leads while running will create an open circuit which can cause any relays to not function or worse, when testing the alternator turn all lights on and heating so its under load

 

Does it sound clunky when throwing out(the starter) it could just be knackered

 

But then a jump start would not change this, coupled to the fact it has a new starter

Martin

 

New starter means nothing if its a recon part

 

Woooop!!! All sorted guys thanks for your help appreciate it was the alternator after all woohoo!!! Thanks guys