Trouble starting a P reg Vauxhall Combo van **updated - plugs replaced, still probs**

lv1109

vansboy wrote: »

Your new battery should be suitable for the van, not just one that 'fits in the space' in the engine compartment.

There are numbers on a label, on the battery itself, plus the make, let us have those, on here & we can check it's powerful enough.

VB

I have had a look at the battery and the make is Motorcraft. There are loads of numbers but the ones that look like they mean anything are 71ah 680SAE 12V 125RC. Does this seem like the right battery for the van? Should I get any of the other numbers?

Also there is definitely no light coming on when the ignition is turned on. I assume the light we are looking for is the "coil" light? I also drive a diesel so can only assume this is the one that should be coming on? If this is the light that should be coming on and its not, what could that mean? My husband had a quick look at the fuses in the engine and said they all look ok but would it be worth looking further into the fuses?

Finally, are the glow plugs pretty easy to see when you look into the engine compartment? Its just that we saw what we think are the glow plugs but are not sure, lol! They were in the middle of the engine compartment, all in a line, does this sound like them?

Thanks in advance!

LV

lv1109

goldspanners wrote: »

a check of the fuses may be in order aswell seen as the light is not coming on at all. if they are ok then it should be the relay/timer.

Is this a major job (the relay/timer I mean)? My husband has had a look at the fuses and they look ok, therefore next step I suppose is the relay/timer before we actually replace the glow plugs? How would we check the relay/timer?

Thanks again for help!

LV

lv1109

Quick update- we have used one of those things where you put one end on the battery and one end on the glow plug and the end lights up. So it seems we do have power going to the plugs. The plugs look like they've been on there since the vehicle was made so I am assuming it is most likely to be them that need replacing. Just a bit concerned that it could be the relay/timer and don't know how to test that?

Can anyone offer any more advice?

Thanks

LV

goldspanners

does the glow plug light light up on the dashboard when the ignition is turned on? it should be a yellow light with the symbol that looks like a coiled wire?

if you have power going to the plugs when the ignition is turned on then the timer should be ok,does the power stop going to the glow plugs after about 7 seconds?

lv1109

Hey goldspanners, thanks for replying.

No, there is no coil light coming up on dash when ignition turned on. It does flash though when the engine is turning, trying to start.

We have actually now replaced the glow plugs and the bloomin' battery has gone flat so just gotta do a tow start on it and my husband is going to run it round for a little while to get some charge, then we will try again when its gone cold again.

I am thinking though, that with no coil light there may be a bit more of a problem than we first thought. What do you think?

Is it very difficult/expensive to replace the relay? Where would it be?

LV

ETA: Just been out and tried to start it - still no coil light (battery wasn't flat) and still not starting. It is turning over with no bother but just won't fire. Grrr, so annoying!

vansboy

Battery is pretty much an OK spec, for the van.

Assuming the little (about 1cm) see through circle on the top, is green coloured inside, the battery is still good.If it's gone red it means it isn't.

Looks like you'll need a mechanic to start investigating things now, though.

You could ask in http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/threads.htm?f=4 for more advice.

VB

lv1109

Thanks vansboy, think you're right and we will have to bite the bullet. Tried our best I suppose, just really frustrating.

I would like to thank everybody here that has offered assistance though. I wouldn't have had the first idea of where to start!

And hey, I now know where the glow plugs are, and how to change them! Which I didn't yesterday!

If anyone has any further ideas on the glow plugs relay/timer, I would try any last ditch attempts before we go to a garage.

LV

hewhoisnotintheknow

blocked fuel filter?

goldspanners

i dont know if the combo has this but have you checked both fuse boxes?
most vehicles have 2 fuse boxes,one under the bonnet and another inside the cabin,usually under steering wheel area or behind the glove compartment.

Motmac

It doesnt necessarily follow that the light on the dash is an indication of the glow plugs working.if the light doesnt work,there is still a chance that the relay does.try to get hold of a test lamp.connect one end to the earth of the battery and use the probe to touch on the power feed to the plugs.get someone to turn on the ignition and the probe should light up and then go out after a few seconds.if it doesnt,then its a possible relay fault or a bad earth/wiring.if it does and you have new heater plugs then i would suggest the fuel side needs to be checked out.make sure there are no air leaks in the system allowing the fuel to run back over night.if fuel system is ok then a compression test aught to be carried out....if compression is too low then the engine is most probably worn out to be honest.i appreciate that the latter part of my advice will need a professional to look over it,however it may come to that.