Dead Ducato...again!

[Simon G]

OK folks, thanks for the help last time. It's done it again, but worse. This time there's no dash lights as well as no start, so maybe not the same problem. It's basically as if the battery is disconnected, but both terminals are tight, earth lead apparently attached. Nation Breakdown's European service (we're in Holland) has been summoned but no local response as yet. Until it wouldn't start, the engine battery appeared to be fine, though stop/start was intermittently not stopping the engine at traffic ligths, etc. Fortunately, we're once again in the roadway of a campground, not stuck in a random carpark or on the roadside...

 

[Jev88]

Jump lead - NEG of battery to a chunky bit of metal like the engine block or gearbox.

Now try starting - that proves if Earth was at fault (if it starts now).

 

[PeterCarole29]

I would agree although I have the same negative connection I can see how it could look connected but not connected and a simple way to confirm

 

[pappajohn]

I would agree although I have the same negative connection I can see how it could look connected but not connected and a simple way to confirm

Anothwr way is grab the earth to engine lead and quickly tug very hard.
Years ago Vauxhall cars had the same problem.
It didnt take much to break the braided earth lead even though it looked perfect.

 

[Basa]

I think some of the Ducato models had an earth connection problem on the chassis crossmember
I’m sure there earlier posts

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[Simon G]

Thanks all. Van now running, started off a jump box. I'd narrowed it down a bit, as the battery master had put enough back into the battery to work the dash lights (but not the leccy window ). I'm deeply suspicious of the battery earth lead, cos' a 2 year old battery shouldn't just crap out like this. No jump-leads to test/bypass it though.

 

[1967bowesj]

Thanks all. Van now running, started off a jump box. I'd narrowed it down a bit, as the battery master had put enough back into the battery to work the dash lights (but not the leccy window ). I'm deeply suspicious of the battery earth lead, cos' a 2 year old battery shouldn't just crap out like this. No jump-leads to test/bypass it though.

But is the battery only two years old and how long was it sitting around before it was converted and then sold.
Batteries have failed at that age.
As an aside question what age are your tyres?

 

[Simon G]

But is the battery only two years old and how long was it sitting around before it was converted and then sold.
Batteries have failed at that age.
As an aside question what age are your tyres?

Tyres are '22 (on a '23 reg van), so assume van build was '22 before conversion. Presumably battery is same age.

 

[1967bowesj]

Tyres are '22 (on a '23 reg van), so assume van build was '22 before conversion. Presumably battery is same age.

Probably yes, so 3 years old but how good is it, was it stood before sold going flat and getting jumped when needed?

Might be worth hunting some jump leads out to rule out earth leads.

Or a battery jump pack

 

[PeterCarole29]

Slightly off topic I’m curious could there be any connection between bad earth connection with fiats original negative battery lead and the air bag module going wrong

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[1967bowesj]

Slightly off topic I’m curious could there be any connection between bad earth connection with fiats original negative battery lead and the air bag module going wrong

Possible but some have been over volts some under volts,

 

[blackpete]

Possible AGM failure then at 3 years doesn’t sound unlikely?

 

[Drexl]

I haven't had any starting problems but in light of others having issues with earth connections I have replaced the engine to chassis ground strap (under the air box) and re-used that one to double up the earth connection at the battery negative (some have had problems with the negative terminal quick disconnect). I also have another negative connection direct to the airbag module body.

 

[Jev88]

Thanks all. Van now running, started off a jump box. I'd narrowed it down a bit, as the battery master had put enough back into the battery to work the dash lights (but not the leccy window ). I'm deeply suspicious of the battery earth lead, cos' a 2 year old battery shouldn't just crap out like this. No jump-leads to test/bypass it though.

Tut tut not having jump leads
You can always add extra earth leads with no harm. My old van I added a new ring end to a chunky lead for NEG post and permanently attached to the engine lifting eye with a chunky bolt and penny washers.

The old cables can rot from the inside out........ same can happen to main earth from starter motor itself.

 

[Cowpat]

OK folks, thanks for the help last time. It's done it again, but worse. This time there's no dash lights as well as no start, so maybe not the same problem. It's basically as if the battery is disconnected, but both terminals are tight, earth lead apparently attached. Nation Breakdown's European service (we're in Holland) has been summoned but no local response as yet. Until it wouldn't start, the engine battery appeared to be fine, though stop/start was intermittently not stopping the engine at traffic ligths, etc. Fortunately, we're once again in the roadway of a campground, not stuck in a random carpark or on the roadside...

Sorry to hear of your troubles. Stop start is a pain and not worth tuppence. It doesn’t save fuel anyhow. I don’t have it in the motorhome but do in the car. I switch it off as one of the first things I do when setting off. My brother has it in a Ford Kuga and it has killed 3 batteries for him with the constant on off cycle. I’d disable it if the recovery say your battery is goosed. Good luck