Ducato based Hymer not starting.

[Monty777]

I have an interesting problem, I went to start our van on Friday and it managed to turn over once then stopped. I tried again as sometimes a diesel will catch but instead of the engine turning the speedo and rev counter needles just flicked a few times. No problem, just put the batteries on charge-I hadn’t started it for a month or so because of various medical interventions.
I went out to start it this morning and according to the panel the battery is fully charged but all I get when I turn the key is the speedo and rev counter needles flicking……. I have never come across something like this before-any ideas-Lenny??

john

 

[Speve]

Sounds like either a bad earth or battery is goosed

 

[Guigsy]

Check your battery connections are clean and tight. After that, it does very much sound like a kaput battery. They'll often charge and show a reasonable voltage, but as soon as you pull any current, they die.

 

[SandraL]

Poor earth? You could try using jump lead to connect battery ground direct to engine.
If successful then replace or add new earth cables.

 

[bigwood]

As others have said it could be a faulty battery. One of my instructors meany years ago said “If the battery is knackered it will be like trying to put water in a wet sponge”. It won’t make any difference how long it’s on charge it won’t take a charge.

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[Monty777]

Ok, well as I said the battery is showing fully charged on the panel at 13.5 volts +. I decided to try and jump start it from our car, connected it all up, turned the key-zip, nada, nothin-it was as though the other battery and running engine weren’t there-oh, and earth connection and battery connections are all clean and tight. When I turned the key the lights dimmed……so I am wondering if perhaps the solenoid or starter could be at fault-so since it is now dark that is tomorrows task……aren’t they fun these motorhome things….?

 

[NicM]

As said before, put a jump lead from battery ground to the engine block.
And you may need one to the chassis as well.

 

[cyberyacht]

Lights dimming sounds like a classic poor earth. Remember helping a guy who's car wouldn't start, probably fifty years ago now. Lifted the bonnet whacked the negative battery lead connection with a hammer to his horror. Started straight away. The look on his face was worth the effort.