MOT Day and she wont start. Burstner Ducato 07, 3.0. (1 Viewer)

[NobbyB]

Hello boys and girls,
Its MOT day. Having done all my prep work last weekend, all fine, this morning I've had to postpone the MOT. She wont start!!
Battery seems 100%, just wont crank over? Tried both keys, locking /unlocking, waiting and so on. Even gave the starter a tap!
The dash lights dont dim on trying to start so I'm suspecting an immobilizer or starter solenoid issue?
I guess I'll have to find a heavy jack and get underneath with a meter?
Who has MOT's in the winter months anyway... Doh!

I have noticed this dash light comes on but goes out, I just can't recall if it used to come on?

Any suggestions please?

 

[Jimbohorlicks]

Looks like an immobiliser light.

 

[Campervan_man]

Does it arm and disarm with a separate fob { not the key }?

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[NobbyB]

Does it arm and disarm with a separate fob { not the key }?

The remote locks/unlocks fine. That's all we have. Tried spare key but the same result. The immobiliser light goes out just like EML and Airbag light, after a second or two, I just dont recall seeing it light up before. I'll look at the solenoid wire I think but its not given any trouble this past year we've had her and just 1,000 miles covered. 42,000 in total. What a pain.
Thanks

 

[Emmit]

Have you got 'another' car key in close proximity.

I've known them 'talk' to each other and cause the immobiliser to not switch off!!!
Strange but true.

 

[Campervan_man]

Is your van an automatic ?
Check your gear stick is located in the N position with your foot pressed on the brake then try starting with the key.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[NobbyB]

Is your van an automatic ?
Check your gear stick is located in the N position with your foot pressed on the brake then try starting with the key.

Manual 6 spd. Thanks tho

 

[Two on Tour]

Do you have a EKA (Emergency Key Access) Code with your van, should be 4 digits ?

 

[Campervan_man]

Do you have breakdown Insurance ?
They have test equipment to diagnose.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Kozikot]

Disconnect the main Battery, touch the + and - cables together for 10 seconds, push the brake pedal on/off a few times, reconnect after 20/30 Mins, then try...

 

[NobbyB]

Do you have breakdown Insurance ?
They have test equipment to diagnose.

I do but not home start or within 1/4 mile I think it is. I've discinnected the solenoid wire, it didn't look bad at all but all cleaned and reassembled. Starter whacked with hammer and still no change. Its dark now so its on charge ready for more checking tomorrow. Very odd though. Here's hoping it'll just start tomorrow ha ha

 

[NobbyB]

Do you have a EKA (Emergency Key Access) Code with your van, should be 4 digits ?

Sorry, not that i'm aware of no.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[joka250]

Could be an earth problem. Similar issue on mine solved with an additional earth strap.

 

[ramsthom]

Check the engine earth. You can do this by connecting a jumper lead from the engine to anywhere on the chassis. Its possible the earth strap has corroded causing a poor earth. Oops someone already posted.

 

[M-J]

Maybe key code problem but seems odd both keys aren’t working, could be coding lost or confused on the vehicle side?

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[NobbyB]

Hello all, nobody likes an unresolved query so just to let you all know, it was an earth issue.
I cleaned up the earth strap below air filter; gearbox was easy as its a flat suface but the bolt a bit grotty then the chassis stud cleaned ok refitted and hey presto. No more flashing pre heat bulb, just instant start
Thank you all for your input. Lesson learned; Do not over think things.