No dashboard lights and flickering needles!

B

Bobbus

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Jan 6, 2017
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i'm a newbie
Just went to start up the van to go for a run in it. Turned the key to the point when the dashboard lights come on and no lights. Lots of clicks. Turned the key to start. The clicking stopped but engine didn't engage. Nothing. Turned off and the speedo and rev counter needles jumped a bit more and clicking started up again for a few seconds, then stopped. headlights work but indicators and wiper/washer no.
Started the van up about 5 days ago and she fired up first go as usual.
Had a few biggish, but short, thunder/lightening storm over the last few days but we get them regularly - we live in Italy.
Thought it might be a loose battery connection so had a look and all seems pretty solid. Would The m/home electricity panel shows the battery at full charge.

Any thoughts on what might be the problem?

2009 Chausson Welcome WS Ducato 130 m/jet

Thanks
 
Sounds like it could be a flat battery. The click sound could be the starter solenoid but insufficient power to turn \ fire the engine.
 
Should I be sceptical of the interior control panel showing a full charge? It doesn't always show the battery as full.
Thanks.

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Battery is probably ok, but connections are letting you down. Check them ALL, again.
 
Have used jump leads from our car and then puts all the electrics on, but the engine just about turns over. Left it for about 15 mins and tried again. Same thing. Removed one of the negative clamps and no dashboard lights came up. So looks like the van was just taking power from the car and the van's battery not storing any of it.
Do batteries suddenly fail?
Thanks.
 
Thanks for all the replies. Much appreciated.
 
It still surprises me that 'modern' batteries fail very quickly.
Always catches me out.
I'm old enough to remember that batteries used to slowly get tired and gave you plenty of warning.
Now it's ok one day , dead the next.

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If you haven't sorted it yet use the jump leads but put the Neg lead to a good clean metal point on the engine away from the battery rather than on the battery Neg terminal.
 
Have you tried a simple multimeter on your battery with everything off?
Can't trust on board screen.
 
Jake Royd said:
It still surprises me that 'modern' batteries fail very quickly.
Always catches me out.
I'm old enough to remember that batteries used to slowly get tired and gave you plenty of warning.
Now it's ok one day , dead the next.
Click to expand...
Blame modern generators not the battery. Batteries died slowly because as soon as they were less than 100% the dynamo couldn't cope. Now the alternator does everything bar starting all is well until the battery is totally stuffed.
 
Check your battery to chassis earth strap too. Not just that it’s tight, but undo it, clean it, grease it and put it back with a new bolt.
If you have an older Fiat Ducato, there is a separate lighting earth strap/ connection to the chassis. This might be the reason some of your lights work.
Even if it isn’t the earth connectors now, it will be soon!

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I was doing some work to our mh lately and when I was reconnecting the battery there was loads of clicking etc same as you until the neutral connection on the battery was tightened up properly.
I'd say check leads first, if all good then batteries goosed.
 
The jump points on the van are at the front of the engine bay and are specifically marked for attaching the leads to. The battery is under the drivers foot-well (it is a LHD). These are the ones I have been using. I have given them a good clean. Should I still try your suggestion (Pappajohn)?
 
Tried jumping once more this morning. I could have hopped for all the good it did! Took the battery out and took it to my local garage. The chap put a tester on it, fiddled with a few buttons and with a large grin crossed himself, twice. Absolutely nothing. Riposa in pace.
Hopefully new one will arrive at the garage tomorrow and once it's all charged I'll go and collect and put it in the van.
Thanks again for all the advice.
 
Have you purchased a simple multimeter yet? You could have checked what voltage your battery had with everything off and possibly come to the conclusion the battery is Kaput a lot quicker?

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Hi Jev88, do you have a recommendation for a multimeter? There are so many to choose from.
Thanks.
 
Bobbus said:
Hi Jev88, do you have a recommendation for a multimeter? There are so many to choose from.
Thanks.
Click to expand...

They are cheap anyway for basic. £8 from halfords for basic DC voltage readings.
www.halfords.com

Rolson Digital Multimeter | Halfords UK

Shop the latest The Rolson Digital Multimeter is perfect for all your wattage and voltage needs. at Halfords UK
www.halfords.com www.halfords.com
 

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