No power - earrh cable?

[Paul.L]

A couple of weeks ago we stayed at a site near Stratford Upon Avon. A xouple of miles from the site, we stopped at a retail park to buy some fresh bread, as you do.
Returning to the van, it wouldn't start - first attempt just got a 'click'. No lights on the instrument panel.
I checked the xontrol panel and no power there either.
I called my insurance helpline, who arranged for assistance - luckily they arrived within 20 minutes.
Cab battery showed 13 volts, but still not starting.
Jump pack attached and engine fired up.
Jump pack removed and the van started on the key a further three times.
The mechanic said he suspected the starter was not engaging (carbon build up) causing intermittent failure.
Since then, having done some reading on here, it seems it could be the earrh cable.
I had a quick look yesterday, and this seems to be the esrth cable?




The van is a 2004 X244 Ducato 2.0

 

[TDub49]

Change it, it's the most likely cause of the problem.

 

[Andycap]

I had the same problem could travel various distances stop for a coffee then it wouldn't start. ended up being the cab battery.

 

[GeoffnDee]

There are normally 2 x earth cables , one from the battery to the body/chassis and another from the body/chassis to the engine , either one can cause problems . If you cannot get at the engine to body earth lead have another one added elsewhere between the engine and body/chassis in case it is that one causing the problem.
It would also be worth checking that the battery terminals are tight and clean.

 

[autorouter]

Next time it happens you could try a temporary jump lead between the battery negative terminal and the engine metalwork. If that cures it (temporarily) then the problem is in one or both earth leads.

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

 

[Landy Andy]

Are your battery terminals in good condition as well as clamps being tight and clean? I’d also check the other electrical connections in the battery box.