Technical 2008 fiat ducanto motorhome starting problem

[Mjv]

Hi guys

2008 fiat ducanto desiel turbo motorhome starting problem.
I've put a new battery in and it would click once on the starter motor then nothing just one click any ideas.

Just would like to know if any else has any ideas would be appreciated.

Thank you

 

[bugsymike]

Hi guys

2008 fiat ducanto desiel turbo motorhome starting problem.
I've put a new battery in and it would click once on the starter motor then nothing just one click any ideas.

Just would like to know if any else has any ideas would be appreciated.

Thank you

If the click is actually from the starter motor, then in the old days a "gentle" tap say with the wooden end of a hammer could jar it into working temporarily. Note the word "gentle", I have seen starters destroyed by some idiot beating the sh*t out of them rendering them none repairable!
If tapped on starter body this usually indicated worn carbon brushes so springs couldn't hold the brushes in contact with the armature.
If tapped on the solenoid part of the pre engaged starter then a lazy solenoid.
In the past they could often be parts to be replaced , however less of an option on later vehicles, so may mean a new starter.
Of course all this is assuming you have a good healthy fully charged battery and the leads to the starter are good including any earthing points

 

[Communicator]

To add to the above, a 2008 Ducato will be an x250 model. These and later models suffer from the now infamous battery earthing strap which can suffer from internal corrosion. The high starter current has to return to the chassis and eventually the battery via this strap. I have read a recommendation for replacing every 4 years, but I think that was for vehicles in fleet service.

 

[Raglits]

Hi guys

2008 fiat ducanto desiel turbo motorhome starting problem.
I've put a new battery in and it would click once on the starter motor then nothing just one click any ideas.

Just would like to know if any else has any ideas would be appreciated.

Thank you

Did you get this sorted? I changed the battery this morning and have the same issue.

I tried tapping the starter and the solenoid with a rubber mallet and would get another click and then nothing so I figured that the starter/solenoid had finally packed up (the starter has been sluggish ever since we bought it) so I've bought a new starter motor, and will hopefully finish fitting that tomorrow (what should have taken 30 minutes is 3 hours in so far).

I may have wasted £120 on the new starter but at least I'll have a new starter instead of an 17 year old one once I've fitted it...

 

[bugsymike]

Did you get this sorted? I changed the battery this morning and have the same issue.

I tried tapping the starter and the solenoid with a rubber mallet and would get another click and then nothing so I figured that the starter/solenoid had finally packed up (the starter has been sluggish ever since we bought it) so I've bought a new starter motor, and will hopefully finish fitting that tomorrow (what should have taken 30 minutes is 3 hours in so far).

I may have wasted £120 on the new starter but at least I'll have a new starter instead of an 17 year old one once I've fitted it...

I would have tested the battery first, as the icy weather is killing batteries.
I have a battery meter that you put the details from the top of the battery in and press the button and it gives the % of life still in the battery and what it's cranking amperage is now compared with what it showed when new.
It's not unusual to see readings of 64% etc.
Just had to go and jump start daughters car and order new battery. I had warned her several weeks ago at last cold spell, but if the choice is spending money or listening to Dad with 55 years experience in the motor trade????

 

[Raglits]

I would have tested the battery first, as the icy weather is killing batteries.
I have a battery meter that you put the details from the top of the battery in and press the button and it gives the % of life still in the battery and what it's cranking amperage is now compared with what it showed when new.
It's not unusual to see readings of 64% etc.

I knew the battery was gone, we got through the summer jump starting the van with my battery pack...

I've ordered a battery maintainer for the cab battery as currently the solar panels only charge the leisure batteries (this is a motorhome not a van used on a daily basis) and that will be a job for next weekend once it's arrived...

 

[cid]

Hi, Has anyone tried the FREE testing of earth straps by attaching a jump lead to neg. terminal of battery and the engine. If starter turns and van starts, it's a bad earth somewhere. All the Best, Ian ( the tight yorkshire man).

 

[Raglits]

New starter motor fitted this morning and I've never known the van to start as easily, should have done that the week after getting it...

 

[Ricky1964]

New starter motor fitted this morning and I've never known the van to start as easily, should have done that the week after getting it...

I’ve just seen your post, my 2006 2.8jtd, turns really slow,you would think the battery is dead, but it’s a new one, once it’s started it’s great on the button straight away was yours like this? Only been doing it for a year I wasn’t clicking just very slow turning, when the RAC came last year even the booster pack struggled,he said new battery,this is the second one under warranty, same thing ,battery ok been on trickle and ehu,many thanks

 

[Raglits]

I’ve just seen your post, my 2006 2.8jtd, turns really slow,you would think the battery is dead, but it’s a new one, once it’s started it’s great on the button straight away was yours like this? Only been doing it for a year I wasn’t clicking just very slow turning, when the RAC came last year even the booster pack struggled,he said new battery,this is the second one under warranty, same thing ,battery ok been on trickle and ehu,many thanks

Mines a 2.3 and the first start was always horrendously slow. Warm start was better but still sluggish. After changing the starter motor yesterday this is what happened...

I put a new battery in on Friday morning and all I got was a click from the starter, I think the new battery killed the old starter completely. I did try the old " rubber mallet on the solenoid and starter"trick and that would get me one attempt before it went silent again...

 

[bugsymike]

Mines a 2.3 and the first start was always horrendously slow. Warm start was better but still sluggish. After changing the starter motor yesterday this is what happened...

I put a new battery in on Friday morning and all I got was a click from the starter, I think the new battery killed the old starter completely. I did try the old " rubber mallet on the solenoid and starter"trick and that would get me one attempt before it went silent again...

Yes, that's the usual symptom.

 

[Raglits]

This was a couple of years ago... I actually think it got worse too but as it was gradual I don't think I'd realised...