Thread: Starting problem 2000km from home

Originally Posted by slampadang

2007 F2 petrol unmodified. The trip plan was Melbourne, Fraser Island, Carnarvon Gorge and a lot of other places in about 5 weeks.
Towing recent model Jayco Eagle Outback, about 1850kg

Day 1, 120km from home, battery problems. Limp back home on a spare battery, had alternator replaced, only delayed by 2 days.
Day 6, Gold Coast, filled up with petrol U91. Would not start. Battery voltage about 12.1V. Jump start from a friendly motorist and back on the road. Had left headlights on while filling (ElecBrakes) and Anderson to Jayco plug in (batteries in Jayco).
Day 16, Gympie, filled up with petrol U91, then same as day 6 except jumping would not start. RACQ arrive, new battery. Cranks happily, starter motor cranks for about 4 seconds and then gives up. Check for potential current draws elsewhere, all good.

I'll contact Gold City Land Rover in Gympie tomorrow (Monday) to see if they can assist. Any clues?

BTW I'd not recommend taking a van/camper to Fraser with an F2. Not enough clearance.

Thanks Jimmy.

Check the battery voltage when the car is running to make sure the new alternator is ok.

The car should have started by the 4 second mark unless not cranking fast enough or there is another problem.

If the batteries in the jayco are stuffed they could draw down the crank battery depending on set up.

As for the recommendation to not tow a nearly 2 Ton camper on Fraser with a Freelander, I think you're safe there, as no thinking person would do that.

Car won't run, won't start, so I can't check voltage while running. This is my problem. Why won't it start.

First thing I would be checking is the security and connectivity of all the earth connections, the ones from engine to body, particularly at the starter motor. Also, is the starter motor actually secured firmly.

Just initial thoughts, but the four second cranking suggests a high current draw which could easily mean a bad earth.

Of course, the starter motor itself could be bad.

Originally Posted by slampadang

Car won't run, won't start, so I can't check voltage while running. This is my problem. Why won't it start.

I feel your pain. If i was in your shoes I would carry out some simple fault finding. Disconnect the van and any other possible electrical drain. Start under the bonnet and check each fuse. Pull the fuse and physically check it. Then move into the cab and do the same. I'm not familiar with the freelander set up / alarm. I would sit in the vehicle and lock and unlock via the key fob and try starting it straight away in case the alarm is resetting it self or immobiliser. BAz

Originally Posted by Tins

First thing I would be checking is the security and connectivity of all the earth connections, the ones from engine to body, particularly at the starter motor. Also, is the starter motor actually secured firmly. Just initial thoughts, but the four second cranking suggests a high current draw which could easily mean a bad earth.Of course, the starter motor itself could be bad.

Or the new battery is a dud, undersized, can't deliver the cold cranking amps.

Or if the Jayco has a 3 way fridge that has been running on 12 volts, it'll draw down the batteries in no time, including the crank if there is no VSR, especially if not fully charged to start with.

Originally Posted by discorevy

Or if the Jayco has a 3 way fridge that has been running on 12 volts, it'll draw down the batteries in no time, including the crank if there is no VSR, especially if not fully charged to start with.

The Jayco was disconnected when trying to start. The fridge is a Bushman, it is running on 12v.