D40 windscreen washer problem

landmannnn · Dec 5, 2018

When you disconnected the battery, did you turn the ignition key? That would make sure all the circuits are discharged.

NellyC · Dec 5, 2018

freemansteve said:
What kind of whirr are you talking about? Can you post a sound file or a video with sound? "Whirr" kind of implies something is turning...

It may not be the ECU if the car is actually trying to start, and it could still be the battery despite the "indicator" (or a corroded earth connection somewhere). Might be worth seeing what happens if you connect to another car with jump leads....

I made a video on my phone, but it won't accept the .MOV format. It's a clicky whirring sound - could it be the starter solenoid?

freemansteve · Dec 5, 2018

You may be able to convert it online, to say .mp4 and then post it here.
In the meantime clicking is often a relay. See if you can find which relay....

NellyC · Dec 6, 2018

freemansteve said:
You may be able to convert it online, to say .mp4 and then post it here.
In the meantime clicking is often a relay. See if you can find which relay....

Unfortunately MP4 not allowed either, and the zip file is too big. I'm pretty sure what's making the whirring clicking noise is the starter solenoid. Not sure if I've damaged the starter when I tried to start it with partially discharged battery?

freemansteve · Dec 6, 2018

the starter won't be damaged by a low battery, but the battery sounds u/s irrespective of any other problems....

Craighew · Dec 6, 2018

I'd agree, clicking sounds normally indicate the battery simply hasn't the power to turn the engine over.

I've experienced exactly the same before, although not on my truck, even after fully recharging a poor battery.

As soon as I fitted a replacement all was good...

Craighew · Dec 6, 2018

Just checking, you're sure the cables to and from the starter are good?

Only asking as I can't understand why the truck couldn't start with a jump...

NellyC · Dec 6, 2018

Craighew said:
Just checking, you're sure the cables to and from the starter are good?

Only asking as I can't understand why the truck couldn't start with a jump...

I tried knocking the starter motor, no difference. My jump leads are not great, so I'm borrowing a meaty set from someone at work. I'll try jumping it again with the bigger leads either tomorrow or over the weekend.

Thanks for the help, much appreciated!

NellyC · Dec 10, 2018

Hi guys

An update - you were pretty much all on the money - it was the battery. After I first left it on charge overnight I couldn't understand why the battery would have been dead - I think my charger was duff! Then when I tried jumping it, I don't think the leads I was using were man enough.

I jump started it yesterday with some decent leads, and it started. At first I had no speedo, rev counter, indicators etc, but I disconnected the battery & left it on charge last night (with a new charger!). This morning it seems fine.

Thanks for all the help, much appreciated!

landmannnn · Dec 10, 2018

Good stuff. A lead acid battery loses 10% every time it is discharged fully, so consider a new one....

Craighew · Dec 10, 2018

Great to hear you're sorted. I had a similar issue on m kitcar and couldn't accept the battery was duff.

As has been said many times before as soon as the battery lets go it's a slippery slope and you're well advised to replace it before it lets you down again.

D40 windscreen washer problem

landmannnn

NellyC

freemansteve

NellyC

freemansteve

Craighew

Craighew

NellyC

NellyC

landmannnn

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