ducvan Posted August 9, 2019 Share Posted August 9, 2019 Hello, new to forum and am in need of some advice. I have this camper for several years with no problems. I have never modified or changed anything and kept services up to date. It is low mileage for year 93k, and whenever I do a trip always check fluids etc prior (habit). Tank was full. I was driving for around 2 hours yesterday when suddenly I lost power momentarily which happened when trying an overtake, dropped down a gear, went to accelerate but nothing, next moment all was normal. It happened a second time an hour or so later? Last night driving back, same thing happened but also vehicle started to cut out judder then resume, and the whole dash panel lit up like a christmas tree, lights flashing off and on. I was doing around 60 miles an hour (100km) and started to slow down dropping through the gears hoping something good not bad would happen, which luckily was the good, it just suddenly began driving normal again? but the MIL light activated and stayed on. I was not to far from home so came back and now this morning I went to check it but it would not start. I checked battery (13.6v) and connections, all fuses, even put a booster on to see if it would start but nothing, just funny wirring and clicking noises when trying the key, and more weird noises after removing the key? Am at a loss where to check next? Any advice or help much appreciated. Regards Tom Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Billggski Posted August 9, 2019 Share Posted August 9, 2019 The classic quick fix is to see if your earth strap has corroded and your battery isn't connecting securely. Plenty of threads on this forum about it. A test is to put a jump cable between your chassis and the engine, or even your earth terminal. Asnew earth straps are only a fiver it's worth replacing or putting a second one on. The next step might be to check the fuse box connections which can corrode. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keithl Posted August 9, 2019 Share Posted August 9, 2019 If the MIL is on then what codes are stored? They should give a clue as to the reason you lost power. But agree with Bill above, check your earth strap first. Keith. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikefitz Posted August 9, 2019 Share Posted August 9, 2019 It sounds as if you were loosing all electrical power intermittantly. The earth strap is a common problem on early vans. Don't try to remove it or clear the connections the fixings will be corroded in place. Add a new strap from a convient point on the gearbox or engine to chassis. The original strap is low down on the NS below the air cleaner. Check the fuse block on the engine battery positive post, this can become loose on the post and the fuses can also be making poor contact. At the other end of the battery check the negative terminal is secure. Another common area that gives problems is the wiring loom behind the NS headlight, it's not very well protected and the insulation can be compromised where it rubs against the body leading to shorts and intermittent connections. This is the main path for signals from and to the engine computer. Also in this area is the fuse box and below this the engine computer. Connections on the multi plugs can sometinmes be intermittent or damaged by water ingress. The fuse box itself may also suffer from water ingress. You will have some engine fault codes but if caused by poor connections will be no use in solving the problem. Another common probben on the 2.2 engine ( Ford Puma) is EGR valve failure. This will give poor running and can prevent starting if faulty. The clicks and wIrring could be the starter trying to engage and not getting enough power. The only other item that makes strange noises is the EGR as it goes through a cleaning cycle as you turn off. Mike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ducvan Posted August 9, 2019 Author Share Posted August 9, 2019 Thanks guys, you have given me some real helpful advice which I will dive right into tomorrow. I will update as I go through and check off this list you have given me. Appreciated. Regards Tom Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ducvan Posted August 10, 2019 Author Share Posted August 10, 2019 Okay, this morning I took the light out did a good dig in amongst the wiring looms, pics attached, nothing obvious jumps out at me. I checked all power connections again, even put a cable from engine to chassis, still a non starter?? :-( the picture of the dash was what was happening whilst driving, total intermittent lights flashing of and on, fuel gauge speedometer all going crazy. I am in the mind now to call in the electrical specialists as I have no idea on modern computer driven machines. Ironic seeing as I just rebuilt my Leyland tractor engine inside out, easy no electronic mumbo jumbo crap..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ducvan Posted August 17, 2019 Author Share Posted August 17, 2019 Yes yes yes..... all done and fixed :-D It was the earthing strap underneath, I thought it was good, it wasn't 8-) It was totally gone on the inside, It ended up wrecking the battery. I would advise anyone that cares to listen, change that strap, an easy cheap fix that could save you hard money. I am a happy camper once again. :-D :-D :-D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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