1993 L300 Diesel - Random Starting Issue

DCS · Post by **DCS** » Mon Feb 06, 2017 12:07 am

We've had our L300 Space Mobile for two weeks now. Everyday seems to get better and better. Even despite the bumps and scrapes.

The Problem:

Ive had a couple of instances now where i would do my usual wait for the second click for the glow plugs and try to start and ... not even a click. Now both of these instances have been after a longer period of driving, around 1hr of mixed road. I also took the time to wait for the engine to cool before shutting her down before the end of both drives. Then after when we go to start her up, she is unable to start. Had to check to make sure it is in P so tried that test and still no start. waited for a few minutes....

Happy ending was after an approx. 5 min wait tried her again and started. The second time was even faster than the first. My first instinct is to say either the ignition relay or the starter assembly but i thought it would be smart to ask some experts what they thought before i go ahead and make any assumptions.

Is there anything i can do to check what is failing? what should i be checking or looking for?

Thank you very much in advance for anyone's help. And if there is any more information that you need to help to help me then i would be grateful.

DCS

Post by **Growlerbearnz** » Mon Feb 06, 2017 3:16 pm

Sounds like something electrical. A failing starter would (usually) at least click.

Next time it does it, try it in Neutral rather than Park- it might be the inhibitor switch.

Check all the connections by the battery- unplug each one and plug it back in again. That should clean up any corrosion.

sailmonkeys · Post by **sailmonkeys** » Tue Feb 07, 2017 4:03 pm

my experience is here for what it's worth.

http://www.delica.ca/forum/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=18077

Captain America · Post by **Captain America** » Tue Feb 07, 2017 6:27 pm

Bear,
I put your insight about the inhibitor switch to use today. To add to the info pool, I could not get my 90' Delica to start this morning. Upon turning the key I waited for and got the second click (along with dash lights),but no engine turnover. Not a sound from the starter. I tried jumping the battery thinking there was not enough juice to turn the crank. Still no turnover. Checked all connections near battery. No start. I then got on the forum and found your above post about the inhibitor switch. I tried starting the Delica in neutral and bingo!
Started strong.
Thank you for your keen advice.

DCS · Post by **DCS** » Wed Feb 08, 2017 3:08 am

Thanks guys for your info.

I went and bought a voltmeter from CT today but haven't had a chance to check the wiring.

Ive tried starting her in Neutral and still no pop.

Today we drove out to Pitt Meadows (from Vancouver) and sure enough. we stopped at the cineplex parking lot. got out and got some timmy's then came to start it and .. nothing.. but i was making sure to listen for a click while starting. I found that there is a click followed by another click immediately after. My daughter looked at me and said 'daddy, give her a few minutes.' so after about a 4 minute wait my girl told me she was ready and she started right up. This incident has happened around 5 times now after long drives and Im not sure what that means but i will have to look at those suggestions that were already made.

I can't be certain what it is yet nor have i had to time to check it. Having too much fun driving her around town with the sun being out. I counted SIX L300's out in the sun today and i met up with another L300 owner who isnt on the forum but loves his 1990 L300. I'm finding delica owners very unique.

poochike · Post by **poochike** » Wed Feb 08, 2017 8:42 am

Sounds like loose battery connections. Pull off your terminals and give them a clean and tighten. Hope that helps.

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