Stuck in Jasper - L400 Chamonix *RESOLVED*

[jessef]

Sister with two babies are stuck in Jasper with the L400 Chamonix. It will not turn over. Electrical connections are all good, battery is good, terminals are good. Tried to move van back and forth in neutral, park and play with column shift, no luck. The starter will not engage (can't hear it at all).

If there's something I'm missing (busy @ work) please post.

2 options. leave it at Jasper with a mechanic who never touched an L400 or tow it to Automotion in Edmonton and have them take a go at it.

Craig, looking at you mostly. What's the best option?

They are on a time frame to get to a wedding in Edmonton tomorrow afternoon and have two babies with them so alternative travel is limited.

Cheers

[yojimbo]

I know not a lot about 400's but as they are on a tight schedule and I recently saw something similar on a Citroen, have they checked fuses and any fusable links?

[jessef]

all fuses under hood and @ battery are solid. All terminal connections are tight and clean. battery tested 100%. All done at a shop just a few mins ago. They are now looking at applying voltage direct to the starter to see if the solenoid is working or not.

Engine oil level is normal as is the oil color. Coolant level is normal. All fluids are good.

I went over their Chamonix before they went on the trip and did a bunch of maintenance.

I'm thinking armchair over the phone it's either the starter itself, connection between battery <-> solenoid <-> starter, or the column shifter *sensor as it doesn't recognize it's in (P)ark or (N)eutral

[jessef]

diagnosed : starter motor on it's way out

gave it a wack with a BFH and it's good. so need to get one while they are in Edmonton.

[mararmeisto]

I was going to recommend the park sensor, but it would appear problem solved.

Nothing like a BFH to sort things out. Or a pound of C4 - wait, that was an army thing.

[Spearo]

Just saw this- haven't been on the forum for a while. Glad it's figured. If there's anything I can do to help while they're here in Edm, call me please. 780 709 five of five one.
Erik.

[CREGAN]

Just got back from a wedding myself about an hour ago. Glad it is figured out. I don't think Automotion is open on the weekends. PM or email me if you need me to do or recommend anything. Let me know.

Craig

[MardyDelica]

so i am right jessie for this starter.
i mention to you over the phone.
try many thing i told you and you know the result.
problem;
Maybe starter has a dirty contact. dont want to engage the solenoid right away.
normal wear and tear of the starter.
as i hear many of this kind of starter failure both L300 and L400.
its thru ages and maybe never been change since new from japan.
just normal wear and tear of any used car.
phone me later if need one i do have in stock

Hope your sister and the kids were ok going to the wedding.
Cheers;
Mardy

[jessef]

starter is gone. they are getting towed to Automotion and hopefully Len can either rebuild it or source it out so that it doesn't cost them an arm and a leg. BFH worked for the past 2 days until this morning. Solenoid pack is probably done.

[MardyDelica]

hi, sorry to hear this.
but when starter go nothing much we can do about this.
when it go it goes.

[jessef]

update resolved

stator plate on the starter held on by two small hex bolts was loose causing an arc because it was not grounding properly

Len/automotion removed the plate. cleaned both sides / applied dielectric grease / new bolts w locktite and back on the road at minimal cost.

[yojimbo]

That's a great result!