I have a problem with Ford Cargo 0813 (1989). Started having problem starting up, lorry has a red key to disable the batteries (2 but still 12v). Can normally jump start from car if necessary (although not helpful when stuck at show). Have noticed a red warning light on dash board which would normally go off when travelling. (This is on all time now). Last straw when would not even turn over - just clicking now. Could I be that un-lucky - is it alternator and starter motor? What would you recon first. Any help welcome - husband at wits end!

hogarth 1953, October 2008

F**king D*ckhead doesnt deserve help, let him sort it himself. P**ck

Dave, November 2008

probably solenoid wiring as this is common on this model as it is below the p/s reservoir and gets contaminated.
check this before changing anything.

lecky, October 2008

Dear hogarth 1953!
2 alternators in 10 years (with the level of usage you describe) seems excessive! Have you by any chance had welding done to chassis or bodywork without disconnecting alternator and batteries? This is recommended to avoid damage to same.
(1) Have you checked the state of charge of the battery with a hydrometer?
(2) Make sure battery terminal posts and clamps are clean and free from corrosion. (Use abrasive paper or small wire brush - there is a specially shaped brush for it but you don't need to go that far!). Corrosion products will increase resistance significantly. Keep these items clean by smearing petroleum jelly -i.e. "Vaseline" on them.
(3) Make sure battery lead connections are good - sometimes the cable can be loose in the clamp and don't forget to check where the negative lead is attached to the chassis. This kind of thing can be the difference between a click and a nice 4 or 6 -cylinder Ford diesel roar when you turn the ignition key.
(4) There are a series of tests which can be carried out on the battery and alternator for trouble shooting purposes. You may not have such equipment, but if you are able to give an email address (you could set one up just for this to avoid nuisance emails) I can scan that section of the Ford Cargo workshop manual and email it to you. (Very useful books - they often appear for sale on ebay - worth your while to get a set if you intend to be involved with Cargos).

Batteries don't like frost and being exposed to low temperatures - if battery covers were on the truck originally, they should be used. If the truck is not in regular use, it is worth your while to take the batteries out altogether. Once a month in the winter is almost a state of dereliction!

JD, October 2008

Thanks JD. We have checked fan belt and tightened. We have had lorry about 10 years and seem to keep getting this problem (have had recon alternator twice already and 1 starter motor). We also seem to change all the batteries about every two years. Lorry is used weekly through the summer but only about once a month from Oct to April. Has two batteries to start and 1 to run the lights inside "caravan" section (this is horse box), never use radio or tacho.

hogarth 1953, October 2008

Red light is possibly battery warning light - which should be obvious as it has a battery shaped symbol! As you say this lights up on starting and goes off a few seconds later.

Could be that the alternator is not charging the battery.
(1) Check drive belt tension. A loose drive belt won't drive the alternator at the correct speed - reducing output. 1/2" of deflection midway between water pump pulley and alternator pulley is correct.
A broken fan-belt won't drive the alternator at all!
(2) Check that all leads on alternator are secure.
(3) Could be a short circuit somewhere in wiring which is draining battery - despite the battery master switch. Typical problem - due to people wiring in extra lights and gadgets which my subsequently be removed leaving loose bare ended wiring.
(4) The battery may just be too old and in need of replacement - they will get to a point where they just don't hold charge.

JD, October 2008

If I knew what the red light was for - I wouldn't be posting a question??????????????????????????

hogarth1953, October 2008

What is the red warning light????????????
A RED light is IMPORTANT.
Its probably the source of your problem.

More info on the light and we might be able to help. If you can't be bothered to answer then we can't help you.

Dave, October 2008