hi i have a 1989 ford cargo 0813 horsebox it wont start in cold weather, i have put 2 new batteries on in november but when its frosty or -2 it just wont start. Iv put 2 new flame plugs in, HOW LONG SHOULD THE BUTTON ON DASH BE HELD IN FOR THE FLAME PLUGS. Im wondering if the batteries are not enough power even fully charged it turns slow. The batteries are 95ah and 700cca should i put bigger batteries on ?. Hope someone can help. Many thanks. Keith

Keith., January 2011

Also, the alternator is part of the ignition circuits, so check all connections on it. have u got an isolator on the battery, be worth checking for voltage drops across the isolator..

pat, April 2011

I have a 1990 ford cargo 0813. Was having problems starting so I treated it to two top-powered batteries, 1000cca and since then it's been starting fine. Then yesterday the yard owner asked me to move it so hedges behind it could be cut. So I moved it about 100 yards and then switched off the engine....so no time to replace the charge I took from the batteries when I started it. Didn't think it would be a problem as I would have thought batteries would have enough power to start the engine a few times before they ran out of juice. WRONG. Went to move it back to it's normal parking spot and stupid thing won't start. I hooked it up to my car for about 20 mins, but it turns for about a second and then there's nothing. I am SO annoyed. Sounds like I am not the only one with a Cargo 813 with starting issues.

Heidi, February 2011

Hi stewart, i havent as yet had chance to look at the things said, but im hoping to this weekend, i will let you know how i get on. Keith.

keith, February 2011

Would be interested how you get on and what the problem is. We have just got a 1992 813 horse box and since we brought it home a few days ago it just will not start. Tried a new battery (supplier looked it up and it was the manufacturer recommended Varta 680cca 110Ah) still just turning over very sluggishly and not firing. Sounds like you are describing the same problem...

Stuart, February 2011

Hiya thanks for the advice, i will try all things you said. I bought the batteries from the shop i get all my car parts from, i know the bloke and i took the old batteries in to show him he took the details off the old ones and got me 2 new ones, now were the ones on the lorry the rite ones ? ok i will try all the things you said first. many thanks. Keith

keith, January 2011

i wouldn't know about your batteries .didn't whoever you got the batteries from reference them to make sure they are the correct ones for the vehicle?.but clean all the earth connection ..as poor earths cause poor starting and lazy starters ..ie starter turns slowly ...unless the starter has saw better days ...also clean positive lead on the starter..if you have a multi meter put it over the batteries and as you try to start it ,see what the voltage drop is

norb, January 2011