I have a ford transit 2.5l diesel 1994 van.

When I try to start the van the solenoid just clicks, but nothing else. It has had a new alternator as the diode unit was faulty and the starter motor has been removed and replaced - but still no joy

Any other ideas?

It cannot be jump started using another car or booster box, but we have managed to bump start it downhill backwards - but those opportunities are few and far between. The battery is charged

Any help would be great

Rhiannon, November 2006

Poor chassis earth from engine to body and possibly to the battery could be the problem. Remove all negative 'black' earth wires from the battery and clean them up, not just on the battery side but on the body end. There should also be a link to the engine block, I seem to remember its a heavy wire (Or braid strap) bolted under a bolt on the engine to gearbox flange. Top tip.... Crank the engine with the headlamps on, if the lights stay on and bright its a poor engine earth. If the lamps dim to a glimmer, suspect the battery!

Good Luck Steve.

Steve Ball, November 2006

Sounds like a bad earth connection,your battery cons are tight you have just refitted it,is the earth lead Clean and secure at the other end.There may also be an earth strap from engine to chassis,make sure connection in clean metal to metal and tight,check all leads that go to the chassis i.e solenoid.Good luck.

Rich, November 2006