I have 2004 transit and it has decided not to turn over any more by key. The battery went flat but have charged it up and it started first turnover. Took key out to unlock rear door and then it made a funny electrical sound passenger side and since then will not turn over by key but can jump start and run. key will kill engine but will not start it again. Changed solednoid

Dave, September 2014

Had to replace starter motor and thanks guys great help

dave, September 2014

The key in its first position makes the electrics come alive - ignition - wipers - indicators et cetera.

In the second position it makes - should make - the starter motor run - activate a big high-current relay (you might hear it click) which makes the starter turn over

When the key is turned off the ignition circuit is cut and the engine stops.

It sounds to me as if your van has a starter motor problem - motor itself or the relay that makes it turn - possibly the wire that runs to the starter relay - a much cheaper fix.

Get yourself close to the starter motor - have somebody operate the switch - listen for the click of the relay - check out the thin wire that operates the relay - has it fallen off?

I know very little about motor vehicles so don't bank on my advice.

Good luck...

Jeremy Clarkson, September 2014

Check your connections at starter,make sure you have 12v at the small wire on solenoid when trying to crank over,if so then suspect faulty starter if your battery is in good order.

cdc, September 2014