Hi

A few days ago my voyager wouldn't turn over. Been parked about 15 minutes, when you turn the key to start cant hear any click of solenoid, headlights don't dim, but the centre console lights go out and heater fan stops, they come back on when you release the key. I think this is normal, you just don't notice it?
I tried a different key with same result, probably tried 10 to 15 times. Called the AA, when they arrived 45 minutes later the vehicle started no problem first time! The AA guy thought it might be a slightly loose battery terminal (I had recently had the battery tested) and should be ok.
It's just done it again, but started after a wait of about 5 mins.
When it turns over the starter motor seems fine, normal noise normal speed.

My guess is the wiring to starter solenoid is bad somewhere, may be the connection to solenoid, too dark for me to really see anything. I'm aware that modern electrics are a little more complicated (and confusing) than I am familiar with so any ideas or pointers would be appreciated.

I suppose unlikely to be the ignition key switch? What do you think?

Many thanks

 

Next time it won't start, get someone to hold the key in the start position. Then with a large spanner or similar, tap the starter, solenoid, terminals at the sterter and at the battery....and the earth strap terminals if you can get at them.

You may find where the fault is if the engine turns over when you tap a certain part.

I once diagnosed a faulty ignition coil on a Renault 5 years ago using this method, after suffering from bad starting and random cutting out for weeks!

 

Update

Think it's fixed. I cleaned the terminal (low current) to the starter motor and its been ok since.
Best way to clean the terminal attached to the cable is from above, remove the other two plugs from the fuel filter so you have enough slack, clean the starter motor terminal from below after removing the undertray.