300tdi Ignition System

Shearpin

Well-known member
Just pedalled my bicycle 20 km’s in 1 degree, windy weather to get 25 lbs of groceries - pedalling with potatoes. Out of shape with a dead 110, and my 88” Is waiting for nicer weather to sort a bad wheel bearing...

Anyways... I drove my 110 300tdi 3 days ago - no problems. Went out this morning and nothing happens with the turn of a key. No glow plugs, headlights, etc.

I’ve checked the obvious - battery is good, and I did a quick clean of the main grounds; still nothing. My 300tdi is a conversion - so I have some non standard wiring and wire chasing to do. Whoever did the conversion obviously had a large spool of baby-blue wire at their disposal.

Any suggestions? One specific question - I assume if the ignition module (where I put the key) goes bad the lights, etc should still work? I am hoping to eliminate it as the issue.

Given the degree to which the 110 is dead, I am hoping it is a ground issue that simply requires more examination...

Thanks again - NAS-ROW... Happy Easter...

Henry
 

RBBailey

NAS-ROW Addict
Callsign: KF7KFZ
I like your Instagram. I want my truck to be as tough looking as yours one day, and I marvel at how much time you spend in it, long distances from home. I'm having a hard time just planning a trip in Oregon and trying to imagine how I could tow a parts truck with me, just in case!

I don't know specifically about the ignition module being able to have auxiliary items on but not being able to start the vehicle, but I suspect that it can happen for mechanical, as well as electrical reasons. When I put mine in, it was apparent that the blades that you connect the wires to were not exactly robust items, and that vibrations, corrosion, age.... could all conspire to simply break them loose. It's probably a good thing to suspect if you've run other tests to see where power is going.
 

Napalm00

Technical Excellence Contributor
If your headlights aren't working without the key in you have a voltage issue. Its most likely either related to the battery or to the starter hot side connection. all voltage switched and unswitched comes from this single connection.

Without the key in the ignition flip the headlight switch to the on position. If the headlights don't come on that's the issue.

I would then work from the battery positive connection to the starter and to other places to make sure that I have connectivity. There's a chance you could also have a what's called flat battery that shows voltage but immediately dies upon any cranking amperage being required from it.
 
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Shearpin

Well-known member
RB - thanks for the note. My instagram can be deceptive - I often relive older trips to balance out the repair and maintenance cycle frustrations. With family health issues, dance dad obligations - not to mention work - we tend to commit to longer trips 2 to 3 years apart. It has forced us to follow through. Also - if you want your truck to look tough - lend it to me for a few Canadian, salt road winters...

Napalm - your note helps... thanks. I have 3 hours tomorrow to try and sort the 110 and won’t spend it all fiddling under the dash. Failing that, I will supervise my daughter with the wheel bearing job on the Series In the afternoon; it’s part of her COVID home schooling. She is convinced the Series will be hers at 16 - and she knows using requires knowing how to fix It.

I need a running Rover next week.

Thanks again...
 

jymmiejamz

Founding Member
Callsign: KN4JHI
It's very common for the electrical portion of the ignition switch to fail. It is plastic and separates from the back of the metal mechanical portion.If you pull the trim around the steering wheel you should be able to see if it has failed. I just had to do mine a couple months ago.
 

navydevildoc

Member
Callsign: K6NRT
One minor note about the lights, depending on the country of origin of your truck, the headlights may not work if the key is out. But the marker lamps should always work regardless.

If you don't even get the marker lamps, check the battery voltage right on the posts, then trace the hot connections to the fuse box and the ground strap to the frame and transfer case.
 

Shearpin

Well-known member
Removed and cleaned all my grounds of mud, grease and cow patty... applied contact cleaner and snugged up my starter posts... cleaned the ignition leads...

Motive power back to me and my people....

Thanks for the responses.
 
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