Won't start: 1993 Starwagon Super Exceed (L300)

[quique]

Hello,

A couple of days ago I went to turn on the Delica and it cranked like 4 times but it didn't turn on. I turned it on the same as usual: turned key to ON and waited like 10 seconds and then started engine but it didn't start. I was away for 3 weeks and when I came back I turned it on (it always lags a bit when not in use for a while but turns on fine).. I did an oil change as well and everything fine. Then a couple days ago it would not turn on. Still doesn't. All the lights turn on and the AC and everything and the clock goes dim when cranking and then comes back.

Video here of what is happening. One thing I noticed now while doing the video is that before, the fuel needle was going to the position of fuel it has (a little over hald a tank) but this last try while doing the video I noticed the fuel needle stayed down.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. .

Video is at this link:

IMG_1187.MOV

Shared with Dropbox

www.dropbox.com

It was too big to upload. I hope the sound is ok and you can hear whats happening.

Thanks!

 

[sk66]

Very low battery or very bad battery connection...

 

[quique]

Very low battery or very bad battery connection...

Great thanks!

I'll look into that. I know nothing about mechanics but I'm sure a quick google search will tell me how to check battery connection.

Can the battery just die like that? (without leaving the door open or anything like that which would normally drain it).

Thanks

 

[sk66]

Yes, batteries eventually just fail...

 

[ccmickelson]

Check the main terminal connections on the battery posts. If one is loose well there’s your problem. I’m guessing this has more to do with the condition of your battery. You can have the battery tested at an auto parts store. Either remove it or try getting a jump start or try charging it. There should be a date code visible somewhere on the battery. If the battery is run down or weak, it usually doesn’t help to be running other accessories, such as the blower fan I hear running in the video. if the battery tests good then the alternator (which can also be tested) is suspect. If that is fine, then you may have some thing that is draining the battery, perhaps a dome light left on..

 

[quique]

Check the main terminal connections on the battery posts. If one is loose well there’s your problem. I’m guessing this has more to do with the condition of your battery. You can have the battery tested at an auto parts store. Either remove it or try getting a jump start or try charging it. There should be a date code visible somewhere on the battery. If the battery is run down or weak, it usually doesn’t help to be running other accessories, such as the blower fan I hear running in the video. if the battery tests good then the alternator (which can also be tested) is suspect. If that is fine, then you may have some thing that is draining the battery perhaps a dome light left on..

yes the blower fan was on hehe.

I will check the battery terminals and/or jump it to charge. My driveway is very narrow and it kind of hard to work under the "hood" but luckily I parked wrong and theres more space on the passenger side.

Thanks for the tips.

 

[quique]

Yes, batteries eventually just fail...

What battery do you recommend for this? I've seen a lot of different ones talked about online (this forum, reddit, etc) and not sure what to get.

Thanks

 

[Tuksy]

What battery do you recommend for this? I've seen a lot of different ones talked about online (this forum, reddit, etc) and not sure what to get.

Thanks

That depends on a few factors, is you Delica gas or diesel and what climate you live in. Mine is a diesel and has 1 "34-7" battery. It looks like it could easily fit 2 "34-7" batteries which I will probably eventually put in. A diesel will always require more cranking amps then a gas engine due to the higher compression and if you live in a colder climate then the extra cold cranking amps is never a bad thing.

 

[sk66]

What battery do you recommend for this? I've seen a lot of different ones talked about online (this forum, reddit, etc) and not sure what to get.

Thanks

27F is the closest to the OEM size if you have single battery, group 24 if you have dual battery; I have an Interstate 27F in mine...

 

[quique]

That depends on a few factors, is you Delica gas or diesel and what climate you live in. Mine is a diesel and has 1 "34-7" battery. It looks like it could easily fit 2 "34-7" batteries which I will probably eventually put in. A diesel will always require more cranking amps then a gas engine due to the higher compression and if you live in a colder climate then the extra cold cranking amps is never a bad thing.

Mine is diesel and has two batteries right now. I live in Puerto Rico so its basically hot here all the time.

27F is the closest to the OEM size if you have single battery, group 24 if you have dual battery; I have an Interstate 27F in mine...

Thanks. I think Costco sells interstate. I’ll look into. I have dual battery setup. Came like that.

Thanks all

 

[mophoto123]

I just installed 2 replacement group 24 interstate batteries from Costco in my Dual battery (parallel 12v). the original Japanese batteries were ~10 years old. there is space but it's a tight fit. the tie down rod pair i had could only use the main strap, the one set ar 90 degrees to the clamp I had to leave off.

makes a huge difference having healthy batteries, cold start is easy now. one thing I'd do differently is to keep the plastic handles attached and just weave the wiring through the handles. I initially removed both but reattached the second battery going in becuse the bottom corner catches a recess in the battery tray and without the strap to pull up the back half of the battery it just gets stuck. also the negative posts on the US batteries were smaller than the Japanese ones they replaced so I had to get battery shims and cut them to size. only thing I don't like is the tie down strap does press against the strap housing on the side of the battery.

last thing, might have only applied to mine but due to old batteries, I removed the battery tray and removed a lot of peeled paint/surface rust, including the underside of the tray and a bit on thr frame below. 5 bolts and pretty easy, even for a novice like me.

good luck

 

[quique]

UPDATE

I bought two batteries, and ended up doing it myself. It honestly wasn't that hard. I removed the coolant reserve tank and batteries came out quite easily (aside from them being heavy).

I did run into problems. The long-style battery terminal on the right side battery was apparently on it's last legs and it was done after I unscrewed the nuts (photos included). I found out after putting them back (ended up taking them out and putting the back like 4 times). I found a similar battery terminal but it didnt have that little angle from the original and it did not work. I had to put a thick 2 gauge positive battery cable (w/ terminal) so it was flexible enough to be able to attach the alternator thing to the screw that would come out of the angled part of the long-style battery terminal.

It worked but the cable is quite long (10" I think) so I ordered 2 new terminals from Coombs so I can put it back into its original state and have an extra one in case the other terminal breaks sometime.

It was all a very annoying situation since I have no experience (now I do) with mechanic stuff.. took my a long time and a couple trips to stores.