When something unexpectedly goes wrong with your Bongo – and it probably will at some point – the items gradually collated on this page, should reduce your panic, or at least give you a clearer idea of what might have happened.
Coolant alarm sounds – loss of water from the system. Stop as quickly as it is safe to do so and switch off the engine. Check externally for any signs of leaking water and the level of water in the expansion tank (where you usually top up the coolant).
Typically, loss of water can be due to a damaged radiator, a split rubber hose, or a fracture in a metal pipe. At the worst end of this scale, is a blown cylinder head – commonly due to over heating through loss of circulating coolant. Also, check belts to water pump. Sometimes, a worn water pump may also need replacing.
White smoke from exhaust – diesel fuel not burning correctly, due to lack of heat in the combustion chamber. Possible causes include: Clogged fuel filter, incorrect injector pump timing, or poor glow plugs.
AFT (roof) will not open – more here, and here, but also check:
- Handbrake is on (a micro switch for AFT is connected to handbrake)
- Engine is running to boost current without solely relying on van battery
AFT (roof) will not close – Check:
- Handbrake is on (a micro switch for AFT is connected to handbrake)
- Engine is running to boost current without solely relying on van battery
- The release switch in the top of the roof has been pressed
Fuel Problems – A common problem, mentioned a few times by Bongo owners, relates to the fuel pump. Over time, the pump can start to leak and this is commonly due to perished seals. Bongo Fury has information on this and you can buy seal kits to fit yourself.
Will not change into top gear – This is quite common when the engine and gearbox are cold. In winter months, you may drive for a couple of miles before it will change into top gear. This is quite normal, albeit annoying, as the ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid) has to warm up a bit, before it will change out of third.
Another reason for the gear not changing up to top, is having the ‘hold’ switched on. If you have ‘HOLD’ lit up on the dashboard, press the hold button on the gear selector to release it.
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