What should you do if your Iveco won't start?

Your trusty Iveco Daily has decided to play up today. Despite your best efforts, you just can’t get it to start. 

What are the reasons why an Iveco Daily won’t start? 

There can be various reasons for this problem, linked to different factors. Don’t worry: we’ll help you find a solution.    

Follow these steps: 

• Check the battery

What should you do if your Iveco won’t start? In most cases, it’s a battery problem. Indeed, it is this component that supplies the energy needed for the Iveco Daily starter motor to turn the engine over. Therefore, first of all, check the battery warning light on the dashboard. If it’s red, the problem is likely due to a faulty battery. There are various causes for this issue.

The battery has been misused: if you’ve forgotten to switch off your headlights, or left the radio or windscreen wipers on, the battery can drain very quickly. Similarly, if the air conditioning is running at full power whilst the engine is switched off, your battery will be drained unnecessarily. 

• If your vehicle hasn’t been driven for a long time, the battery may be flat
• It can also happen that the cables are damaged
• People are sometimes unaware that extreme temperatures – both cold and hot – can also take a toll on your battery.
• If the battery’s external terminals have corroded, you may experience battery problems. 

A quick tip: always keep jumper cables in your vehicle to avoid needing a tow.

Note: for Iveco Daily electric models fitted with more powerful batteries, these problems are less common.

• Check the spark plugs

The role of spark plugs differs between petrol and diesel engines. In a petrol engine, you won’t be able to start the engine without them. In a diesel engine, a faulty spark plug makes ignition more difficult, but once the engine is warm, it will start. How can you tell if your spark plugs are worn out? There are some tell-tale signs:

• You have difficulty starting the engine, especially in cold weather.
• Your fuel consumption increases unusually.
• Thick black smoke is coming out of the exhaust.
• You notice a loss of power when accelerating. Be careful not to confuse this with a flywheel issue, however.

If your Iveco’s starting problem is caused by faulty spark plugs, you will need to replace them. This is a fairly simple job that you can do yourself. 

• Check the Iveco Daily starter motor

A dirty or worn Iveco Daily starter motor is a common cause of starting problems. If you hear a noise as soon as you turn the key in the ignition, it may be the starter motor spinning freely. Gently tap the starter motor to dislodge any particles or dirt that may have accumulated. This may temporarily resolve the issue.

• Check the fuel injector

A problem with the fuel injector can be detected by both sound and smell. When starting the engine, if you can hear it running but it won’t start, it’s almost certainly down to the fuel injector! This is usually accompanied by a strong smell of fuel. However, if your van does start, it will have less power than usual.  You may also experience jerky acceleration.

• Check the alternator

The alternator allows the battery to recharge using the energy generated by the engine whilst driving. So, if your battery isn’t recharging whilst driving, the alternator is to blame. You won’t be able to start your Iveco Daily if the battery isn’t charging. (see also: causes of alternator failure)

• Check the ignition switch

Wear and tear and issues with the ignition switch are uncommon on the Iveco Daily, but they do occur. When starting the engine, if nothing happens and the steering wheel remains locked when you insert the key and turn it in the ignition, it means the immobiliser is engaged.   This may be a problem with the key or a dirty lock. Check the condition of your key and avoid forcing the lock to prevent damage to the Iveco Daily components inside.

Maintaining your Iveco Daily to avoid starting problems

As you’ve realised, the problem usually stems from the battery. So take good care of it! Make sure it’s always charged. Switch everything off in the vehicle before leaving it.

Avoid exposing your Iveco Daily to extreme cold or heat. Do not leave it standing for too long without driving it.

And above all, be vigilant. The smell of fuel, loss of power, black smoke coming from the exhaust, and jerking or stuttering are warning signs of starting difficulties.

Find spare parts to get your Iveco Daily started You’ll easily find

an Iveco Daily part online to get your vehicle started. The internet is full of bargains. Be sure to be selective and stick to reputable websites. For this type of part, a new one is essential. When it comes to the battery, don’t go for the cheapest option!

Be careful with spark plugs! A petrol engine needs spark plugs. But a diesel engine needs glow plugs. Don’t hesitate to ask your seller for advice.  

Once you’ve identified the cause of the problem and with a bit of determination, getting your Iveco Daily started again isn’t a particularly complicated task. It’s up to you!