Hi all
just bought a 1991 diesel peugeot j5 swift and im having problems starting it. I got it with a flat battery tried to jump start it, it turned over but no luck, took the battery off and charged it up when i put it back in it turned over and then just stopped the dash lights came on but nothing from the starter motor no even the clicking sound so i took the battery back out to check it. it was fine put it back in and she started up but the battery light is now on took her for a drive 3-4 miles was all ok i then left it for 2 hours went to start her again but nothing, lights come on but no turning over.

hi paul, ive had similar probs starting mine, i can only suggest to you the advice ive been given, disconect
battery, take all earth leads off & clean, sand,file, any crap of them until you get a good metal to metal
connection, it could be just a bad earth connection, if that dont cure it try having your battery drop tested, most auto /car supply shops dont charge anything, check all your leads to rule anything out it
works out cheaper that way rather than paying a mechanic, i had my starter reconditioned cost me £90
still didnt cure my problem, so dont go throwing money away till your,e sure what it is, good luck Andy

Sounds like the battery's knackered.

I'd try a new one on it. Get the biggest one that will fit in the battery tray despite what the book says.

Diesels need lots of power at startup. Lighting up the glowplugs, turning over the cold engine with oil like tar and it must get to a decent rpm before anything's going to happen. A dodgy battery's often the problem.

If not then go through the starting electrics starting at the battery and work around to the starter motor and glow plugs.

yeah g4dget could well be right there, ive had my battery tested, & was told it was fine , but after a couple of days it dosent seem to have enough power to fire up the engine, so i have to gharge it up
& then its ok ( sometimes). maybe somethings draining it ?.