A call out for help!

[JlH]

I've just had a small nightmare of a day (brought on by my own lack of attention) but now its got worse and I'm hoping someone might be able to help.
Apologies for posting in this section but I don't have access to the wider forum yet.

I spent my whole day chasing down a replacement for my smashed front window of my 2008 Caddy Maxi (I lost my only remote key walking in the peaks, and 25 quid from the scrappie and putting my own window through was quicker and cheaper than a call out)

I then stalled moving around a car on an uphill junction in Sheffield and on trying to re-start my engine I've lost all power.

Electrically, the van seems sound, panel lights come one, glow plugs fine, slight dimming when I turn the key but nothing happens apart from a relay clicking behind the dash.

No sound from the starter or solenoid, no turning over, nowt. Plenty of fuel and absolutely no precursor noise/warning light/indication whatsoever. Does anyone have a clue what might be the problem? I'm working on the assumtion that I've knackered the starter trying to turn the van over, uphill, half in gear with some gas on (doing all the things at once instead of just stopping and doing it properly )

I can't see any starter fuses listed on the fuse diagrams, and can't find any details on the starter relay (if it has one), particularly any locations and model numbers so i can start working my way thorugh the chain starting with the cheapest bits first.

Any help will be so appreciated.

All the best,
Joe
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[Caddy-Dan]

Might be worth looking at the fuse box next to the battery, not sure but I think the starter motor is wired to a maxi type fuse that’s screwed in along the front panel?

[Doc]

Hi Joe, sounds like you've had a right run of bad luck.
If you have access to a voltmeter, for me the first point to check would be the starter motor trigger wire. That's the fine wire on the plug at the starter motor. When that energies, the starter solenoid should engage and provide power to the starter motor to initiate cranking.
The starter motor is wired directly to the battery, you should check that the large red wire have a good 12v supply on it if you can.

[JlH]

Thanks Dan & Doc for replying. Spent a good few hours in diagnostic mode today... conclusions so far:
- No blown fuses
- Battery a more than adequate 12.38V
- Solenoid input receives 12.25V on turning they key so voltage drop not an issue in that circuit

Guesses are:
- Solenoid knackered
- Starter knackered
- Engine mechanically knackered!

Lets hope for one of the first two eh?

[Doc]

Do you have any noise from the solenoid when it's energised?
It's normally a solid thump/click.

[JlH]

It's never been somehitng I've listened for on this vehicle, though I'm familiar with it from others.
I'll get around to finishing the diagnosis today I hope, then might have to do some ordering