Mrs Nutty took the children away a couple of weeks ago in the old camper. On her arrival home, after a 150 mile drive, she parked across the front door. I asked her to roll the van forwards, but it wouldn't start. Ignition on, oil and battery lights on, and when trying to start they just dimmed. Her excuse for her van was "she's tired".
I tried the usual tricks then (unplugging and reconnecting the solenoid, whacking the starter/solenoid with a hammer) to no avail. It's been stranded there and in the way since. A few days ago I had another go, but with ignition on only the oil light came on despite the battery being fully charged.
Tonight I had another go. This time the battery light was on fine but we were back to the original situation of both lights just dimming instead of any noise from the starter.
All connections checked. Hammer used with more effort. No effect.
I finally decided it must be mechanical issue with solenoid/starter so asked Mrs Nutty to try to start it while I lay under the van to listen for any evidence. The van started at first turn of the key
We've rolled it the 5 feet forwards I wanted. She now intends to take them out for the day tomorrow, I will make sure she has her RAC card with her as I ain't going to the rescue.
Tomorrow's job is to buy an oil remover for the gravel as it's pissed too much over where we normally walk and I don't want it indoors. That's why there is a tray on the drive where it should be parked.
I hate that van.