Thread: Recurrent Starter Motor Failure

Take it to the Auto Electrician's just before the bridge on the highway into Moruya, behind the tyre place, he knows what he's doing and is reasonable, I live at South Heads Moruya, there are a few Land Rover Owners down here, let us know how you get on and if you ever want to join us in a trip into local trails, Regards Frank.

Thanks Frank, I have been there once but will go back again. When I've hopefully got this sorted would be interested in taking you up on your kind offer.
Regards
Charlie

Email or PM me a contact number and I'll let you know when we plan a trip, Regards Frank.

Originally Posted by broulavs

Hi- Newb seeking advice.
2009 Defender 110
1 yr ago starter motor didn't disengage and burnt out. Replace by local garage and then 3 days later same thing happened.
This time Land Rover Assist took it to Canberra, replaced starter motor and blamed my National Luna Dual Battery System. This had been fitted 12 months before by Mulgo, along with driving lights and a winch.
So, removed solenoid, fitted 2 new Odessey PC1500s and a Redarc simple solenoid.
This month in Gladstone, same thing happened. Taken to Bunderberg Land Rover who replaced starter motor.
Anyone had similar problems?
Can you recommend a good autoelectrican in NSW?
Regards
Broulavs

Hi Broulavs,

Same thing happened to our Puma. We were told (by the local LR mechanic) to change the ignition switch, only the back of it. Sure thing that one looked as if the contacts were worn.
Now since 18 months all good.

What is actually happening is that when you start the engine the ignition switch gives an impulse to the starter motor to engage. If that impulse is now given when you are driving it kills the starter motor. Due to worn contacts this can unfortunately happen. Apparently they have changed something in the back of the ignition switch to prevent this.

Let me know how you go.

Cheers,
Daniel

As per Daniel's post, the common element to your ongoing issues is the ignition switch - you might even get away with just cleaning up the contacts with some emery strip.

In the short term you could even just put a switch into the starter wire from the ignition switch.

Sounds like LR need some new apprentices...

It will help a lot if you get the starter motor stripped and assessed to find out how it failed internally. From this inspection and hopefully being able to compare it to the previous failures you can determine what is going wrong. There are a lot of different reasons for starter motor failure. Some basics to check are the condition of the ring gear, make sure it's in good condition and not damaged causing the starter pinion to stay engaged once the key is released. Check the ignition switch by putting a test light on the start terminal and turning the key with the starter disconnected and ensure the test light extinguishes as soon as the key is switched off. The start batteries need to be in good condition so have it properly tested. 62% of all starter motor failures are caused by poor or weak batteries. Lots of other things to check but without seeing the failed starter it's tough to know exactly why of course.

This is a known issue with the 2008/9 era defenders. The ignition switch does not disengage.


Refer to Dullbirds post - http://www.aulro.com/afvb/90-110-130...tml#post997434

If you still have a good dealer relationship - you might be able to get Land Rover to cover this - it's a safety defect.