Thread: Help please! Defender Puma intermittent ignition issue.

Also check the voltage at the starter solenoid terminal (that is the small wire). One of our loaders had a similar problem and it only had 6.7 volts at that terminal. There must have been a voltage drop somewhere between the ignition switch. We fixed it by placing a solenoid in the line from the ignition switch to the starter solenoid. Then put a heavy fused wire from the battery to that solenoid then to the starter solenoid. We had full voltage to the starter solenoid in and had the full voltage which worked very well. The problem can occur if you do not have good voltage to pull the solenoid in there is a chance that you will get arcing and sparking on the solenoid contacts causing poor conductivity creating more arcing, shortening the life of the solenoid. Also did this on a series 3 diesel and fixed its' starting problems.
Hope this helps. Lindsay

TLDR

Many years ago (1996) , I was riding my motorbike through Spanish Sahara and I came across this UK bloke (and wife) in a series 3 110 who was broken down. (Turns out he was a RAF Tornado Pilot on his honeymoon). Anyway, I asked him what's wrong and he said it wouldnt start.

Recollecting my previous Landrover experience, I asked him if he had a long shaft screwdriver, he gave me it.
I bridged the terminals on the starter motor solenoid with the screwdriver and it started.

[Aussie hero then rode off]

Solenoid wires and ignition barrel wires die.

Originally Posted by karlz

TLDR

Many years ago (1996) , I was riding my motorbike through Spanish Sahara and I came across this UK bloke (and wife) in a series 3 110 who was broken down. (Turns out he was a RAF Tornado Pilot on his honeymoon). Anyway, I asked him what's wrong and he said it wouldnt start.

Recollecting my previous Landrover experience, I asked him if he had a long shaft screwdriver, he gave me it.
I bridged the terminals on the starter motor with the screwdriver and it started.

[Aussie hero then rode off]

Solenoids Die

I thought solenoids have 2 functions - One is to bridge out and supply power to the starter motor itself and the other is to operate the fork that forces the little cog into the flywheel ??

Originally Posted by Robmacca

I thought solenoids have 2 functions - One is to bridge out and supply power to the starter motor itself and the other is to operate the fork that forces the little cog into the flywheel ??

Yes, your right. I bridged the solenoid contacts. Have corrected the post. Solenoid wires and/or ignition barrels die.

Top stuff, thanks lads.

I'll make sure the guys at KLR check the cabling to the solenoid as well as replacing the switch itself.

PROBLEM SOLVED!

One of the lads at KLR, after some serious head scratching from all the others, asked me if I had an aftermarket OBD2 reader plugged in....and I did - an Ultragauge. He suggested that these can cause some issues with the immobiliser sometimes and that I should unplug it.

So, I unplugged it and the problem has not occurred since....it's been 6 months now.

Unbelievable. Might as well be Lucas electrics.

Anyway there you go. If you have a Scangauge this doesn't appear to be a problem but if you prefer the much better-looking Ultragauge, you can't keep it plugged in or you'll get stranded in a car park and murdered by drug dealers. But at least they won't steal your car.

Yep, it is usually something simple. Trouble is finding out what it is! Glad you got this sorted. Happy motoring

I've had an ultra gauge plugged into my 2012 Defender for nearly 10 years now and never had any ignition/immobiliser problems.
I do carry a spare ignition barrel under the seat though!

- Kerry