1997 P38

[DenisG]

I have just replaced the battery in my 1997 P38 4.6L HSE now the starter motor is not engaging, all the normal lights come on in the dashboard and you can hear the relay clicking. My local mechanic has had the RR on hoist and tested the starter by shorting it out and it is working fine. He is unsure of the problem and as the nearset RR mechanic is 170km away I need some help to diagnose the problem

[p38arover]

Which relay can you hear? The starter motor solenoid or the relay in the engine compartment fusebox?

Try swapping the fusebox relay RL16 with another of the same colour.

[DenisG]

Thanks for the info, unfortunately RR locked in mechanics workshop until Monday morning. I will pass on the wiring diagram to mechanic. I will let you know the outcome

[ytt105]

Let your 'mechanic' know that the starter is the thing that starts the motor and works just the same as the one in a Toyota or Holden.

Range Rovers are NOT that different or that difficult to work on.

[DenisG]

The mechanic has checked the starter and it is working fine, all the lights come on the dashboard as usual when you turn the key on, the problem lies somewhere after turning the key to the start position and the starter motor, he has checked the relays and the fuses all apparently fine. This mechanic, the only one in the town where I live does not have the diagnostic equipment to suit a P38a RR. The only thing that has changed since the last use of the RR is the fitment of the new battery which he changed again just to make sure that there are no battery issues.

[Keithy P38]

No messages on the dash like "Engine Disabled" is there?

[DenisG]

There is no 'engine disabled' illuninated on the dahboard. The RR was starting and running perfectly prior to the change of battery. No other work was carried out at the time, the only reason the battery was changed was because it was over three years old.

[TheTree]

Hi

Sounds like the starter motor might have a bad solenoid.

Steve

[Rupert Prior]

have you re-syncronised the remote using the drivers door lock (lock with key, push button on remote, unlock with key, push button on remote)?
then do all the doors lock and unlock properly?
check ALL the fuses carefully.
it could also have a BECM fault (under drivers seat) post it to me and i can test and or repair it.

[DenisG]

Thanks for the advice, I will do those checks on Monday when I can gain access to the car on Monday, I will let you know the results

[parasnoop67]

Is the new battery a large, hi capacity one or has he replaced it with a smaller one. Could make a difference. Have you tried the old battery back in just to see.....

[bruce p38]

I can't help but ask the obvious as this happened to me but have you checked the new battery has plenty of charge ! Just put'n it out there !

[DenisG]

Thanks for everyone's input about the non starting of my P38. As suggested by one member I have sent the BECM and the Engine management computer to Sydney for checking as all other avenues appear to be exhausted. I will post the outcome when known. I have owned this 1997 RR for 4 years and this is the first time I have had any issues with it apart from the EAS which had to be sorted out a year ago and has worked fine ever since