None Starting Disco 1 V8...

[sam_d]

Most of the time my Disco (1997 V8i Auto) starts up instantly without even the slightest of problems or hiccups but a couple of times over the last few days it has failed to start.

The first time was like I was trying to start without the auto gear selector being in 'P' or 'N' - everything seemed fine so I guessed it might be a sticky inhibitor switch or something having got a bit muddy over the previous weekend. I moved the gear selector up and down and the engine started without a problem.

Then, this morning, the engine did not start. Again, I tried moving the gear selector but it didn't help anything. When I turn the ignition key I can hear the fuel pump so I'm guessing the inhibitor switch isn't the problem as I first thought it might be.

So, the engine is not turning over but the fuel pump is audible. There didn't appear to be any other noises coming from the engine bay when I tried starting earlier. After three attempts at starting it came to life but there didn't seem to be an intermediate stage between doing noting and roaring to life.

Any ideas? I did do a search for why it might not be starting but there were too many results and none seemed to quite fit the symptoms :)

Thanks in advance! :)

[ERASER]

something having got a bit muddy over the previous weekend.

With that comment id be looking at the starter motor. Next time it does it try taping the starter motor as the solenoid may be sticking due to mud getting in.

[DiscoveringAuz]

My 2 cents and experiance Starter Motor, bad news is non rebuildable - good news you can pick them up for about 400, the magnetti marrelli are the better ones to get if you can find them, Bosch are available at supercheap / repco ect but don't last as long.

[Rangier Rover]

IF starter shot Would a P38 starter do the job. I can't remember what a D1 starter looks like:angel: I've put P38 Rage Rover starters in each of my RRCs .Had to change triger plug. Plenty of them out there good S/H and they were cheap.Tony

[justinc]

Sam,

97 V8i has an imobiliser from the factory, and it individually cuts out cranking, injector pulse/ fuel pump, and power to the coil. It is more than likely the cranking circuit part of it is fried. There is a bypass loom available for this alarm 'spider', and it is located behind the radio on top of the heater box:mad:, Alternatively, you can rewire from the starter relay output to the starter itself, but it is a bit of mucking around. Next time it does it, try and jump across between the starter solenoid trigger wire and the main batttery lead on the starter and if it starts, I would definately suspect the alarm spider to be at fault. Search should find a better write up than this as it is a fairly common issue.

JC

[spudboy]

Up until 3 or 4 weeks ago I had a 1997 TDi Disco with exactly the same symptoms. Turn the key - Nada. Keep fiddling, off/on/off/on and eventually it would catch and be fine for another month or two.

Once I tried tapping the starter with a smallish hammer, and this gave instant relief!

In the end I replaced the solenoid bits on the starter (got it rebuilt for about $100 I think it was) and it has been good ever since, although it's only been a few weeks. The solenoid contacts were "burnt".

No idea if the starter on the TDi and the V8 are the same, but guess they will be similar.

HTH
David

[chazza]

I fooled around with mine for ages, but in the end the auto sparky found a loose starter connection on the fusebox.

Do as Justin suggests and try to make the starter work by short circuiting with a test lead,

Cheers Charlie

[Boxer]

This wouldn't be your problem as your won't crank, but on a similar subject, mine had an issue with some factory alarm wiring that had a recall? I got it fixed and my Disco was fine again.