Thread: M and S lights – replaced xyz switch and problem is back – other possible causes?

Hi Ollie,

I got quoted $1300 by the stealer, $950 by an independant, $320 posted from TRS - all making for glum listening

Then around $450 for a new one, posted, from Island 4x4 in the UK - I'm just waiting for the confirmed postage charge to be added to the basket on their website and then going with them.

Rich

After 2 years intermittent MS lights problem (mainly with wet weather) Disco went dead in huge rain event when parked after shopping at the shops nearby. Did not want to start any more. Disco was carted to MR auto and they fitted new sensor. They said this was known issue and also did the airco drip line move fix.
However MS lights came back after some weeks. They slapped some extra grease on the contacts....... did not help.... still MS lights especially when wet.
I expected an electrical issue but they could not find anything wrong. Of course diagnosing a fault like this is very difficult (intermittent and moisture dependent).

Not wanting to spend another thousand-something left it with that. However the MS problem became worse in the 2 years after that. Especially with lot of moisture (dew in the morning).

As the Disco over the past months also developed starting problems, I put a new heavier battery in. Still MS lights, starting still difficult.
But weeks later the starter motor only clicked.....
Called MR garage and they told this was typically starter solenoids stuffed and car needed new starter motor. Disco was carted to them and starter motor fitted.

I only realised weeks later that the MS lights problem disappeared.
Thought to add it to this thread as another pointer that it might be the starter solenoid (or connections at that end) causing the problem. Better look at the 'cheaper' solutions yourself before having sensors replaced.

I understand the garages just don't have time to spend hours on investigating all kinds of non-standard causes of problems. Hours are often as expensive for the client. They will go for the most common denominator solution ... with OEM parts to prevent liabilities etc.. But the common solutions with fast exchanges of sensors etc. are sometimes just not the right solution for all cases.

I also found via these AULRO threads that 'grey import' parts can save you a lot. Last month they also replaced the fuel pump... apparently cracked at the top giving a leak when pressurized.
On the pump and starter motor I might have saved a thousand importing OEM myself.
I never did car things myself, but have decided now to start learning about it a bit and just start doing stuff myself.
First issue .... those damned amigos. Similar thing.... from what I read here on this site there might be other causes/solutions than just replacing whole units costing thousands (as proposed by garage).

But that is for another thread.