Thread: Starter solenoid advice

Originally Posted by Epic_Dragon

Hello folks

My Disco is randomly not starting, then will fine so I believe it's time to rebuild the starter solenoid.
I've ordered a kit, is there any words of wisdom/ advice before I embark on the rebuild mission next week?
Thankyou it looks to be fairly straightforward from YouTube but also never know

I believe that removing the starter from the car is the hardest bit. That top fastener will test even your sunny disposition, Leonie. Long socket extension, with a wobble bar or two, and do that one first so that none of the weight falls on it.

BTW, are you sure it's the solenoid?

Thankyou yeah I've had the starter out once before and remember it was not that fun
I think so, it just has no life when turn key, might do it once, or a few times then starts fine. I do only have half a key, so could be something with that finally. That solenoid would have started the car a lot in 430000km. Apart from starter relay, I don't know what else it could be. I always check it's in park properly when it does it and it always is.
It just started it in last couple of weeks. I am due to see auto electrician soon as air bag light been on since the hand controls went in so I can get them to have a look maybe if it isn't the solenoid

Originally Posted by Tins

I believe that removing the starter from the car is the hardest bit. That top fastener will test even your sunny disposition, Leonie. Long socket extension, with a wobble bar or two, and do that one first so that none of the weight falls on it.

BTW, are you sure it's the solenoid?

the other thing to check is the wire with the spade connector on the solenoid. IIRC it's a white wire and the spade connector can get a bit loosey so it gives an intermittent start signal to the starter.

When we had the starter issue, it first started out as just this wire. Gave the spade connector a slight squeeze with pliers to get it to seat properly, and was all good for about 6 months(maybe more) .. then the starter solenoid did pack it in.

Next time, if she won't start immediately, one way you can check if it's one or the other is(if you can do it), is get under the car find the starter and wiggle/push the wire in a bit more and try to start again. If still no good, then give the solenoid a slight tap(scew driver/pliers/hammer/stick/stone/etc) and try again. If she starts, then the method you used to start it is a good indicator of which one is the problem.

From what I've read up on this issue, it's seems to be common for the spade connector to come loose.
If it turns out to be just the wire, either you can do it or get sparkie too ... remove old connector and replace with a new one. Crimping the old connector tighter works for a while, but will almost certainly works it way loose again after some time.

Thankyou I'll check that connector. I know the one as years ago it didn't start one day and it was that!

Originally Posted by AK83

the other thing to check is the wire with the spade connector on the solenoid. IIRC it's a white wire and the spade connector can get a bit loosey so it gives an intermittent start signal to the starter.

When we had the starter issue, it first started out as just this wire. Gave the spade connector a slight squeeze with pliers to get it to seat properly, and was all good for about 6 months(maybe more) .. then the starter solenoid did pack it in.

Next time, if she won't start immediately, one way you can check if it's one or the other is(if you can do it), is get under the car find the starter and wiggle/push the wire in a bit more and try to start again. If still no good, then give the solenoid a slight tap(scew driver/pliers/hammer/stick/stone/etc) and try again. If she starts, then the method you used to start it is a good indicator of which one is the problem.

From what I've read up on this issue, it's seems to be common for the spade connector to come loose.
If it turns out to be just the wire, either you can do it or get sparkie too ... remove old connector and replace with a new one. Crimping the old connector tighter works for a while, but will almost certainly works it way loose again after some time.

I ended up getting a mate do that for me. I did not have the arm strength to undo the bolts. Once the starter is out, it is easy enough to replace the parts.

Originally Posted by Epic_Dragon

Hello folks

My Disco is randomly not starting, then will fine so I believe it's time to rebuild the starter solenoid.
I've ordered a kit, is there any words of wisdom/ advice before I embark on the rebuild mission next week?
Thankyou it looks to be fairly straightforward from YouTube but also never know

This is what I use for the top (15mm socket) nut, access from below. Note the 3/8" 15mm socket must be short to drop in the recess in the starter

Originally Posted by discorevy

This is what I use for the top (15mm socket) nut, access from below. Note the 3/8" 15mm socket must be short to drop in the recess in the starter

Length of the socket AND the length of the extension..... My collection of wobble bar extensions increased somewhat.

When my TD5 started intermittently not starting at 230,000km, I removed the solenoid cover with the starter still in place and saw that the contact was worn out on one side. I bought a contact kit from Ashdowns ( now Napa) for about $30 And installed it with the stater still in place. 100,000 kms later I checked the starter when I changed the engine out due to failed oil pump bolt, and it was as good as new.