Thread: Series 3 ignition problem

you need to ensure you have power to the coil with the key in the on position. The ignition switch normally puts power to the coil when cranking but this is a separate circuit to ensure the starter isn't running all the time.

It can be a pain to work out which wire goes where on the ignition switch. Also if you have a resistor added to the coil you will need to check to ensure you have power both sides, sometimes the resistors can burn out.

Ian
Bittern

Cheap multi meter will help.
Series 2a & 3 IGNITION SWITCH WIRING - Series Forum - LR4x4 - The Land Rover Forum

whitehillbilly

Originally Posted by ian4002000

you need to ensure you have power to the coil with the key in the on position. The ignition switch normally puts power to the coil when cranking but this is a separate circuit to ensure the starter isn't running all the time.

It can be a pain to work out which wire goes where on the ignition switch. Also if you have a resistor added to the coil you will need to check to ensure you have power both sides, sometimes the resistors can burn out.

Ian
Bittern

Thanks Ian, I think the problem is as simple as the wiring has pulled out of the relay, I will follow your instructions if the obvious problem doesn’t solve the issue

many thanks, Tim

Sounds like a typical Ballast Resistor symptom, starts and runs whilst the ignition is in the "Start" position,
but as soon as you let it go back to the "On" position, the engine cuts out.
If the vehicle has a Ballast Resistor replace it.
If it doesn't have one you will have to keep troubleshooting.
If you are not familiar with them here is a pic of a Ballast Resistor.
As a temporary test you can join the two wires that go to it, but dont drive it too far as the coil will overheat.

Good luck.

Cheers, Mick.

Available over the counter at Repco.

whitehillbilly

As far as I can ascertain, no Series Landrovers (not sure about V8) has a ballast resistor. However, if it has a Holden motor, these normally do have, so it may be fitted with the Holden motor.

Ballast resistors were an attempt by US manufacturers to help starting in 6v electrical systems, and remained as a hangover when these were upgraded to 12v around 1960 on, but were uncommon where 12v had been used since the 1920s, as with Rover.

Originally Posted by mick88

Sounds like a typical Ballast Resistor symptom, starts and runs whilst the ignition is in the "Start" position,
but as soon as you let it go back to the "On" position, the engine cuts out.
If the vehicle has a Ballast Resistor replace it.
If it doesn't have one you will have to keep troubleshooting.
If you are not familiar with them here is a pic of a Ballast Resistor.
As a temporary test you can join the two wires that go to it, but dont drive it too far as the coil will overheat.

Good luck.

Cheers, Mick.

Thanks Mick, definitely has a filter pre coil, 2.25L petrol, original motor, thanks for the info, I’ll have a good look at it
cheers, Tim

Originally Posted by JDNSW

As far as I can ascertain, no Series Landrovers (not sure about V8) has a ballast resistor. However, if it has a Holden motor, these normally do have, so it may be fitted with the Holden motor.

Ballast resistors were an attempt by US manufacturers to help starting in 6v electrical systems, and remained as a hangover when these were upgraded to 12v around 1960 on, but were uncommon where 12v had been used since the 1920s, as with Rover.

Hi John, 2.25L Petrol, original motor, thanks for the info
cheers, Tim