TD5, fail to start, relay flickering

[Slunnie]

Tapping into the brains here!

TD5 Disco auto wont start - if anybody has any ideas!

Was working, but battery completely died (ie 7v or similar)

Replaced battery (ie using the 2nd battery now in the front) which is charging properly

When I turn on and try to start, there is a really fast flickering by the forward most black relay which is under the bonnet. I've swapped the relay and the same thing occurs. I understand (maybe incorrectly) that this is the injector relay.

The Nanocom wont talk to the ECU due to the flickering, but it does speak to the ECU etc.

The starter motor doesnt activate in any way

The dash lights flicker as the relay flickers

Swapping the ECU has had no effect. I did find a little bit of oil at the ECU which has been cleaned out.

The injector loom has not leaked any oil (kudos to the Davis modified injector looms, because it has been in there for a long long time!) but I have now replaced it.

Any thoughts? Please.....

Cheers
Simon

[Defender boy]

If you haven't already, check your "good" battery for 12V and secure terminals first.

Sent from my SM-G900I using AULRO mobile app

[iPom]

I had the same thing happen to me Slunnie, in fact it has happened a couple of times. First time was when I was driving to get a service at British Offroad, same symptoms, flashing lights and all that, car lost power, relay clicking like crazy, pulled over and rang for the tow truck. Once at British Offroad the car started fine??? The staff couldn't find a fault with it, they even replaced the relay as a precaution.Battery was new and had been on charge whilst I was away offshore at the time.

Second time, same symptoms, pulled over and stated swapping relays over and still the incessant clicking ..... Turned the car off and waited for 30 mins, then the Disco started ok ...... Problem hasn't returned in over three years????

[iPom]

However, as defender Boy has said .... check your positive battery terminal. It may look ok but if the connection is worn or loose (it does happen) where the wire enters the crimp it may cause symptoms similar to what you are experiencing.

[Markf]

However, as defender Boy has said .... check your positive battery terminal. It may look ok but if the connection is worn or loose (it does happen) where the wire enters the crimp it may cause symptoms similar to what you are experiencing.

I'd be checking voltage at the cigarette lighter socket while you try and start it while it's messing you around. If it drops by more than a couple of volts I'd start checking all of the negative and earth connections. If still no joy go around all of the positive connections. I reckon it seems more like a negative connection that's loose somewhere.

[thai_tiger]

Have a look at the starter motor, could possibly be the contacts.

[Roverlord off road spares]

I second the idea of a bad earth somewhere.

[Slunnie]

Ahhh, interesting.

Looks like the original starter battery has died comprehensively.

And the second battery when used as a cranking battery has died also. it sits at 13v off the charger, but it just doesn't seem to have the amps to do anything useful.

I pulled the battery from one of the other cars and jumped the battery and it then all behaved like a normal flat battery - everything lights up and the starter motor flickers

Then tried to jump start it with my car, but just not enough current to do the trick. It'll turn the motor briefly and then die.

Hopefully its just a matter of a new battery to get it going.

Cranking and 2nd battery were both pretty terminal. I can only assume one supported the other until they both died.

Thanks for the help everybody!!!