1996 Defender wiring issue with Earthing??

[Robmacca]

Guys...
I'm trying to track down a starting issue with my '96 Defender 110. From research I thought it was the ignition switch which I have recently replaced... but since then it is still randomly doing it (ie: Have dash-lights,etc but nothing when I turn the key to try & start) and sometimes it has been getting worse in that when I turn the key on there is no accessories or dash-lights coming on. I've used a test light to test for 12v and I'm getting a "dull" light which to me indicates a "Bad Earth" somewhere. I'm thinking that it has to be a bad earth between the vehicles body and the battery itself as when it does start, the engine turns over quickly which indicates to me that there cannot be a bad earth between the engine and the battery due to the high currents involved when starting.

So... can anyone tell me the locations of the Earthing Points on a Defender between the Body and battery? Is there many or just one main earthing point? Also, where is the earthing point for the dash and also the starting relay next to the fuses inside the cab.

(BTW: I have replaced this starting relay and the problem still exists)

any helpful advice would be greatly appreciated....

cheers...
rob

[Graeme]

Don't confine your searches to earths as a poor power connection can cause the same symptoms. Start with the battery terminals.