QuestionMy 1996 Land rover seems to have trouble starting after I've driven it for a while. I have to wait like 30 minutes in between drives if I want it to work. It has also Died several times, never when I am driving, just when I am stopped or idling. Does anyone have any ideas as to the problem?
AnswerHi Ryan,
it could be your alternator. If you are in the US, go to an Advance auto parts store and ask them to test your alternator and battery. IF the alt is just barely charging your battery, it could do this. Advance auto has been known to perform these tests for free. Nice.
I've seen this with my '95 Disco. When you come to a red light, the alt is not charging enough and the ignition system cannot spark enough. Thus your engine quits.
IF I am right, your vehicle sits for 30 minutes then starts indicates that the battery has been depleted and is slowly recovering its charge. Also, if the alt is JUST working, it charges the battery ONLY enough when at higher speeds. Once at idle, the alt is not doing its job.
Other causes could be vacuum leaks, sensor failures (throttle position sensor for one) or even ignition timing. I would go with the alt and battery first.
Best of luck,
JohnMc
