Land Rover Repair: Staring problems: after stored for 1 month, auto store, hi john

Question
Hi John, My car has been in storage for a month and did start the first time with no dramas. Now its got a starting problem where the starter click repeatedly but wont crank the engine. I have jump started it twice with no problems, but once the engine had warmed up the car had no problems starting. So does this sound like a  battery or starter fault? If its a starter should i go a recon or brand new unit? Thanks  

Answer
Hi Ed,

it's possible that the battery was just weak.  The battery should recover if you are driving the Disco now.  It sure sounds like a weak battery.  

Just to be sure take a volt reading of the battery and the alternator to make sure both are working properly.  If you have an Advance Auto store nearby, they have been known to perform this simple test for free.  

I stored my '95 Disco for 6 months and it had starting problems too.  Once I deep charged the battery, the disco started up but with some difficulty.  Eventually, with a fully charged battery and the engine running on a regular basis, the Disco is back to starts like it always had.  

I once had to rebuild my starter and I was very surprised with the amount of rust I witnessed.  I suppose after sitting for awhile, certain components (like the starter and solenoid) can start to form rust.  Once these components get lubricated during normal use, the difficult starts subsided.

Best of luck,

JohnMc

and charging the battery should recover