Land Rover Repair: will not start, latch system, fuel injection systems

Question
Hi I have a 97 LAnd Rover DiscoverySE automatic. The only way that it will start is to Jump it, brand new battery,fully charged. all fuses were checked.I'm thinking alternator but mech says no- though noone w/ in 1/2 hour of me has any experience w/ Rovers!              
when that prob is taken care of I have one door back passenger side that does not open and the driver side back door window will not stay closed driver heated seat does not work but gives off the smell of a hot curling iron( sorry thats the best similarity that I could think of)thanks for the help Michelle:)

Answer
Hi Michelle,

seems you have a few problems here.

The difficult starts may be due to a weak battery or alternator.  Most mechanics will test the battery for at least 12 volts and test the alt to see if it charges the battery (+12 volts).  If your mechanic says its not the battery or alt AND he's tested both, then consider this:

check the spark plugs and wires - old and aged can contribute to difficult starts; damp conditions even more so.

have the ignition timing checked and verified

have the coilpack tested

have the fuel injection system tested and cleaned

determine if a spark is present and then if fuel is being delivered

Most mechanics can do the above checks and tests.  IF you have repeated difficulty starting the Disco, it has to be within the ignition or fuel injection systems.  The only other is the immobiliser system (part of security) and a LR dealer would know more about that.

Door problems can be attributed to moisture affecting the latch system or the mechanical push rod is slipping off the latch lever.  I have found that lubricated the latch (liberally) helps to reduce the problem with the plastic push lever.  I feel that the latch is main source of the problem, so keep it clean and lubricated with anti-moisture lubication (like liquid lithium, white grease).  

WD-40 is ok but it does not prevent moisture from coming back.  Use WD-40 to initially free up the latch then use some white grease to keep the moisture and dirt out of the area.

It could be that the door that no longer opens is also due to the above problem.  You will have to find a means to open the door and inspect both the latch and the door handle mechanisms.  There is a way to adjust the door handle mechanism but the door would have to be opened and the panel removed.

The seat heater is best left to the LR dealership.  I've tried repairing mine and it was too 'hot' for me.  I left this with the LR dealership to repair.

Best of luck,

JohnMc