QuestionDear John,
Re. Landrover Disco tdi 1996. Starts normally after having been left for an as yet indeterminate period of time, e.g. first thing in the morning. If I stop for a few minutes then try and restart - it just appears dead, I get all the ignition lights and the glow plugs do their stuff, but nothing happens when the key is turned to start. I've just done a quick test, where I took the key out, opened the door, waited 30 seconds, and the beast wouldn't start. The immobiliser is my immediate suspicion, but trying the key code doesn't seem to work. Yet I know that if I wait a couple of hours, it will start normally! Aaagh!
I will try the key code entry again just to make sure I'm doing it right. I've also renewed the battery in the key fob. Is there a test I can do to eliminate the immobiliser from my enquiries?
regards - Tim
AnswerHi Tim,
if you are handy with a multi-meter, here's what I'd do:
Get underneath your Disco and make sure all wires are firmly attached to the starter.
Pull the lead wire from the solenoid and attach a multimeter probe to the wire.
If there is a 12 volt reading on the end of the lead wire, the problem is your starter motor.
IF there is no 12 volt reading, you could be right that it is your 'spider' immobiliser.
I've been told that the spider is serviceable by DIY'ers but you'll have to gain access to it via the dashboard. Once your dashboard is disassembled, you can check for soldering failure on the spider, a common problem. Re-soldering has been known to work.
My logic is that if the cause is NOT the starter, you have to take a step back an look at what directs the starter to function: ignition switch; spider and ECU.
If it is the starter, you could save yourself a bundle by looking for a replacement from reputable auto wrecker. If you need advice with that, let me know and I'll point you in the right direction.
Best of luck,
JohnMc
