Land Rover Repair: 2001 Land Rover Discovery II wont start, land rover discovery, crank shaft

Question
John,

I have read many forums and some of your answers, so I have a strong hunch it is a crank shaft sensor (CKP).

I am a novice with engines etc., but I think I know barely enough to explain my problems & symptoms.

I was driving my 01 Disc II throughout the summer (only owned for 3 months) and put about 4,000 miles... smooth and easy driving.  

I pulled into a parking lot at a local resturaunt, and the engine felt like it stalled out.  I cannot remember the lights that flashed (some lights I had not seen before though, maybe "s" or "m" and maybe check engine light)...

I had to push it in the parking lot the additional 4 feet... then had dinner... and when I returned I was able to start it and drive it to my house and pull it in my driveway.  

I have since not been able to start it in over 3 weeks (I try once every 5 days).  The engine does sound like it is turning over... but it just wont start.  So from what i have read and heard, is that it is either a spark plug issue or a fuel line issue.  I also have come accross many others having similar issue and it was fixed by replacing the crank sensor.  

1- what are you inital thoughts
2- can i check anything prior to getting it towed somewhere
3- can i order any of these parts myself (i.e. autozone) and try to install myself... or is that going way over my head
4- i have considered selling it (i bought for $4,000 this summer) and sell it for $2,000 to just get it off my hands.. from more I have read it sounds like it could be a very affordable fix

Thanks so much John, I appreciate your help so very much!

Best,

George
North Carolina
01 Discovery II 175,000 miles

Answer
Hi George,

after reading your Q I suggest you find a local independent LR mechanic and have the vehicle thoroughly tested.  Don't start swapping in parts in an attempt to fix the problem - parts for this vehicle can be very expensive and you would be just throwing money at the fix.  What you should do is be methodical and have someone read off the stored codes that triggered that check engine light or M&S light you have.  

Was there anything you could have done JUST prior to first instance of this problem?  ie.  You just filled it up ... before arriving at the restaurant; that morning; the day before.  You added some injection cleaner...  anything that may help shed some light.

Of course, reading the codes will go a long way to help in solving the problem BUT there is also need some experienced mechanic who is familiar with trouble codes and LR EMS failures.  Once you have the diagnosis, you can decide if you want the mechanic to do the work OR you could find the part and have the shop install it.  Don't count on the dealer to install parts that you buy...they will usually refuse - liability reasons.

IF you have a OBDII reader you could read the codes off yourself.  Advance auto and some others have been known to help by reading the codes or perhaps renting or lending you the reader.

Part installs on LR's is not as easy as you may think and you should have a copy of the workshop manual as a reference.

Send me an email and I'll see if I can help you find a local independent shop to help you out...
I'm not sure if you are in Ohio or NC (all expert shows Ohio; your Q ended with NC below your name), so tell me what state and local city for the repair.

As for selling it, that's your call.  These vehicles are very expensive to maintain and 175K puts it in the area of high repair costs.  Since you are a 2nd(?) onwner, you may know how well it was maintained.  A complete inspection by an experienced LR mechanic would also give you an evaluation on the current condition of major components AND would tell you what parts are in need of repair.  With that info in hand, you would be able to make a better decision to keep it or sell it.

Best of luck,
JohnMc
jmcinnis64@hotmail.com