QuestionQUESTION: I have a 98 landrover disco le. It started having problems starting. I would turn the key and it would start up really slowly. Then one day it didn't start at all. All I heard was a clicking noise coming from under the hood. I let it sit over night, and it started up slowly again the next day. I replaced the battery but that didn't help at all. It did this for about a month, now it won't start again even after letting it sit overnight. I still just hear the clicking noise from under the hood, I can hear my fuel pump running. I've been told it might be a bad solinoid in the starter that's overheating or just a bad starter. Also I've been told it might be my alternator sucking my battery dry. I appreciate any advice you can give.
ANSWER: Hi Tim,
Rapid clicking could be low voltage to the solenoid or it could be a solenoid short. Only way to tell is to remove the starter and bench test it.*
You can attach a multimeter to the alternator is see if it is charging your battery properly. The alt should have an output greater than 12v (more like 14v) to properly charge your battery. Any voltage less and its not working properly. The battery has to be fully charged, so measure its voltage before, during and after to see if it's working properly.
I recall one owner once removed the serpentine belt for a complete inspection, found the belt to be good BUT reinstalled it incorrectly. Unknown to the owner, the belt was slipping on the pulleys and not giving enough tension on the alternator pulley, the result being insufficient voltage charge to the battery.
So...test voltage from alternator, make sure serpentine belt is ok. If this is not the problem, you'll have to remove the starter and have it tested.
If it is the starter or solenoid, you can buy this from the dealer ($$$) or you can search online for some bargains. I've been successful with eBay and www.car-part.com for parts. The latter helps me find salvaged parts from reputable wreckers. A salvaged Disco starter (consider it recycling) in Rapid City goes for about $50 (delivery extra). Use this link to find a salvage yard closer to you.
Best of luck,
JohnMc
*Bench testing starter requires applying 12volts to the starter contact and noting if the starter bendix extends and spins. IF it does not, the solenoid is suspect, however, it could be the case where corrosion has caused the bendix to become stuck (starter drag). This happened to my Disco.
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Thank you for your advice, but one last thing. I don't know if this is significant, but when I turn the key I only hear one click when I turn it to start, and one click when it goes back to the accessory position not rapid clicking.
AnswerHi Tim,
very significant. Only one click...that probably means the starter solenoid is your problem. In theory, power is getting to your solenoid but it's not doing anything. Only way to tell is to remove the starter and test the solenoid. Chances are it's shot.
Sometimes when the solenoid shorts out, it can also drain away the battery every time you try to start the engine. Could by the case for your Disco.
Are you a do-it-yourself owner? Do you think you can do the repairs (replace starter)? I've done this before and it's not too difficult...well...not much.
Regards,
JohnMc
