Land Rover Repair: 1998 discovery died at 75mph, blown fuses, independent mechanic

Question
Just purchased about 3,000 miles ago.  It shut down on the freeway outside of Las Vegas.  Engine turns over only on the third attempt with the key.  I engage starter at key with no contact, again with no starter activation, third time the starter engages, turns motor over fine, but no fire.  Any ideas or do you know of an independent mechanic in the Las Vegas area with the correct diagnostic tools?  I towed it and it is in the driveway not running, my only vehicle, and I am on a severely limited budget.  I have the RAVE manual downloaded, purchased a code scanner but it won't work until the vehicle is started.  After reading up (English-not American verbiage) I still am not quite sure how to begin trouble shooting.  Please help if you can, I am a 1948 model myself, been repairing vehicles for over 40 years and struggle with the  computerized stuff like auto shut down switches.  This disco 1 does not have the key fob actuator and wonder if it has some kind of ignition killer or?  Kinda lost and could use some help.  Thanks, Kelly

Answer
Hi Kelly,

could be a number of causes, hard to tell so I'll give you a few components as the usual suspects:

Headgasket blown - coolant in combustion chamber(s);
crankshaft speed/position sensor failure - ECM needs this to manage engine system;
camshaft position sensor - ECM needs this too
ECM itself has faults - could be electrical harness
BCU has faults - body control unit runs security, some sensors, dash, check for blown
fuses.

OBDII should be able to work with the ignition switched on (engine not running).

Go to this site to find an independent shop to service this Disco:
http://www.rangerovers.net/  check out the Independent Shop for Rangies (often service
Disco's too)

Then there is Kensington Motorcars, 3867 S Valley View Blvd, Suite 4, Las Vegas, NV 89103
Telephone: 702-222-0444
Telephone: 702 638-9328
URL: http://www.kmcnv.com/

In RAVE there is a page that outlines the ECM and its various sensor input/outputs.  You
could probe there to determine any faults.  Careful working around ECM - they are expensive
and easily 'upset' if shorted.

Best of luck,
JohnMc