QuestionMy 97 discovery se-7 is totally dead. Battery is OK, Cable to Starter OK. No juice at solonoid.When key is turned to starting position, nothing happens. Engine does not turn over, not even a click. Is it the ECU or anything that will prevent the engine from getting any juice? Does ECU cut the ignitio off or the juice to solonoid?
I looked for so called "Spider Unit" is the center console just below and behind the radio, there is nothing. The ECU, a green box, is located under the glove compartment, is there any way to check this with a multimeter at home?
Please shed some light on this mysterious behavior.
Thanks!
Dosh
AnswerHi Dosh,
when you first turn the ignition key, do you hear the fuel pump relay kick in? Sound would come from footwell area of passenger side (NAS).
Could it be a solenoid cable problem? Is the connector dirty and soaked in oil, dirt and grime? I had this problem and it sounds much like yours. I had to cut the wire and patch a new one onto the old. Worked great after that.
You should work from the solenoid back to the ignition switch then to the spider before testing the ECU. It would be a shame to replace a $3000 ECU if it's just an electrical short somewhere.
With the igition switch on, determine if there is voltage along the electrical line (a voltage probe would do this). You could attach a starter by-pass cable to see if the Disco engine starts. I did this with my Disco and it helped me reveal short problem within the solenoid main cable itself.
I've rarely seen a failed ECU in my years of volunteering here. Something the dealers may not admit.
Best of luck,
JohnMc
