Land Rover Repair: 01 disco II wont crank, ems system, crank sensor

Question
My 01 Disco II won't crank.  It turns over but at times won't catch fire and actually crank.  If I get it cranked, it will go dead while idling.  Sometimes it will crank afterwards and sometimes not.  My friend, who usually successfully works on it for me, says "he thinks" it may be a crank sensor which has to be fixed at a dealership and run on the diagnostic to re-set the new sensor after it is replaced.  Does this sound correct or do you have any suggestions?

Answer
Hi Neely,

could be one of a dozen things causing this.  Your EMS system has many sensors that influence engine idle, so the best bet is to have it connected to a diagnostic machine.  It will save you money and time.

It would be a shame to replace one sensor only find that the problem still exists.  Leave this type of troubleshooting to someone with a testbook.  Believe me, it will save you money in the long run.

It could be fuel pump, idle control, MAF, ...

Best of luck,

JohnMc