Dead defender

This site contains affiliate links for which LandyZone may be compensated if you make a purchase.
Sofasurfer

Sofasurfer

Well-Known Member
Posts
248
Location
Uk
Hi,

Defender 90 tdi 300 1997

When I turn the ignition key nothing happens, it won't turn over, no click, nothing. Checked all the fuses in the inside fuse box, checked the relays, checked and cleaned the big fuses in the engine compartment. Battery is fully charged according to my charger, putting out 13.6 volts. Tried jump starting from a battery on my volvo, still won't start, no response at all.

I've run out of ideas, can anyone suggest what to do next?
 
Thanks for the advice, no lights of any description,no warning lights, oil light etc.

Just tried it again with the battery charger connected, it tried to turn over but quickly died. Very odd, it wouldn't do that when I tried to jump it.

I'll look at the ignition switch.
 
Check you've got good earths.....had problems like that years ago it turned out to be a crack in the battery earth clamp, almost invisible to see but changed it and never a problem again.
 
Sofasurfer said:
Thanks for the advice, no lights of any description,no warning lights, oil light etc.

Just tried it again with the battery charger connected, it tried to turn over but quickly died. Very odd, it wouldn't do that when I tried to jump it.

I'll look at the ignition switch.
Click to expand...
Sounds like a dead battery, get a multimeter and check voltage. Check voltage as you turn key to start. Dont rely on battery charger meter.
 
This happened to me only yesterday, I ran a jump lead from the battery ( negative) and clamped the other end to the block and it started first time , couldn't find the bad earth anywhere so I ran a new earth cable from the battery direct to a good earth point on the engine and it works a treat and is charging when running as it should, hope this helps.
 
Yes to a bad earth. Get a good earth and then try a good known battery. then it that doesn't get it staffed look at your ignition switch. Check the terminals are clean and tight on you started solenoid too.
 
Cleaned everything I could find with wirewool and WD40, started first time. Now I'm worried. I didn't find a fault and dread being stuck somewhere with a dead Defender.

Thank you everyone, I'll make sure I take all my tools everywhere :)
 
Sofasurfer said:
Cleaned everything I could find with wirewool and WD40, started first time. Now I'm worried. I didn't find a fault and dread being stuck somewhere with a dead Defender.

Thank you everyone, I'll make sure I take all my tools everywhere :)
Click to expand...

Did you check the ignition? I had the same kind of issues for ages - i would investigate and find some bad or corroded connection somewhere, clean it up.. everything fine for a while only to be presented with the same problem eventually... took me ages to narrow it down to the ignition.

disconnect battery and set a multimeter to audible continuity checking and test the 12v perment supply (brown wire) and main ignition (white wire) prongs on the ignition switch while you rotate it through stages 0, 1 & 2. beep should stay continuous and strong in positions 1 & 2, itermittent beeping or "chattering" means your switch is worn.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

C
Landrover discovery 5 not starting after a crash.
Replies
9
Views
702
chaplinvts
C
P
Dead Discovery 2
Replies
16
Views
767
Stanleysteamer
Stanleysteamer
J
Help please! Electrical issue with 1995 Defender 110 County, 300 tdi
2
Replies
28
Views
958
GRATCH
GRATCH
A
Defender 90 air constantly through air bleed.
Replies
2
Views
570
antccp8
A
mickyp
Hi Guys, new here, just become a landy owner.
Replies
9
Views
610
mickyp
mickyp
Back
Top