Discovery Starting Problems

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probertjjames

New Member
Posts
4
I have a 1996 TDi Discovery, I have some sort of problem that it does not start ,intermitantly when I have been driving it and then stop and attempt to restart say after fueling. Always starts first time from cold. It does not turn the engine I let the glow plug light go out and the NOTHING! If I keep trying it, it starts and then goes fine. Seems to indicate some sort of electric problem but have no idea where to start the search..
Any Help would be much appreciated.
James
 
Check the connections on the starter motor. Take them off and clean them and re-fit. Also check the engine earth strap. That could be corroded so again, remove and clean and re-fit. Do the same with the battery terminals. Make sure you know the radio code before disconnecting.
 
Thanks for the advise, I had a new starter motor fitted last year and the connections look pretty good, the battery terminals and the earth has been done this morning. I think it might be a problem with the alarm system as when it happens and I put the alarm on and off it sometimes clears, but this could be a red hering..
 
An easy check is to spray your ignition wires with water - a fine mist from a spray bottle works best. Start the engine and closly check if you see any sparks between any of the ignition wires and the rocker covers or any other part of the engine. If you see any sparks that means they are not getting to the spark plugs and your engine will not run properly. Replace the wires - one at a time to ensure you don't put them in the wrong place and then see if the engine is running smoother.
 
Interesting solution from ObieClark to probertjjames, problem, I have a similar starting issue and have been under the bonnet of my TDI for 3 hours with my favourite magnifying glass, cannot find the inginition wires he mentions yet alone the spark plugs :eek:P
 
Hi James,
Pull the radio out and look below mounting plate for a spider unit (black fag packet sized box with black wires coming out). If it's got one I will guarantee it will be suffering from a dry joint on the board inside.

Nige
 
I have had the exact same symptoms on and off for 2 years now. 'Kin embarrasing at times when you are clogging up Tescos petrol station. Usually after a period, the thing would start on its own accord but last time whilst picking up no.2 offspring at the airport, no cigar. I came across the fag packet shaped black box which on my Disco hangs free behind the hinged panel under the steering column. After tapping this box in desperation, the bastard started. When I got home I unplugged this unit and all the symptoms were identical. Looks like Nige Cowie's diagnosis is spot on.
 
I have this problem on my discovery td5 I need to disconnect the battery on it will be perfect. I have no idea where the problem is.
New wiring loom
New starting motor

ANy ideas

TD5 1999
 
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