Intermittent starting problems

Hi there - been having a few problems with our freelander just lately and thought i would join and ask if anyone else has had any similar problems. actually shes been a bitch since we got her - coolant leak, head gasket blew when we took daughter to uni - went on saddleworth moor on the m62(rac were brilliant!) but since it was still under warranty the garage fixed it and ended up having a replacement engine fitted. cant fault the dealer they even gave a new warranty when we got it back. anyhow warranty is now out and since all this cold and snow have got this intermittent problem starting. can get into car ok but when key is turned on ignition all lights come on and can hear fuel pump working but nothing happens when key is turned. thought it was the battery as it seemed to be moving around a bit and not clamped properly so fixed that and tightened battery connectors as one was loose and all seemed ok. this morning went to go to work freezing cold, blowing a blizzard and same happens again. had to take the wifes fiesta . tried it again a short while ago and same happens - everyhting lights up, fuel pump whirrs but nothing when key is turned.
any ideas?

Do you get a click as you try to operate the starter or is it completely silent?

Hi Chaser - no nothing. can hear fuel pump and all lights come on as they should but then nothing on key turn.

Mine does the same, sometimes its fine sometimes nothing, and takes up to 10 goes to get it going, ive changed the battery and starter and its still the same, if i get to the bottom i will tell you what it was!!!!!!!!!

jsmith63 said:

Hi Chaser - no nothing. can hear fuel pump and all lights come on as they should but then nothing on key turn.

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The common problem areas are faulty/loose ignition switch contacts, the small spade connector on the starter solenoid loose/dirty, bad battery cable connections (check both ends of both cables) and finally the internal contacts of starter solenoid.

Well went to it again today and still nothing. Checked battery terminals all OK and still nothing. Then wiggled a wire at the back of engine towards the bottom of it and hey presto fired first time. No idea what/where the wire is so maybe pay a trip to my local garage and ask him to put it up on is ramps so can have a look underneath. Unless one of you fellas know what the wire is.

? Upload a photo of it..

will try to later this week, am working nights

hi, just wanted to let you know that i think i sorted mine out. It seems it was the ignition. i sprayed wd40 on the key and in the ignition waited a few mins, then took the adjuster off and gave it a good few bangs up and down. It has now started every time. someone said wd40 is great for stuff like this. hope this helps.

thanks will have a go and see if this helps

Hi i have the same problem as this can you tell me what you mean by took the adjuster of and gave it a few bangs please.