Starting problems, ignition switch?

J

jonnyboyws6

New Member

Posts

3

• Aug 21, 2012

• #1

I am having occassional starting problems with a 1.8 Freelander. When I turn the key I have no dash lights (also no indicators or wipers) and the engine cranks over on the starter but doesn't fire. If I remove the key and try again (sometimes takes several attempts) the dash lights come on and the engine starts no problems.

I am thinking this is possibly bad contacts in the ignition switch. Can the switch be dismantled and cleaned up? If it has to be replaced, is it the same as any other Rovers or is it a Freelander specific part? Or are there any other faults which cause these symptoms?

Thanks,

Jonathan

 

Freelaner

Landy Driver

Posts

24,848

Location

Yorkshire

• Aug 21, 2012

• #2

you could clean the switch but it's more likely to be the positive connection on the starter motor or the earthing strap.

 

J

jonnyboyws6

New Member

Posts

3

• Aug 21, 2012

• #3

Even though the starter is working fine?

 

V

Vissie

New Member

Posts

673

Location

East Midlands

• Aug 21, 2012

• #4

I'd say sounds like the ignition switch.

Not really servicable, but easy to change.


Easiest way to test one is, when it faults, give it a bang with your hand, if it then starts working, its fecked!

Technical ftw.

 

J

jonnyboyws6

New Member

Posts

3

• Aug 22, 2012

• #5

Update:

Removed the ignition switch, really easy job, shroud off the column then 2 phillips screws holding the switch onto the end of the lock barrel. A plastic cover unclips to allow limited access to the contacts (much like a very tiny version of old fashioned points) so I cleaned them up as best I could with emery. So far no more problems, but as it was intermittent anyway I will give it a week or so before I declare it fixed...

As the switch is so easy to remove I will have a nosey next time I'm at the scrapyard and if it's the same as any other Rover they have in I will get one as a spare

 

potus

Well-Known Member

Posts

2,159

Location

South Devon

• Aug 22, 2012

• #6

Mine suffers a similar problem occasionally, turn the key and there may be 1-2 second delay before the starter spins.
I thought maybe a starter relay sticking but can't locate the bugger, rave shows it but buggered if I can find it.....