TD5 won’t start! Please help

Hello,

I’m now onto a TD5 Defender after fixing up a 200tdi.

I’m having a few issues with starting it up. It has been sat around for around two years according to the previous owner and I thought maybe the battery is no use anymore. I charged it up and it’s now at 12.8 volts. It still will not even turn over.

The guy I bought it off jump started it but connected the black lead directly to the negative terminal on the battery which I’m not sure is the correct way to jump start (has this caused any damage?).

I had a similar fault on my 200tdi where when u turn the key nothing happens and it turned out to be faulty wiring from the ignition barrel to the starter motor.

As I’m on a budget, I was hoping one you kind LandyZoners would give me some advice so I can fix it myself.

many thanks

Where did he connect the red lead? Time to clean all the earthing points, and check starter connections. Does it start with jumpstart?

freelance said:

Where did he connect the red lead? Time to clean all the earthing points, and check starter connections. Does it start with jumpstart?

Click to expand...

He connected to the positive terminals. Yes it does jump start. I noticed that after charging the battery to 12.86v it then dropped to 12.4v when I checked it around 30 mins later without anything on to drain it.

Time for a new battery

freelance said:

Time for a new battery

Click to expand...

Yess I just ordered a Yuasa battery.

*UPDATE*
In case anyone comes to read this thread and has the same issue.

The solution was to replace the copper contacts within the starter motor. Take the starter off which has just three bolts. The top bolt is awkward to reach and you need a socket extension to get to it. Whilst you are at it, clean up the earths.

I ordered a starter motor repair kit off eBay which only cost £15 then followed this video guide on youtube which I will link below. Now it starts every time with the touch of the key.

Hope this helps anyone with the same issue.

Link for repair guide: