TD5 wont crank for long enough

I'm here again with my td5 problems. Getting much closer to a good running defender though.

The problem I'm having is the starter will crank, but then shuts off and returns to position 2. Almost as if I'm turning the ignition key back on itself, except I'm not. Maybe seems a bit like a prank, pretending your car wont start. Video attached to help diagnosis...


This problem was present before the work in the following list was done:
- New FPR
- New genuine injector seals
- fuel filter
- Filter head
- starter motor solenoid rebuilt with x8r kit
- all earths cleaned
- injector loom
- ECU plug cleaned of oil
- New glow plugs

There is an aftermarket cobra alarm and immobiliser fitted to the vehicle, which is a bit temperamental. However, I'm sure it wouldnt run at all if this was the problem?

As the video shows, it seems like I'm turning the key back. But I'm not!
Wining noise is radio not fuel pump.

As a side note, changed glow plugs today and it seems to crank for longer when it cranks properly. Any ideas why?

Thanks alot

Can anyone help please. Just gone to the land rover and it managed to crank ok but took a long time turning over?

Typical over the xmas period

Hows the battery?

Sure the starter is propeely connected?

Will it stay in stage 2 on the Key til.the glow plug light goes out?

Try cleaning the crank sensor to see if things improve. A diagnostic check may be required as we are only stabbing in the dark. But try checking the connections and cleaning the sensor.

I would say worn starter bendix throwing the the starter out too soon that's all.

bankz5152 said:

Hows the battery?

Sure the starter is propeely connected?

Will it stay in stage 2 on the Key til.the glow plug light goes out?

Click to expand...

Starter has been off and back on so I'm sure that's fine. As it was like it before that's why I rebuilt the solenoid.

Tonight it hasnt seem to click back. Its just kept cranking. It then misfires and jumps into life. When running its absolutely perfect. Cant fault it

Battery hasnt give me any reason to doubt it yet

But yes it holds in stage 2 perfectly

Scooby22 said:

Try cleaning the crank sensor to see if things improve. A diagnostic check may be required as we are only stabbing in the dark. But try checking the connections and cleaning the sensor.

Click to expand...

Thanks mate I'll give that a go.

Interceptorxj said:

I would say worn starter bendix throwing the the starter out too soon that's all.

Click to expand...

Could this cause it to crank longer too? And then splutter into life? Cheers mate

Just to add as well, it may start first time, then drive 20 miles faultlessly. I then switch it off and start again and it will crank for ages. Or identical to the video where it seems that I'm switching the ignition back except not.

As above...How old is the battery?
If the volts drop too low during cranking then the injectors don't fire, it just keeps cranking
Doesnt help with the first problem as others I would suspect starter/relay/ign switch.

Kev12 said:

As above...How old is the battery?
If the volts drop too low during cranking then the injectors don't fire, it just keeps cranking
Doesnt help with the first problem as others I would suspect starter/relay/ign switch.

Click to expand...

Thanks Kev, would it even be the battery if it occurs straight after turning it off after 20 miles?

Probably not