TD5 wont turn over.

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kevinpl

New Member
Posts
8
Location
Bridge of Cally, Perthshire
Hi Land Rover Zone,

I'm new to this forum and am hoping someone can help.

My father-in-law (as a self confessed electrical engineer) did me a 'favour' and changed the stereo in my recently acquired TD5. Now it won't turn over. All the instrument panel lights come on as usual, the pre-heat goes out as usual. All other electrics (lights, wipers, fuel pump etc) operate properly. There are no relays clicking. The keys came without a fob and there's no indication of any alarm. There is a red light in the speedo but it has not worked since I'ver had it. I've checked all the fuses and disconnected the battery for 20 minutes or so to see if that resets the ECU. The only other change is a small red LED in the centre of the dash immediately below the stereo which used to flash but does not now. :mad:

Over to you experts now - any ideas?
 
It possibly isn't the issue, but the stereo should have iso plugs, there is an issue that permanent live and ignition live need swapping over on some- so manufacturers fit bullet electrical connectors.

I'd be tempted to remove stereo and see if either the car starts or if the wiring relating to the red light has been knocked or a connector pulled apart
 
I have already removed the offending stereo, but it made no difference. I'm beginning to think there might be an immobiliser that's been activated. Would that explain the symptoms? And if so, what can I do about tit?
 
kevinpl said:
I have already removed the offending stereo, but it made no difference. I'm beginning to think there might be an immobiliser that's been activated. Would that explain the symptoms? And if so, what can I do about tit?
Click to expand...

On the grounds that it may just be pure coincidence, can you hear the fuel pump priming (feint buzzing sound) when the ignition is turned to the second position? If the answer is yes try wiggling the fly lead (small spade connection) on the back of the starter motor and then try cranking. If wiggling the connection doesn't work, try checking the voltage to the fly lead when the key is turned to the crank position.

As Accy said, post your location up as someone may be able to pop over for a looksie for you.
 
My guess is that you've had an aftermarket alarm/immobiliser fitted.

The red light in the speedo is the original immobiliser warning light. If it's constant red it means the immbiliser has been triggered - probably by re-connecting the battery. Did you get a blipper (immobiliser button) with the keys?

The second red light, below the stereo is non-standard. But it could be for a second alarm system, fitted on the basis that the factory fitted ones are not that good. Before messing with the stereo, did you ever see that light extinguish? I suspect if not, it was an alarm system which needed activating, but is also activated when attempts are made to de-power it, i.e. disconnecting the battery.
 
The light in the speedo is not on and hasn't been for as long as I've had the vehicle. The secondary red light below the stereo used to flash when nothing was on and would go out when the ignition was activated. It doesn't do anything now. I didn't get any kind of remote or key fob. If there has been an immobiliser activated, either factory or after-market, how can I get it reset?
 
kevinpl said:
The light in the speedo is not on and hasn't been for as long as I've had the vehicle. I didn't get any kind of remote or key fob. If there has been an immobiliser activated, either factory or after-market, how can I get it reset?
Click to expand...

Firstly, how old is your TD5? Oh, and to avoid any confusion here, we are talking Defender, or is it a Disco TD5?

As far as I know, all TD5 Defenders were fitted with an alarm immobiliser in the factory. The unit is activated/de-activated with a key fob. If you didn't get a key fob with your vehicle, and the indicator light in the speedo has never lit this would suggest the factory fitted alarm/immobiliser has been removed de-activated.

The red light in the dash below the radio suggests some other system has been fitted. However, I think you're going to need some one a bit nearer you, preferably with access to a Hawk etc to try and diagnose what's happening.

As I suggested earlier, most immobilisers don't like the battery being disconnected for obvious reasons and before you start replacing every electrical part you can think of I think you need the diagnostics done.
 
kevinpl said:
It's a Defender TD5, 1999 on an 'S' plate.
Click to expand...

So it will, at some point, have had an immobiliser fitted.

Can you trace the cable behind the red light which did work back? AS well as a power source it should also be connected to a form of switch or unit which switches power on/off to the light. You may even find its an immobiliser. If it is, and you still can't find how to activate it, then I'm afraid you will have to disarm it.
 
Finally got a chance to have a look and the problem is now solved. It was a loose wire on the starter and nothing to do the change of stereo, so many apologies to my father-in-law for all the names I thought about calling him, and many thanks to you guys for your help and suggestions.
 
Doh!

But you've obviously now got to get some security, as you apparently don't even have still the chocolate tea pot set up fitted by LR
 
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