Canerat

Member
Seeking advice gentlemen. The problem - my 2004 Range Rover is dead. Turn the ignition key and all lights etc come on but the motor does not swing over.

I have had it at a mechanic who "specializes" in these vehicles. He claims he does not have the software for these "older" models. He thinks the key is not communicating with the ECU. I"m a layman when it comes to problems like this.

So far I have checked the Ignition switch, the immobilizer, the ECU has a clean bill of health, all fuses have been checked, relays checked and a brand new battery installed.

Today I will jack up the front of the vehicle and try to bridge the starter motor in order to establish that it is working.

Apart from the above I am lost.

Yesterday I phoned another Garage who "specializes" in these vehicles, they claim to know what is wrong but want R10 000,00 (588 Pounds) to sort it out. I can't afford that. I have a feeling it is something simple that I am over looking.

Any advise / suggestions will be appreciated.

Thank you and Best Regards to all.
 
Claim and offering that amount seems odd to me unless diagnostic kit has till receipt. You can find another mechanic for a second opinion to confirm your first mechanic steep offer. Was there any issues before the problem started. What engine is it diesel or petrol and size. Hopefully a better RR adviser will come along quickly for you.
 
Hello Saxavordian, the Range Rover is a petrol V8. Probably happens everywhere but we often tend to get ripped off here in SA. I have had it transported on a flatbed once already for a Diagnostic. ECU and all relevant electronics got a clean bill of health BUT the guys could not get it started.

They referred me to the next lot who want to charge me an arm and leg to fix the problem.
 
Was told that the Key is not married to the EWS 3 which is not married to the ECU?? Does this make any sense?
 
Someone else (can't remember who) had similar issues and it was the steering column lock.
When you put the key in the ignition, do you hear the column unlock and can you turn the key?
 
It appears that the starter motor is dead, tried bridging it and nothing, next problem is removing the damn thing. worst I've ever seen.
 
Busy tracing the yellow and black wire from the solenoid back..into a plug and the colour is now black and runs through a loom into the fire wall, now ill be tracing from the inside by the steering column.
 
as a question the diagnosis so far is starter motor, the key, the EWF, the ECU.

what diagnosis process has gone on ?

have you checked the steering column lock ?
 
as a question the diagnosis so far is starter motor, the key, the EWF, the ECU.

what diagnosis process has gone on ?

have you checked the steering column lock ?
Thanks for the reply, I am busy checking the immobilizer out. Removed the starter Relay and bridged the two Black wires and nothing. Then bridged the black that runs to the starter to the Positive on the battery (by-passing the immobilizer) and she swung over. I stand to be corrected but this tells me that there is an issue with the Immobilizer?

I'm not a specialist, especially when it comes to electrical, know the basics.

Please tell me more about what to check with the steering column lock, is that part of the Immobilizer circuit?
 
Thanks for the reply, I am busy checking the immobilizer out. Removed the starter Relay and bridged the two Black wires and nothing. Then bridged the black that runs to the starter to the Positive on the battery (by-passing the immobilizer) and she swung over. I stand to be corrected but this tells me that there is an issue with the Immobilizer?

I'm not a specialist, especially when it comes to electrical, know the basics.

Please tell me more about what to check with the steering column lock, is that part of the Immobilizer circuit?
Could be immobiliser, but the ignition switch is a known source of problems.
 
Question..
Has the key been opened... IIRC there's a small electronic chip that the key uses to link to the car it can be misplaced if the key opened.

I think ignition switch and column lock are the places to start... as above If the key is intact and not been opened
 
Question..
Has the key been opened... IIRC there's a small electronic chip that the key uses to link to the car it can be misplaced if the key opened.

I think ignition switch and column lock are the places to start... as above If the key is intact and not been opened

No, have not opened the key but will do so now. Thank you. Column lock is good and am thinking its the Ignition switch, ill go check the key now.
 

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