Mr Maurice McPhillimey said:

Hi. My 1997 300tdi defender 90, start first thing every morning, I go for a short or long drive to shops, when I return from the shops and then the ignition key, there's absolutely nothing not even a click.
I check the fuses, the solenoid and starter leads all seem correct. But no matter how many times I try turning the key still nothing. Then after about 2 hours it starts as if nothing wrong, this is the second time it has happened now.
I can't find what the problem is. Anyone got any ideas ????

Click to expand...

Stanleysteamer said:

Contacts in starter solenoid I suspect. But plenty of other stuff I suppose.

Click to expand...

Anaconda said:

Ignition switch?
Beat me to it.

Click to expand...

kevstar said:

Sure its not the ignition barrel/key or switch thats at fault, you dont say whether the ignition lights come on or not.

Ive replaced a few over the years.

Click to expand...

Stanleysteamer said:

I thought about that but discounted it as it soemtimes starts but when it doesn't turning it and turning it makes no difference.
When I have had the ignition barrel go it simply refuses to turn as the wafers won't do their job, so I took it apart filed the leading edges of the wafers down until it worked. But he can always test that with an MM at the switch.

Click to expand...

kevstar said:

Sure its not the ignition barrel/key or switch thats at fault, you dont say whether the ignition lights come on or not.

Ive replaced a few over the years.

Click to expand...

Stanleysteamer said:

I thought about that but discounted it as it soemtimes starts but when it doesn't turning it and turning it makes no difference.
When I have had the ignition barrel go it simply refuses to turn as the wafers won't do their job, so I took it apart filed the leading edges of the wafers down until it worked. But he can always test that with an MM at the switch.

Click to expand...

Anaconda said:

Stanleysteamer said:

I thought about that but discounted it as it soemtimes starts but when it doesn't turning it and turning it makes no difference.
When I have had the ignition barrel go it simply refuses to turn as the wafers won't do their job, so I took it apart filed the leading edges of the wafers down until it worked. But he can always test that with an MM at the switch.

Click to expand...

Yes the key turns everytime, not sticking at all. WHEN engine is cold it fires up straight away,,, it's after a drive after 5 miles and stop. Then it does start for at least 2 hours and starts as if nothing wrong.. Defenders who would have them....

Click to expand...

Anaconda said:

I sort of had but it's another thing to check off the list if needed.

Click to expand...

Mr Maurice McPhillimey said:

Cheers.. all the warning lights come on... in fact all lights working perfectly... I suppose ignition barrel will be the easiest to change first...

Click to expand...

kevstar said:

Just had the same sort of issue with my van, changed the & keys & barrel (key was well worn) then it ran for a few days then
starting or not, relay clicking behind the seat went away after I replaced the ignition switch then click from starter (2 days later) now replaced the solenoid & its all good.

Click to expand...