Hi All. Feeling very stupid. Needed to replace the starter motor on my 04 Reg TD4 starter last Sunday. Rushed taking it out so I could take the old one and avoid the surcharge (and also compare before I took it away) . New one went in ok and didn't quite finish the job. just went outside today to put the battery box back in and discovered that i had not attached the positive lead from battery to the starter motor - no problem I can do that. But! but also the negative lead from the battery is off its anchor point! Just don't remember taking it off or work out where it needs to go. Really would appreciate someone point it out for me if anyone has a moment please.
Schoolboy error I know! I should know better! Thank you for your support.

Took the punt and connected it to the top bolt of the starter motor. Something isn't right though. Turns over for a short time but wont start. Starter sounds very week. Assumig poor earth or dodgy battery I guess. Wondering if I have got the wiring right now.

Battery was reading 12+v when I put it in. Lots of clicking and no turning.

HT negative lead from battery connected to starter mounting bolt
HT positive lead from battery to terminal on starter/solenoid.
HT lead from starter to (piggy-backed on above connection) to alternator.

Hope that sounds alright?

Wondering about the ignition switch as well now.

Thanks

ignition switch basically sends a signal to starter to spin, as long as it moves the solenoid the thicker wires will be connected and it goes spinnning

You have a direct earth to the starter, have you measured resistance to battery and other earth points accessible

What is the batt voltage? If your lights are on and they dim when starting then the starter is drawing current.

Could you try a known good battery.

What was the reason for changing, deffo faulty?

Laurence said:

Took the punt and connected it to the top bolt of the starter motor. Something isn't right though. Turns over for a short time but wont start. Starter sounds very week. Assumig poor earth or dodgy battery I guess. Wondering if I have got the wiring right now.

Battery was reading 12+v when I put it in. Lots of clicking and no turning.

HT negative lead from battery connected to starter mounting bolt
HT positive lead from battery to terminal on starter/solenoid.
HT lead from starter to (piggy-backed on above connection) to alternator.

Hope that sounds alright?

Wondering about the ignition switch as well now.

Thanks

Click to expand...

you may well have sorted this out by now but if not hope these photos help.
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note the earth lead at the back behind the wiring loom
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Just before you remove the starter don't forget the spade connector.
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As above make sure battery is ok

Hi, as said have you tried jumping it from another vehicle ? You can buy repair kits for the starter motors LAND ROVER FREELANDER 2.0 TD4 BMW STARTER MOTOR SOLENOID REPAIR KIT 228000-7801 | eBay or it may have just needed the copper contacts inside it cleaning

Hopefully you've sorted it now. It could have been a nice big bang and some unplanned welding had that positive lead been touching the metalwork.