Disco 1 starter/ solenoid/ earth problem?

[chris_debian]

Hi, all.

Just been down to my local tyre place to get a new battery, as the starting on my 96 auto 300tdi was erratic. The battery looked in poor condition, and I had the starter motor replaced 6 months ago.

I fired the Landy up at the garage and same problem. A 'tick' sort of sound then nothing, after a few goes the engine caught and ran.

The guy at the garage said it sounded like a solenoid problem, and it's probably the earth.

Is this something I can fix myself? Can anyone help?

Cheers,

Chris.

[bananahead]

take earth strap off (it joins onto chassis and onto a bolt near starter on mine) and use sandpaper or something on both ends and on chassis etc. It might not look dirty but do it anyway. Trace earth from battery and do the same thing. You could also try cleaning the end of the live too, but disconnect battery end first.

[nicedayforit]

Try connecting a jump lead between the battery -ve terminal and a bolt on the engine block. If the engine starts ok it's bad connections on your earth straps as above.
As well as cleaning earth strap connections it's worth putting an additional permanent large dia earth wire from battery -ve to engine block.
It all helps.

[chris_debian]

take earth strap off (it joins onto chassis and onto a bolt near starter on mine) and use sandpaper or something on both ends and on chassis etc. It might not look dirty but do it anyway. Trace earth from battery and do the same thing. You could also try cleaning the end of the live too, but disconnect battery end first.

Thanks, guys.

Not being too good at electrickery, should I take electrical precautions before I attempt the sanding thing?

Cheers,

Chris.

[bananahead]

Only if youre cleaning/removing live from anywhere other than battery. Take it off battery first.. if you dont and it touches any bodywork etc it will short.

[bananahead]

try what nicedayforit says with a jump lead, but if that doesnt work it doesnt conclude you HAVENT got an earth prolem... if it does work it means you have.
(http://forum.landrovernet.com/member.php?u=28670)

[chris_debian]

Thanks guys, I'm going to try to do this today. Will let you know how it goes.

Chris.

[HarryD]

The solenoid problem is a known issue and there is an easy fix you can do yourself. I did it ages ago but cant for the life of me remember how (car now gone), but someone will no doubt be along soon to help. I think all I needed was a particular relay, some wire, some connectors, suitable tools, a spare 30/40 minutes and a cup of tea. To test if it is the solenoid, you can run a fly lead off the battery to the spade terminal on the side, if it starts after this, it's the solenoid and the relay/wire route can sort.

[chris_debian]

Hmmm, my friedly LR mechanic tells me it's the solenoid and as the starter motor was replaced 6 months ago, I should go back to the company (will check at lunch time) and get it replaced.

I went for a mid-range one as told the cheap gold ones are rubbish. I'm inclined to pay the difference if it's an option and get the Bosch one.

Chris.

[chris_debian]

Well, I rang the place that I got my starter motor from (P???????) and they said I should send my starter motor back and they will send it off for testing. In the meantime I will be without a starter motor.

I have decided to bite the bullet and buy a Bosch starter from Famous Four. When this is fitted, I will then return the starter to get a refund (after it's been checked-out by a 3rd party).

Cheers,

Chris.