A few questions

Hi guys,

Got my first defender yesterday, a 90 TD5, now I have a few questions. I've searched various forums but can't find a definitive answer to them!

When we test drove it, there was no whining noise, however upon collection and ever since there's a whining/buzzing from the rear of the car whenever the ignition is on. It gets louder when the revs are higher, I assume it's something to do with the fuel pump/system. Should I be worried?

Secondly, I used the car tonight and the headlights were fine. Left it for a few hours and just went to use it now and the dipped beam won't work. On the first click the sidelights and dim dipped beam come on. Then second click I just get the sidelights, no dipped beam at all. What could be causing this?

Apart from these faults I'm really enjoying driving it thanks for any help

You done well to only have them faults after a day . Many more to come good look .

Haha! The one I'm most concerned about is the whining from the fuel pump as I don't want to be left with a largish repair bill if it goes after the months warranty.

Jarre said:

Haha! The one I'm most concerned about is the whining from the fuel pump as I don't want to be left with a largish repair bill if it goes after the months warranty.

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if you have a warranty, aim it back at them. At least they will be aware of a problem

mick the builder said:

if you have a warranty, aim it back at them. At least they will be aware of a problem

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Already done that and it's going in tomorrow.

The thing is he said that the whining from a fuel pump is normal and all TD5s do it. He said he'd change the fuel pump but doesn't think it will make much difference if any. So I'm concerned I'll get the car back (if he 'actually' changes the pump) and it'll make the same noise and he'll say it's normal. So really I want to know, should it make a noise or should it be silent? I have read it could be fuel pump, blocked fuel filter or air in the system.

Shouldn't make a noise that great you hear it..

If you want to be sure that the fuel pump has been changed I'd mark the old one while its still on the vehicle and take a photograph so you proof weather its been changed or even looked at

MaxyMan said:

Shouldn't make a noise that great you hear it..

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No I didn't think so, thanks for that!

mrfreeze said:

If you want to be sure that the fuel pump has been changed I'd mark the old one while its still on the vehicle and take a photograph so you proof weather its been changed or even looked at

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Yeah I was thinking of that, I'll have a search as to where exactly the fuel pump is and then mark it

Jarre said:

No I didn't think so, thanks for that!



Yeah I was thinking of that, I'll have a search as to where exactly the fuel pump is and then mark it

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Td5 fuel pump is at the back under the rear tub, You wont be able to mark the pump without removing the tank. (Or cutting a hole in the tub floor as some do)

Just ask to see the one they took off, most decent garages keep the removed items as proof they've done the work

The fuel pump on A td5 primes when you switch the ignition on then goes silent.
this does sound like you pump is on its way out If it is making odd wineing ghostly noises, once swapped this noise will go away if it doesn't they haven't swapped it.
when mine went I identified it quite easily the noise comes from the tank area.
Hope this helps

Thanks pat. The fuel pump does turn off once primed, but as soon as you start the engine it starts up and makes the same whining noise. The pitch of the noise varies with the amount of throttle you give the car.

Also found a couple of leaks under the car today!