Cranking mystery

Hi guys.

My TD5 defender is really giving me a headache at the moment. I can't work out the fault with it.
I was absolutely convinced it was the ignition switch, however after replacing it, just the switch itself not the barrel. The fault is still the same.

Basically,
Key in off position all good
Key to position 1 all good
Key to position 2 and all electrics such as fuel pump all good.
Then when the key is turned to say position 3 to crank the engine, it does half a crank and stops dead. But if I move it back half a turn it will crank untill the battery is flat.

So it basically wants to be in 2.5 position and not 3. Now I know I could just turn it to 2.5, but its not the most confidence inspiring. And its abit annoying to tell the truth.
I was certain it was the contacts in the ignition switch that were worn, but after changing the switch, not the barrel. The same is happening.

Any ideas please guys? I'm stumped

Remove the switch and operate it manually, see if it works ok then.
All assuming the switch is the same as earlier models.

Flossie said:

Remove the switch and operate it manually, see if it works ok then.
All assuming the switch is the same as earlier models.

Click to expand...

Thanks mate. So remove the switch off the barrel itself and see if it works OK not connected to the barrel? If all OK new barrel required?

It wouldn't be due to an aftermarket alarm piggy backed off the rear of the ignition would it?

Evening all.
Removed the ignition switch this evening off the back of the barrel. And manually operated the switch.

So I'm 99% its the cobra aftermarket alarm that is fitted which is causing the issue. As I know the wiring for this has been piggy backed off the back of the ignition switch.

I cant for the life of me work out why turning ignition switch all the way to pos 3 only allows half a crank, and then come back and just turn it half a turn and it spins over and starts a treat.

Absolutely baffled. Anyone competent with car electrics?

Thanks all