Dead. Nothing.

It's my niece's automatic freelander 1 td4. Just been across to have a quick look in case it was obvious, but it's not, so before I go back I would value any advice. Just looking for possible causes.
Ignition turns with no response at all. Not turning over, completely dead.

When I go back I will try new battery or jump leads, but in case it isn't that, what else might it be?

Gearbox neutral switch , if not battery , or faulty ign switch

freelance said:

Gearbox neutral switch , if not battery , or faulty ign switch

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Cheers, thanks for replying.

Starter motor spade connector, clean it and then try, if it starts you may have to look at replacing the starter motor contacts and plunger.
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MGT said:

Ignition turns with no response at all. Not turning over, completely dead.

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If the ignition lights all come on, but it just doesn't crank over, then it'll likely be the starter solenoid connection (small spade connection), is loose or corroded, or the solenoid itself has burnt out contractors.

Other issues causing this is a faulty ignition switch, or if it's an automatic, a faulty park position sensor, but it won't display P in the dash for that issue.

If there's no ignition lights at all, then the battery is dead, or there's a loose battery connection, either at the battery, or where the leads join the body (earth) or fuse box (positive) or the main fuse has failed (unlikely)

Plus of course, the immobiliser could be refusing to let the motor turn over. Dunno if the later dashes are the same, but on mine, when immobilised the blinking alarm led goes solid on.

This has happened to mine. Caused by the starter motor failing and sending electrical spikes through the electrics - got something confused and was immobilised. I had to disconnect the battery (forget how long for) and when reconnected it was cleared. I also changed the starter motor (which as said, was playing up).

GrumpyGel said:

Dunno if the later dashes are the same

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There's an audible beep on the facelift, if a start is attempted, but the key isn't recognised.

How "dead" is it? Does the dashboard illuminate or not? Does the battery have voltage? If your daughters vheicle is "dead as a stone", I'd say disconnect the battery, and open the engine bay fuse box nearest the battery, and scotchbrite (green plastic scrubby pads) all the contacts and busbars and reassemble it.

Arctic2 said:

Starter motor spade connector, clean it and then try, if it starts you may have to look at replacing the starter motor contacts and plunger.

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Thanks. Great pictures.

Nodge68 said:

If the ignition lights all come on, but it just doesn't crank over, then it'll likely be the starter solenoid connection (small spade connection), is loose or corroded, or the solenoid itself has burnt out contractors.

Other issues causing this is a faulty ignition switch, or if it's an automatic, a faulty park position sensor, but it won't display P in the dash for that issue.

If there's no ignition lights at all, then the battery is dead, or there's a loose battery connection, either at the battery, or where the leads join the body (earth) or fuse box (positive) or the main fuse has failed (unlikely)

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That's great, thanks very much.

GrumpyGel said:

Plus of course, the immobiliser could be refusing to let the motor turn over. Dunno if the later dashes are the same, but on mine, when immobilised the blinking alarm led goes solid on.

This has happened to mine. Caused by the starter motor failing and sending electrical spikes through the electrics - got something confused and was immobilised. I had to disconnect the battery (forget how long for) and when reconnected it was cleared. I also changed the starter motor (which as said, was playing up).

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Got no lights at all. Thanks for the reply.

Jayridium said:

How "dead" is it? Does the dashboard illuminate or not? Does the battery have voltage? If your daughters vheicle is "dead as a stone", I'd say disconnect the battery, and open the engine bay fuse box nearest the battery, and scotchbrite (green plastic scrubby pads) all the contacts and busbars and reassemble it.

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Thanks for that. It is dead as a stone.

MGT said:

Got no lights at all. Thanks for the reply.

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Have you checked the battery?

Agreed, check battery... and fuses.. probably the ones under the bonnet, but also under the dash. Dunno if all the 'illuminations' would halt if the CCU lost power, possibly? It the CCU lost power on mine I know it wouldn't crank the engine because it wouldn't earth the starter solenoid. Actually thinking about it, on mine the ABS/TC/HDC leds are powered by the ABS ECU, so probably counts out the CCU - unless that takes a feed from the CCU!

Just wondering which electrical gizmo could be checked that does not depend on the CCU? Horn?

I had similar once - went out in the morning and completely dead. First off the remote didn't operate the locking so I had to use the key, then I noticed that the clock wasn't displaying the time so I had a good idea it wasn't going to start. There was nothing when turning the key as expected. Was just the battery had gone and it wasn't particularly old. Replaced it and had no problems since.

Nodge68 said:

Have you checked the battery?

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Not yet. Going to be first thing I do. Just wanted to be armed with alternative if it's not that.

GrumpyGel said:

Agreed, check battery... and fuses.. probably the ones under the bonnet, but also under the dash. Dunno if all the 'illuminations' would halt if the CCU lost power, possibly? It the CCU lost power on mine I know it wouldn't crank the engine because it wouldn't earth the starter solenoid. Actually thinking about it, on mine the ABS/TC/HDC leds are powered by the ABS ECU, so probably counts out the CCU - unless that takes a feed from the CCU!

Just wondering which electrical gizmo could be checked that does not depend on the CCU? Horn?

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Hadn't thought of that. I will try horn when I go. Thanks.

Juzza6720 said:

I had similar once - went out in the morning and completely dead. First off the remote didn't operate the locking so I had to use the key, then I noticed that the clock wasn't displaying the time so I had a good idea it wasn't going to start. There was nothing when turning the key as expected. Was just the battery had gone and it wasn't particularly old. Replaced it and had no problems since.

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I hope same with this. Mind you , the number of replies and possible solutions offered means it is a good thread to remember for future reference. Not that freelanders ever break down of course.