Defender 90 Won't Start!!

My '97 defender 90 won't start!!

When I turn the key in the ignition to the first position the head lights etc will all come on so its not a battery kind of problem.

The glow plug light illuminates too but then when I turn the key fully to start it does absolutely nothing. The glow plug light goes out and there's a "click" noise but nothing else!

Anyone got any ideas what this could be?? Thanks in advance for your help.

Starter motor needs reconditioning? pretty usual problem for defender electrics

-Defender110- said:

Starter motor needs reconditioning? pretty usual problem for defender electrics

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as above had the same just before crimbo just got a second hand 1 tbh as its not me every day landie just a toy

i get that sometimes, just keep getting that clicking.(think its something to do with the dog gear not engaging?) especially if it hasn't been started for a few days! but if i keep retrying, it eventually starts up. not really a big deal as im not dependin on it for transport at the moment.

Try checkin' the earth straps furst, like the one on yer chassis under the seat box area and on the starter. It might be that they're just needin' a clean

Check the main live connections to the starter make sure they're clean and tight. Also the earths. Have you tested the battery it could have enough juice to power lights etc but not enough to turn the starter.

hughesy said:

Check the main live connections to the starter make sure they're clean and tight. Also the earths. Have you tested the battery it could have enough juice to power lights etc but not enough to turn the starter.

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thanks to everyone for the help so far.

To be honest I didn't chech the battery because I though with the lights etc and the winch working it wasn't likely to be the battery? Not sure if that was the correct assumption?

It doesn't sound like a battery as there isn't that usual winey murmer you get with a flat battery when it tries to start up.

As I said it just clicks and does nothing! I'll investigate the Starter motor/electrics etc if thats what people think it might be?

Thanks again.

Had the same problem, try undoing the nuts that hold the starter on. and put some copper grease between the starter and the fly wheel plate (were the starter sits). Did this on mine and there hasent been a problem since...

I'm not entirely sure, as I haven't got my landy to hand, but you should be able to test the starter directly by bridging terminals to the starter solenoid. If the starter turns, then it's more likely to be an electrical problem than a mechanical problem with the starter itself.

I'm sure someone knows in more details which bits to connect together. I've only done it on a transit before..

You might even be able to get it running this way

DefenderChris said:

My '97 defender 90 won't start!!

When I turn the key in the ignition to the first position the head lights etc will all come on so its not a battery kind of problem.

The glow plug light illuminates too but then when I turn the key fully to start it does absolutely nothing. The glow plug light goes out and there's a "click" noise but nothing else!

Anyone got any ideas what this could be?? Thanks in advance for your help.

Click to expand...

Hi Chris,

Did u manage to sort this out? does it ever start or just get to the stage that it clicks on the ignition and then nothin on the next stage of the key?

cheapest option first....
I had a prob like this after changing engine, ign lights came on everything working but as soon as i turned it over it clicked, ign lights went out and had to wait for reset.
Turned out to be bad earth....

similar problem for me but turned out it needed a new battery.

battery would give a good reading and all electrics work but the strain of starting would cause it to click.

Is it revive an old thread day? Check the date on the OP.