Hard to start, then engine light.

Hi,

I have seen a similar post but cant for the life o me find it so i's gonna have to ask again...

I left my TD5 defender at work for the last 2 nights because i had a company car. Thats the longest its been left without start for 6 months...

I then drove it home today with no problems n it turned over first click. Got home started it back up 5 mins later and it took 10 seconds to turn over and the engine light didnt go out... so turned it off and back on again with no problems.

Should I look in to this or not? I was thinking a low battery but i drove 40 miles back from work so should have had full battery...

cheers

when battery voltage drops all kinds of faults appear but disappear when voltage stable

Change the fob battery. There is a sensor around the ignition switch barrel that looks for the close proximity of the key fob.

Shifty1962 said:

Change the fob battery. There is a sensor around the ignition switch barrel that looks for the close proximity of the key fob.

Click to expand...

Iv not got an immobiliser... I'm guessing it was low volts but don't know why. Struggles to start then 20 seconds later it's first click?

Do TD5s have an immobiliser as standard? I read that some where. If so iv been driving 6 months not knowing :s

Got an alarm fob? Got a flashing red light in your speedo? Chances are your imobiliser is enabled. Easy to check. Disarm the alarm and open the drivers door. Take your alarm fob back inside. Wait 60 seconds then try to start your engine. If it wont crank and your MIL light is lit then your imobiliser is active. Go back and get your fob. Hold it near to the ignition switch and try to start again. Should start as usual.

It never came with a fob. Just 2 ignition keys there is a light in the speedo but iv never seen it light up. Does it mean it's been disabled?

Sounds like it.

Ok. Im thinking a battery or alternator problem.

I started her up last night and it just clicked (starter relay) and nothing. Tried again and clicked. Tried again and the starter started slowly but started the engine. Just got to work. Tried starting it again, and just clicks. So I don't think I'm gettin home early tonight...

Sounds like battery has had it - worth checking the alternator is charging as well, as you don't want to be buying new batteries every 7 days!

Had a day trouble shooting today.

Tried starting normally, just clicked
Jump started it, just clicked so not battery
Took starter off and opened it up and one of the contacts was worn so made a new one up and bolted it all back together.
Tried started normally and on first click it started. Happy days.
Whilst it was sat in the garage i noticed iv got a gearbox oil leak so thats for tomorrow Fookin typical eh?

^

Glad you've sorted it. You can get a starter solenoid rebuild kit on eBay for about a tenner. Well worth keeping one around for that price.

Shifty1962 said:

Glad you've sorted it. You can get a starter solenoid rebuild kit on eBay for about a tenner. Well worth keeping one around for that price.

Click to expand...

Cheers. Hoping it'll last a while