Ignition/starter issue, please help!!

Hi, I have a '98 reg 2.5TD 110. It started having intermittent starting issues where everything would light up on the key but on the final turn there was nothing. After a few attempts the landy would start, this went on for a few days and now it won't start at all. The electrics still come to life on the key but on the final turn there is now nothing at all. The battery is fine i.e new. I assume it'll be a bad connection somewhere, maybe corrosion on the starter motor cables but as I understand, to get at the starter the exhaust/turbo manifold needs to come off as well as the front end of the exhaust. Another issue, until I can get it started I can't jack the front end up as it's on a slight hill and the handbrake has seized. Another thing I noticed is that one of the relays flashes when I try to turn the engine over (third in from left under fuses), I replaced this but the same happens. Is this a common fault with a fairly simple fix? Or is it going to be one of those "could be a number of things", I fear it'll be the latter but always grateful for any help. Cheers, Luke.

what's that? a 300tdi?

if so then you can remove the air intake from the filter to the turbo to get better access, just a couple of clips.

have a look at the state of the wiring.

i'd just knock the the gears into N and stick a large screwdriver between the short starter spade and the large lug. if it spins, then you know the issue is from the dash to there. be careful.

if you have a multimeter you could also check for juice from the lil wire on the starter and trace it back

Im not very good when it comes to fixing my 300 tdi at all and I could be totally wrong but I've had 12 months of mine being like that sometimes starting other times nothing apart from lights on dash lighting up.... I replaced the battery went through 2 starter motors, put a new wire in from starter motor, new ignition barrel and switch, heater plugs, earth wire and it all come down to corrosion on the immobiliser. It wasn't even turning over so couldn't have been fuel pump.... And cost me a fortune! just an idea from how mine was. As I say though I could be totally wrong ... I understand how frustrating it is. Good luck

i'd rip the immob out, too much hassle and it's simple to bypass

Had a bypass put on mine years ago. No starting problems since. Same symptoms as you before that.

This happened to me. It was the immobilizer. Ripped the bugger out and it's all good now.

this might be worth a try...

the small wire on top of my starter used to pop off by itself randomly from time to time, giving the same symptom you're describing.. i used to have to reach up from underneath the vehicle and push it back on by feel cos it's impossible to see from underneath. Last time i had the manifolds off, i took the opportunity to crimp the connector back tight and covered the tab in thread locking compound to make it less prone to slipping off. havent had any trouble since.
disconnect one of the battery leads... get under the vehicle till you can see the starter from underneath, then put your hand up above the starter and feel around.... theres a small wire with a rectangular plastic connector on the end... it should be attached to a square metal tab on the upper part of the back of the starter, if not.... push it back on!

worth a go anyway, hope its that simple

Thanks for the replies everyone, I'll give all the suggestions a try and let you know how i get on.

All sorted, I traced all the wiring back to the battery and behind the dash and couldn't see any obvious issues so I began to dig for the starter. Took it out and checked the cables, everything looked fine. Took a leap of faith and bought a new starter and now works a treat. Cheers everyone.

Good to hear that you got her sorted.

Thanks for letting us know how you did it, as it might help others

Not sure about the tdi but on the TD5 the same symptoms are normally caused by worn solenoid contacts which can be replaced for about a tenner. Much cheaper than buying a new starter.