Ignition

Hi

Not new to the forum but I have a new intermitent problem. Normally have no need for heater plugs, engine fires at immidiate turn of the key..
Example having stopped and turned off the engine, on turning the key the starter does not activate, all dash lights show. This happened this afternoon, could not start, I proceded to push the car to a slope hoping for a bump start when a friendly person told me to take over from my wife (who was steering) whilst he pushed, I got behind the wheel and as normal turned the key and the bloody thing started.
Ani clues please.!

If it'll start with a push start, I'd be looking at the starter motor plunger/contacts. Cheap fix, but getting the motor off can be fun1
Griff

Hi
I don't know what motor you've got, but if the engine isn't turning over on the key, but then it did fine. It sounds more likely to be a starter motor or connection onto the starter that is the problem.
How handy are you under the bonnet and what Disco is it? I don't know my way round all the diesels but someone else will come along who soon who does

NFav said:

Hi
I don't know what motor you've got, but if the engine isn't turning over on the key, but then it did fine. It sounds more likely to be a starter motor or connection onto the starter that is the problem.
How handy are you under the bonnet and what Disco is it? I don't know my way round all the diesels but someone else will come along who soon who does

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300 TDI, 1996.

Carry a screwdriver with you or something conductive the next time it does it pop the bonnet and with ignition on put it across the large terminals on the starter relay (battery cable size) if it turns it's the starter relay playing up or the ignition switch check for 12v feed (when key is turned to start) on the small single wire which just pulls off.if you're getting feed from the ignition switch and you just get sparks and no start then it's the starter motor.

mr glee said:

Carry a screwdriver with you or something conductive the next time it does it pop the bonnet and with ignition on put it across the large terminals on the starter relay (battery cable size) if it turns it's the starter relay playing up or the ignition switch check for 12v feed (when key is turned to start) on the small single wire which just pulls off.if you're getting feed from the ignition switch and you just get sparks and no start then it's the starter motor.

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But make sure it's in neutral and the handbrake is on, otherwise you might run yourself over. Also, this won't work if it's an auto unless you have an assistant to press the footbrake.

Col

It sounds like a solenoid contact problem but you can usually hear a click as the plunger moves.

brianconwy said:

It sounds like a solenoid contact problem but you can usually hear a click as the plunger moves.

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Have gone through mentally what has been happening, it started during the summer, it would seem that if the engine is turned off and the key left in the ignition it some how operates the security system. Take the key out and wait a few minutes and presto engine starts. I hope this is the problem solved.
Thanks for the replies I had tooled up ready but it has not occured since.

The problem was not cured as I hoped, had a few more with non starting, if left for 5 - 10 mins could start then all OK for a while. In the end took the car to my service garage where it was found that I had changed the battery in the fob and for some reason it was giving false info to the ignition and operating the "immobiliser". So far changed fob and NO problem (OR fob kept some distance from ignition) since. Now, how to cure the fob!