Freelander 1 Intermittent non start 2001 TD4

Hi Guys

Long time since I was on here ( nearly 12 months since last post ), I have an annoying problem in that my 2001 freelander 1 is refusing to start intermittently.

When starting it usually fires immediately the key is turned and runs without problems, but recently it has refused to start every time, when this happens the engine spins over on the starter but will not start.

Once the engine starts it then runs normally without power loss or smoke until switched off, then its a lottery as to whether or not it will restart.

There are no dtc's showing on the diagnostics, there were 2 showing stored in the ecu ( IE25 Cam sensor & 0190 Fuel pressure sensor on the common rail ) but since I cleared these neither have returned but the issue persists.
I have clamped off the injector leak off line and also the return to tank without affecting the starting issue.

However if I disconnect the fuel rail pressure sensor and then reconnect it when I try to start the engine the engine fires maybe once or twice then just spins over, fuel pressure seems ok but will need to test again tomorrow to confirm figures.

Anyone have any idea where to start looking from there as I'm stumped

thanks

The fuel rail sensor is a common cause of problems. There is an overlay harness which is available to eliminate such issues.

A bad or failing cam sensor can also fail, stopping the engine from starting.

Thanks for the suggestions Nodge68 , bit the bullet and ordered a cam sensor ( cheapest option €37 ) fitted and problem solved now starts hot and cold, checked immediately on return after a 40 mile warm-up run and 15-20 mins later after a heat soak. Fired up first time both times.