Intermittent starter issue

My 2002 TD5 has developed an intermittent issue with starting. Turn key as normal and it'll either turn over and start or I get a 'click'. I can turn the key a number of times getting 'clicks' and then all of a sudden the engine starts. Could it be the relay or has anyone had a similar issue that was down to something else?

Hi,

You have what sounds like the solenoid contacts problem.

They wear out over time. Easy enough to fix. Well on a D2 anyway, hope it is on a Fender.
I got this kit.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/LANDROVER...hash=item3abf3bad74:m:mODUMeLDeCD2IaLg6A8kzew

Cheers

+1
But first look at the low tension connection on the starter this has a habit of making a bad connection and creating the problems you describe.

It is the spade connector on the picture.

Tim4x4 said:

+1
But first look at the low tension connection on the starter this has a habit of making a bad connection and creating the problems you describe.

It is the spade connector on the picture.
View attachment 114216

Click to expand...

Definitely worth checking, but if the lucar connector is not making a connection, then it would not make a loud click as the solenoid is energised.

Cheers

If it is not making a connection you are correct but I said a BAD connection which it can click and then drop out.

Replace the starter contacts with a rebuild kit. They are not expensive. Classic TD5 problem.

neilly said:

Hi,

You have what sounds like the solenoid contacts problem.

They wear out over time. Easy enough to fix. Well on a D2 anyway, hope it is on a Fender.
I got this kit.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/LANDROVER...hash=item3abf3bad74:m:mODUMeLDeCD2IaLg6A8kzew

Cheers

Click to expand...

Thanks Neilly, you were spot on. Bought the kit and set about removing the starter. What a pig the 'nut from hell' was to get off. Must've spent 2-3 hrs before I finally cracked it. Once it was off the rest was a doddle and I had the kit fitted and starter refitted within 30 mins. Only issue was refitting the 'nut from hell' and I managed to drop it in a place almost impossible to get to, so that's the next job. Landy started first time though which was amazing. Thanks again.

Shifty1962 said:

Replace the starter contacts with a rebuild kit. They are not expensive. Classic TD5 problem.

Click to expand...

Thanks shifty1962, I bought the kit and it was a doddle to fit, once I'd got the feckin starter motor off. The 'Nut from hell' almost finished me and I've got cuts and bruises to show for my perseverance. Great sense of achievement to finally get it removed, sorted and replaced. Landy started first time.

Sounds like you had fun,

Sorry, I should have given you a heads up, The trick with the top nut is to use the shortest and smallest dia (15mm iirc) socket using a 1/4 drive and a 6 inch extension.

You do not need to remove the nut from the starter motor completely until the bottom ones are off, then you can undo it and slide the starter motor out at the same time.

Once you have done it once it is not that difficult........

Cheers