p38 Starting issues - all help welcomed...

Hi everyone, new to the site but have used the forums as a good source of info for a while now.
I have an issue with my RR. It got a bit wet at the weekend but started and ran fine afterwards. Had two weak batteries so I swapped them for brand new ones but now it won't start.
Got the CHECK ENGINE lamp lit despite my OBD reader listing no faults. Sounds like a stuck starter but its had a light tap and noting as the ignition just gives an audible click from the engine bay when the key is turned.
Any ideas or similar experiences will be most welcome, not starting obviously means I can't drive it anywhere for them to check...
Had the ECU out to see if it's water ingress but it's dry as a bone, no water in fuses or any visible connectors and no trailing/disconnected wires. Alarm/Immob is activating and disarming on the key.
Scratching of the head commences...
Thanks in advance

So, is this 2.5 Doozle or a 4.x Petrol, or just coal-fired steam engine?
If all you get is a click on the key turning to "start" either your battery is knackered, the solenoid isn't throwing properly/contacts are FCUK'd or the earth/power to the starter motor are bad.
A standard OBD reader is worthless on a Rangie.
A more sensible person will be along in a moment I am sure @Henry_b

Check that the main cable to fuse box hasn't fried

Also have a look at the Fusebox itself, check to see if it's fried itself

They don't like the water..

You could also try and give the starter a good tap with a hammer..

4.6, brand new batteries and even got my mate to hook up his truck in case the batteries weren't fully charged.
It ran fine after I'd been out but then since it's been parked up (sunday afternoon) it now won't play...
Largely frustrating. I was thinking starter solenoid but I'm not going to rule out anything else until I've had a few ideas in case, with all things p38, it's something stupid!
Thanks Henry

As alluded to above - helps to know what model, year, engine etc we are talking about here....

EDIT: OP posted engine size above this one, so we are gettign there.....GEMS or THOR?

Fuse box is bone dry, ECU bone dry, gave the starter a tickle but no joy

1996 4.6 petrol auto

Smell the fuse box....does it smell 'hot' or burnt?

No odd smells aside from stale water GEMS engine

Take the fuse box out and have a good look over it..

A REAL GOOD LOOK

From what i read i take it the problem is the starter will not engage. If so check you are getting 12 volts to the solenoid switch wire when key is turned. If you are then starter is suspect.

Time to break out the meter... will keep this updated as I go.
Thanks everyone

wammers said:

From what i read i take it the problem is the starter will not engage. If so check you are getting 12 volts to the solenoid switch wire when key is turned. If you are then starter is suspect.

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Listen to Wammers!

Given it "got a bit wet" and is the early GEMS, check the earth straps.

Two popped fuses and a face full of mud, grit and **** later (fuses were pre water dunk I think), we have success! Stuck starter resolved by a judicious tap with a universal adjusting tool... I thought old school with it and I have a mate with a 3.5 v8 classic powered 80" series II who said starters were prone to getting too hot and seizing up.
Replacement on order just to be on the safe side.
Thanks peeps, I have NO DOUBT you'll hear from me next time I break it!!

fierce74 said:

Two popped fuses and a face full of mud, grit and **** later (fuses were pre water dunk I think), we have success! Stuck starter resolved by a judicious tap with a universal adjusting tool... I thought old school with it and I have a mate with a 3.5 v8 classic powered 80" series II who said starters were prone to getting too hot and seizing up.
Replacement on order just to be on the safe side.
Thanks peeps, I have NO DOUBT you'll hear from me next time I break it!!
View attachment 170648

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That looks close to the wading limit. There are some places to catch water making it past the air filter on the intake. Might be worth checking if you haven't already.

And driving through that is fun?????

wammers said:

And driving through that is fun?????

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Not when it drowns!!!

wammers said:

And driving through that is fun?????

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Not my idea of fun, certainly not in any Range Rover except perhaps the Classic.