Starter clicking once.

Hi all,
My 1995 300tdi has recently developed a starter problem. When you turn the ignition key, usually for the 1st start but can happen at other times, it will give one click. If i turn the key back, then try to start the vehicle again, it turns over fine. I have cleaned the battery terminals and they seem tight enough.
Any ideas on what to look for?

Check the terminals in the starter, if not Its likely to be the starter motor or solenoid.

The click you hear is most likely the solenoid pushing out, but the motor isn't turning.

Make sure the terminals are good, and measure the resistance between the terminals and the battery. The wires can look good, but actually be corroded enough to stop the power getting through.

Thank you "gregsargent"
Took the turbo pipe of and checked the terminals. Cleaned the 12volt ignition feed (white wire) and it seems to have sorted it out. Much appreciated.

my TD5 started to do this very occasionally in june, the frequency of failures slowly increased (although it never failed to eventually start). I fitted a new starter August bank holiday and it'd never done it since, not a particularly expensive part and easy enough to do

Not sure what its like on the TD5 but i agree that it looks straightforward enough on the TDi. Hopefully wont come to that for a while. I only bought the landy mid september and i,ve already replaced the rear crossmember with one of Blacksheeps excellent products. Replaced 2 rear outriggers, repaired 2 front outriggers, changed all diff and gearbox oils, transfer box oil seals, freed up the Difflock linkages, fitted a DAB radios, chequer plate, repaired the rear door. The list goes on but one thing i,ve discovered about my 1st Defender is that they are like a big Meccano set and pretty much everything is acessible to a point. I served my time on Landcruisers and tbh, they are a bit more complex. I can see why the Land Rover is popular in far flung places as i reckon its repairable in the middle of nowhere with very little tools and spares. I,ve really gotten in to this car. I love it.

Always plenty to keep you busy with a defender!

You'll certainly never be bored that's for sure! Just as soon as everything seems to be working, another issue will be sure to develop soon enough!

Thanks for the vote of confidence
I,ve worked on a fair few british classics, triumphs, minis, rileys etc and they all same to be exactly the same as you say, something will be waiting to surprise you.
This is a great site for info, help and a bit of banter.
Going back to the starter problem, it more than likely looks like it is the solenoid but luckily, there is an old guy not too far away from me that can fix anything electrical. He has all the equipment to work on starters, alternators etc so i,ll end up giving him a shout sooner or later.

bigsam said:

Thanks for the vote of confidence
I,ve worked on a fair few british classics, triumphs, minis, rileys etc and they all same to be exactly the same as you say, something will be waiting to surprise you.
This is a great site for info, help and a bit of banter.
Going back to the starter problem, it more than likely looks like it is the solenoid but luckily, there is an old guy not too far away from me that can fix anything electrical. He has all the equipment to work on starters, alternators etc so i,ll end up giving him a shout sooner or later.

Click to expand...

Impressive start to ownership

If you haven't, add timing belt to your list

Cheers, its on my list. It definitely hasnt been changed and i have known this car for 13 years albeit, it has only done around 3k in that time. Was only used as a 2nd vehicle and driving over a few fields,
I,m not gonna do it myself though as i know a guy who works on Landys and he has the tools to do it and hes easy enough to pay. Probably give him a hand though.
I have still got to fit new rear trailing arm bushes as they look original and are a bit perished. I cant sate how well impressed i am with the Blacksheep crossmember. Its one substantial bit of engineering. It will be still around when i,m long 6 foot under.