starting probs H reg defender 300tdi

driving along all engine power lost came to a halt an then there was a very small wisp of fine smoke from the left hand side of the steering wheel as if in front of the speedo.
when you attempt to turn it over fuel gauge, battery gauge, etc all have power however hand brake light etc no lights at all, R A C checked the fuses in the panel opposite the gear shift all ok. it wants to turn over but just does not catch.
in your opinions where should I start stop solenoid? ignition barrel or am I right in saying if it was the barrel it would not attempt to turn over ? or the stop solenoid any help would be appreciated as always and thanks in advance for your replys. it does have a spanking new battery btw and has never had any past problems.

Using a multimeter, do you get any power to the FIP (White wire) with the ignition on?

I am at work at the moment but will try all suggestions tonight and tomorrow

Have come home from work I do have power to the white wire

Now see if you have 12v on that wire whilst cranking.

ok will do but since your last posts ive gotten a torch right into the space and I have seen a short plastic roundish plug. it is to or looks to the right of the ignition barrel. from what I can tell it has a black white wire two white wires
(or this could be a thin twin wire and a brown wire attached if you travel a few inches down these wires the white wires are cooked, this is where I think the wisp of smoke emanated from.
but since I've got fat fingers I've dislodged a wire somewhere and the head lights are permantly on so I've dis connected the battery.
I think I need to get some splicing done

raisingveg said:

ok will do but since your last posts ive gotten a torch right into the space and I have seen a short plastic roundish plug. it is to or looks to the right of the ignition barrel. from what I can tell it has a black white wire two white wires
(or this could be a thin twin wire and a brown wire attached if you travel a few inches down these wires the white wires are cooked, this is where I think the wisp of smoke emanated from.
but since I've got fat fingers I've dislodged a wire somewhere and the head lights are permantly on so I've dis connected the battery.
I think I need to get some splicing done

Click to expand...

the switches are prone to short out especially indicator switch

thank you im hoping that this will cure the problem someone mentioned getting a bypass kit for the spider ?
also should I fit a new indicator switch etc as well and would you recommend any other bits whilst I am doing this repair ?

The ignition switch on the back of the ignition barrel does fail and the cables to it overheat. My 2.5nad now a 200tdi has no relay for the glow plugs and these wires looked well overheated on mine as did the switch. I ran the glow plugs through a relay and all is fine now.
It takes the high current load off the switch as well.
Does the 300 have a relay? I think it does?
New switch's are cheap but fiddly to change, easier to remove the barral complete by tapping the security bolts undone, switch is held to the barral by 2 little screws, one is a bugger to get at if you don't remove the whole barrel but is doable cos I've done it.