Disco 2 TD5 starting problems.

I've got a 2003 MY TD5 which has always started without a problem... until yesterday.

Nothing unusual on the dash ( e.g. no crossed out B ), the fuel pump starts as expected and everything electrical seems to work. When I try to crank it I get a single click and the clock, radio etc. dim - nothing else.
Battery was at 12.5 V when I tested it, I've since given it a trickle charge overnight which hasn't made a difference. I did find that the positive terminal clamp was loose, fixed that but no change. Also tried the battery from my V8 with no luck - although that is a much smaller battery.

I've checked the fuses - F23, F24, FL13 and also swapped the relay. No sign of any dampness.
I've cleaned up the connections to the starter motor and there seems to be a good earth.

I was tinkering a bit yesterday but all I did was replace the rear wiper arm, which would drain the battery a bit with the door open I guess, and spray some penetrating oil on the front shock mounts and EGR bolts. I can't see how either of those things would lead to this and I drove it afterwards without problems.

Slightly stumped about where to look next as car electrics aren't really my thing so would appreciate any suggestions. I'm sure I've missed something obvious...

Thanks

Check the main heavy duty lead at the starter for a voltage. If that is good then get someone to try and turn it with the key while you check the lucar connector at the starter to see if there is a voltage there.

brianconwy said:

Check the main heavy duty lead at the starter for a voltage. If that is good then get someone to try and turn it with the key while you check the lucar connector at the starter to see if there is a voltage there.

Click to expand...

Thanks - I'll give that a go when I get home.

Starter fubarred!

Little wire with spade connector on starter solenoid, is it still connected?

johnlad said:

Little wire with spade connector on starter solenoid, is it still connected?

Click to expand...

Yup, still connected.

Have a google / search for the starter solenoid.

They can give a nice click but no start.

Cheers

brianconwy said:

Check the main heavy duty lead at the starter for a voltage. If that is good then get someone to try and turn it with the key while you check the lucar connector at the starter to see if there is a voltage there.

Click to expand...

Voltage between main lead and starter case looks good - same as battery voltage.
Voltage on the lucar connector to starter body is around 10V when trying to start so I guess all the fuses etc are ok and it's the starter that's the issue. Is 10V ok or is that an indication of a bad earth somewhere and it should be the battery voltage?

Cheers

I would take the starter off and check the state of the solenoid contacts. Free and can either highlight that as a problem or eliminate it. The repair kits are cheap enough and work well.

Thanks - Solenoid repair kit sorted it out. That nut at the top of the starter is a pain though.

I find the easiest way on mine is to set up extensions so that the distance between the back of the socket wrench and the end of the socket is between 18cm and 19cm. Any longer and there is not enough room. Fun the first time though.