The lights are on - but she just won't start

Hi all
Got to car park after work - as usual, put key in, turned, ignition lights all came on - but when turning key to start, absolutely nothing. Radio, lights etc all working. Then it started, drove home, turned it off in drive and tried to start - nothing, not a peep.

Coincidentally the tailgate regulator snapped last week, so I removed the broken regulator and ordered a new one. Whilst waiting for the replacement I've been driving the car with the windows jammed shut. As I've had immobiliser issues in the past, I don't trust it with the windows jammed shut. As such, I've not locked it all week.

The only other things I've done recently is to re-gas the air con and look to see if I could change the fuel filter (aborted this as couldn't work it out and didn't want to risk it).

Can't think of anything else I've done.

Any help or advice gratefully received

Cheers Danny

What engine is in it ? Petrol or diesel ?
If petrol know that the ignition switch has issues and will work intermittently.
A way to check it is to remove the cowling and try starting it with some wire by bridging the connections.
A friend of mine had the same problem and it took ages to find.
Just a thought ?

Many thanks for the reply - I should have said it's diesel.
May still be worth a check though.

Cheers

dman1 said:

Many thanks for the reply - I should have said it's diesel.
May still be worth a check though.

Cheers

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Age?

L series?
TD4?

It's a MY00 td4, 3 door

If the ignition switch is failing with problem contacts (I'm on my 3rd) then turn the key to start it and hold it there. You may find it will start after say 10 or 20 seconds. Release the key when/if it starts.

We also get problems with the wire on the starter motor. Bad connection.

I'll give that a go, and will check starter motor.
Appreciate the advice, cheers

Mine had a corroded wire/connection going to the starter motor. But its a petrol

Contacts in the starter motor are known to wear

Do you get a click when you turn on the ignition?

The ignition switch is a common problem on all models, they all use the same switch. The starter wire is another common fault on all models.

Had the same thing with my transporter van. Turned out to corroded starter cable connection on the starter motor. I'd check there. U could always unplug it and test for 12v on that cable while somebody cycles the ignition switch. Also may be worth checking ur neutral strap connection to the body work/engine block.

Not sure which dash you have, but when you're not in the car there's a light that flashes - to do with imobiliser/alarm - its between the 2 big dials on mine. When you turn the key and it doesn't start - does this light stay on?

May be a sign the battery in your key fob is going low - has the car been beeping at you when you get in it?

If it happens press the button on the fob to unlock the car and try again.

If you find out it is the ignition switch and u can turn the ignition on ok and just starting is the problem fit a push button start

As said before the ignition switch are not the best part so it's just away of getting rid of it

Hi all
Good news (sort of).
Tapped the starter motor whilst the Mrs turned the key - and it started. Will order a repair kit and then fit as per advice on other threads.
Also, tailgate windows regulator refitted and all working ok.

Just wanted to say a big thanks to all those who have taken time to help me with this.

Cheers

Danny

matt1295 said:

If you find out it is the ignition switch and u can turn the ignition on ok and just starting is the problem fit a push button start

As said before the ignition switch are not the best part so it's just away of getting rid of it

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Fitting a start switch would be a mod on his insurance. Also not ideal as it tell's a theif what the wires do.

Hippo said:

Fitting a start switch would be a mod on his insurance. Also not ideal as it tell's a theif what the wires do.

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As if the tea leafs don't know already...... But freelanders ain't that easy to nick cuz of the immobilisers and they ain't worth much when they are hot!

Not like tratters .......,

it is easy to replace the contacts in the solenoid on the starter the hardest part is getting the starter motor of ,first take battery tray off the there is a bolt that goes through from the top of the gearbox through to the starter motor then the other two you can see but take the wires of first . hope this helps

Had something similar not long ago. Lights coming on and nothing happening. Searched these forums and narrowed it down to either ignition switch or starter motor. Other half got a starter motor solenoid repair kit, changed that and habe had no probs since. While it was playing up I kept a metal bar on the dash, and if it didn't want to start, popped bonnet, gave the starter motor a bash with the stick and off she went. Got a few funny looks in the tesco car park, but that don't bother me!