No Dash Lights, Still turns over but won't start. 1995 300tdi maybe immobiliser?

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tomltd

Member
Posts
48
Location
Norwich
Hi Guys,

So this intermittent problem has finally become a fully fledged situation. It started a while back where I would be driving along usually within the first minute of setting off and everything just turned off. I would have to take the key out and press it on the metal immobiliser contact and start the start the engine again. Sometimes it happened a couple of times then It would be fine. It seemed to be intermittent.

However after 6 weeks or so of this I got in the other day and turned the engine on fine, began to drive and off it went off. This time no restart. Pushed it back on drive and now when I disable the immobiliser fob and turn the key I get No dash lights at all however the engine still turns over but won't start. The only light that works is the little immobiliser LED which is on all the time until you press the fob on the metal contacts. :wtf:

I have checked all the fuses and no problems there and now stuck as I'm no good with electrics. Any suggestions would be really helpful. I can't find a photo of the type of immobiliser anywhere on the web so please see photo. If anyone knows what type of immobiliser this is that would be great too.

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Thanks very much :cool:
 

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Tried said bypass technique and nothing happened. Also doing that will not bring back the dash lights e.t.c. It's hard to discuss if you are not supposed to discuss it. First rule of bypass club is don't talk about bypass club.
 
I had a similar situation with my 200tdi, no immobilizer but same symptoms. Mine was a bad stop solenoid wire connector. Replaced that and no issues since. Just throwing another idea out there.
 
I had a similar situation with my 200tdi, no immobilizer but same symptoms. Mine was a bad stop solenoid wire connector. Replaced that and no issues since. Just throwing another idea out there.
I know this post is quite old, but hopefully you're still on LZ. I have a 200tdi defender and just finished a 10hr round trip from Wales and got home, parked up. 1 hr later went out to move the truck and couldn't start her. Dash lights and battery indicator and fuel gauge all lifeless. When you turn the key, spins but no start. Any ideas where I should poke around?
 
I know this post is quite old, but hopefully you're still on LZ. I have a 200tdi defender and just finished a 10hr round trip from Wales and got home, parked up. 1 hr later went out to move the truck and couldn't start her. Dash lights and battery indicator and fuel gauge all lifeless. When you turn the key, spins but no start. Any ideas where I should poke around?
He hasn't been on since 2016. IIRC when my immobiliser was iffy (bout 12 yrs ago) the lights still came on. If a fuse has gone you might have lost the feed to the stop solenoid. Try running a live to the stop solenoid so that you know its opening, see if it starts then.
 
He hasn't been on since 2016. IIRC when my immobiliser was iffy (bout 12 yrs ago) the lights still came on. If a fuse has gone you might have lost the feed to the stop solenoid. Try running a live to the stop solenoid so that you know its opening, see if it starts then.
Cheers mate, by the way would this effect the dash lights and dials?
 
Running a live to the stop solenoid won't.
If a fuse has gone it would.
If a fuse has gone there will be a reason. Were your headlights ok on your 10hr journey?
The headlights were fine. Electrically I've noticed battery gauge not as strong as usual and bigger movements when putting sidelights or even heater fan on etc. These needle movements were not happening 4 weeks ago.
Also wipers started some time not working unless I turn them on and start them off manually with my hand. As if there not as much power going to them.
The other day I notice when I have my inside cabin lights on and engage and disengage the hand brake the lights flicker.
 
The headlights were fine. Electrically I've noticed battery gauge not as strong as usual and bigger movements when putting sidelights or even heater fan on etc. These needle movements were not happening 4 weeks ago.
Also wipers started some time not working unless I turn them on and start them off manually with my hand. As if there not as much power going to them.
The other day I notice when I have my inside cabin lights on and engage and disengage the hand brake the lights flicker.
How old is your battery?
In your first post you said the engine spins when you turn the key. Does it spin fast and vigorously?
 
Battery 6 months old.
Yeah spins as it should.
Condition of alternator?
I'm afraid you need someone better with electrickery that me! :( Plenty like that on LZ though! :)
Have you had a look at the earth mounting point straight from the negative of the battery? Check it's corrosion free and has a good connection.
 
I've been wanting an excuse to change out the alternator.
Thanks pal, appreciate it.
Check the earth first. Makes sense to do the easiest and cheapest things first.
Also, if the battery is spinning the engine over fast enough then it sounds like it's getting charged ok.
 
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