Disco 2 Immobiliser weirdness

Hey guys,

hope you are doing well?

had a search but couldn’t find too much, searching from my phone so not that easy to navigate, so apologies if this has been covered previously

when I jump in my 2001 disco 2 sometimes I turn the key and everything works fine.
Then within a matter of minutes I turn the key and the red immobiliser light is illuminated and won’t start.

If I keep cycling through the ignition positions off and on sometimes the red light goes out after 2-3 times and engine starts fine, then next day will be like 8-10 times and it starts fine.

It’s never locked, it’s mainly used around my small holding or runs to the animal feed shop.

not sure where to start, any advice would be much appreciated

Two things here:
1/ it sounds as if the contacts on your starter may well be worn and need replacing. not the end of the world except the top nut on the starter is notorious for being a pain to get undone and off
2/ immobiliser, if this is the issue, try using the button on the key to de-immobiliser then start it quickly afterwards. You have about 30 seconds between de-immobilising and it resetting if the gizmo in the ignition lock cannot sense the presence of the key.
I have had the first and solved it by taking the starter off and changing the contacts.
I currently have the second cos my key the one that starts the car, does not have the PCB and the batteries and switches in it, they are currently residing in a replacement key fob that I bought. for some reason despite being on the same keyring, the pcb isn't near enough to the ignition switch to actuate the de-immobiliser. Hence the need to press the plip then start the car.
Best of luck
Stan

Have you replace the fob battery?
When red led is illuminated that is an indication that the engine is immobilised so no it wont start cranking and therefore completely silent. If you just hear click from the starter then possibly there’s a fault with the solenoid not engaging.
The immobiliser function can be isolated if u wish, with the correct diagnostic tool. Loads on info already on the forum on that subject.
So decided if your vehicle has a mechanical or electrical issue.