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LRnovice

Member Since: 08 May 2008
Location: Cardiff
Posts: 64

2008 Defender 90 Puma 2.4 CSW Auto Belize Green

Radio fault (initially with starting fault)

This has baffled main dealers and is a long standing problem so any suggestions will be much appreciated. Initially it was a radio fault (flashing display and sound breaking up) and very difficult to start although the car always started immediately after fifth or sixth attempt. Battery is fully charged.

The starting problem seems to have resolved itself but now on switching the engine on the radio is completely dead, no sound at all from the speakers and no display as though there was no power to the radio but on pressing the CD eject button I can hear the motor running proving there is power to the radio.

Also if I use the "one hour power on" button the the display lights but that is all. Still no sound and no response from any of the buttons other than CD eject.

Any ideas or does anyone know of a LR garage near Cardiff who are also electronics experts
Many thanks

3rd Mar 2025 12:54pm

Fernando

Member Since: 25 Oct 2017
Location: CABA
Posts: 93

2008 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 SW Bonatti Grey

Seguramente son los contactos de la llave de encendido.

6th Mar 2025 6:59pm

custom90

Member Since: 21 Jan 2010
Location: South West, England.
Posts: 20688

Primary power supplies need testing, and ground continuity.

If those things check out, then it could be a HU fault.

You can also bench test the HU if you wanted to, if temporary power supplies are present and correct and the HU is then working as it should, it’s the LR’s side at fault.

If you have or previously had starting issues, then I’d suggest battery clamps maybe loose or the main ground on the transmission has high impedance possibly loose. TheThunderRolls🇬🇧🇺🇸
⛽️🛢️⚙️🧰💪

6th Mar 2025 8:44pm

Ianh

Member Since: 17 Sep 2018
Location: Essex
Posts: 2220

Fernando wrote:
Seguramente son los contactos de la llave de encendido.

My initial thought as well, it could well be the ignition switch / connections to it.

Else an Earth.

7th Mar 2025 12:30am

donmacn

Member Since: 07 Nov 2017
Location: Nth Scotland
Posts: 1876

Although my car is older (1994 300Tdi) I’ve had something very similar.

On turning the key nothing happens from the engine - no relay click, no starter, nada. But the radio seems to go into a loop of power up, power off, power up, power off - but with only split seconds between them.

I have my radio wired so that I can provide alternative leisure power on campsites, so I can break that on/off cycle just by flicking that switch. When I switch back to main loom power the cycling has stopped.

Then, a few puzzled moments later, I try again and everything works. This has happened maybe 2 or 3 times. My thoughts are that I disturbed something at the back of the ignition switch when I was last behind the dash, or that the starter relay is getting tired/sticky. It is the original, so 31 years old. I’ll replace that first as it’s by far the easier to get to, but be on standby to check out the ignition switch if needed.

Don’t know if the more modern LRs have simple starter relays, but maybe something to look at? Donald

1994 Defender 300Tdi 110 SW - owned since 2002 - 230k miles and going strong
(The 'rolling restoration' or tinkering thread: http://www.defender2.net/forum/topic58538.html )
2000 Range Rover P38 4.0L V8

in the past..
RR classic - fitted with 200Tdi
1984 RR classic - V8 with ZF auto box
1993 Discovery 300Tdi

not to mention the minis and the Type 2 VW camper...

7th Mar 2025 9:29am

jbcollier

Member Since: 29 Apr 2024
Location: Edmonton AB
Posts: 197

2009 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 SW Alpine White

There are a few potential areas to check that frequently come up: battery, battery connections, ground connections and the ignition switch itself (common). But, find the right wiring diagrams, a test light with an incandescent bulb and check it out for yourself.

8th Mar 2025 12:09am

custom90

Member Since: 21 Jan 2010
Location: South West, England.
Posts: 20688

HU DIN ISO connector pins loose. TheThunderRolls🇬🇧🇺🇸
⛽️🛢️⚙️🧰💪

8th Mar 2025 12:22pm

LRnovice

Member Since: 08 May 2008
Location: Cardiff
Posts: 64

Thanks everyone for your advice. If only Land Rover Defenders were as dependable as this forum!!!

8th Mar 2025 1:55pm

Julie

Member Since: 07 Oct 2017
Location: Nantes
Posts: 570

2012 Defender 110 Puma 2.2 SW Keswick Green

Re: Radio fault (initially with starting fault)

LRnovice wrote:
Any ideas or does anyone know of a LR garage near Cardiff who are also electronics experts
Many thanks

The genuine Land Rover radio+CD are known to be faulty.
Just do a quick search ( forum / internet )
I deactivated the CD player causing faults + interruptions + shut downs - and have still radio + iPod connection working fine (100% reliable)
Honestly, CD is outdated

If DC was cut/low, the radio would ask for its key code

10th Mar 2025 10:49am

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