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| 914PAW Member Since: 01 Feb 2021 Location: Wiltshire Posts: 14   
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I have a recurring problem with my ‘03 Defender 90. It’s a TD5 on 114k miles. I’ve been experiencing a problem in starting for about two years. The problem occurs on re start when she’s been run for a while, so far never a problem from cold. The symptoms are that when the ignition is turned the fuel pump does not run, no glow plug light and the temperature guage flicks all the way to the right into the red. The engine will turn but not start. It started as an occasional problem and got worse until last year she would also cut out having started and run, always enough to get you out onto the most narrow or dangerous part of the road where losing all power was the most dangerous! When this happened I entrusted her to a local Land Rover specialist and eventually he diagnosed a faulty ECU. I’d already gone through the relays and a new fuel pump and regulator. he fitted a recon ECU and all was well for about 6 months. She started on the button every time I used her even after long lay ups through lockdown etc. She runs like a dream. Then on her first long run after lockdown she refused to restart after a 100 mile drive, she’d stood for about 1 hour. I tried moving the under seat relays no joy, but in about 15 minutes there was a “click” from the general area of the under seat relays and she went back to normal started no problem. Ran fine for the next 30 miles then cut out on the M5..... just gradually died although engine was revving there was no power until when I pulled onto the hard shoulder she cut out altogether this time the engine management warning light also illuminated tried fiddling with relays again.. no joy then after standing for about 15 minutes she restarted and ran perfectly for the remaining 70 miles of my journey. I took her to my local specialist again to see if he could track the fault particularly as the engine check light should have triggered codes to assist. He did all the diagnostics, checked the loom etc etc but couldn’t find anything unusual. So cue another month or so of faultless running and yesterday having been out twice across the day, went to start her and no joy. Temperature guage all the way to the right, no glow plug light, engine turns but doesn’t start. Again no change from messing with relays. Left her for an hour went out and started up and ran perfectly and again this morning.... the only thing I’m starting to think is that since the ecu swap it seems to happen after she’s been driven either a long distance or several short but “hard” drives, and there is a possibility it happens more in warm air temperatures than mild but can’t be 100% on that. I’d really appreciate any ideas from the collective as it’s becoming a real concern that I can’t rely on her.
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27th May 2021 9:32am |
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| Smyles_ Member Since: 25 Aug 2018 Location: Copenhagen Posts: 517 
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I had this exact problem for the same amount of time until it got dangerous as well. Sorted it with a new fuel pump relay as I knew it was the culprit - would just give it a wiggle until I could hear the fuel pump prime. Or at least I though I had. Ran fine for another 3-4 months until I parted with it for my new 130 only to get a phone call from the new owner describing the usual stuck at side of road scenario, temp gauge etc. Ended up being the relay holder - has never been an issue since it was replaced.
Hope that helps  Stuart
Cummins 130 Build Thread 58 130 Double Cab HCPU - Cairns Blue 04 110 Double Cab - Black (gone) 07 Audi RS4 Avant - Silver |
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27th May 2021 10:31am |
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| 914PAW Member Since: 01 Feb 2021 Location: Wiltshire Posts: 14
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Thanks both, I had tightened up connectors on the fuel pump relay socket but I’ll have another look. Another symptom which is pointing in this direction, I got in her yesterday turned the key as I simultaneously shut the door and as the key turned the temp guage flicked to the far right as per the normal problem, but as the door slammed shut it flicked back to the left and lights came on as they should and she started. Hard to describe but the slamming of the door with me sat in the seat seems to have an effect. Could be random but I’ll get the seat base up and have another go at tightening connections. I’ll also check out the under bonnet rollover switch see if there is anything obvious there.
I’ll let you all know how it goes! I’m not liking the “Russian roulette” aspect to defender ownership! |
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28th May 2021 12:56pm |
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| 914PAW Member Since: 01 Feb 2021 Location: Wiltshire Posts: 14
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Just an update, the problem happened twice more over the last few weeks, the most recent one I was “lucky” to have my wife in the car at the time so she could watch the temp gauge whilst I pressed and moved the roll over switch. Sure enough as I pressed the top of the switch the temp gauge returned to normal and the car was able to be started. I’m hoping this wasn’t a cruel coincidence and have ordered a new switch. I opted for a genuine LR part rather than a Britpart option unfortunately the order from LR wasn’t delivered on time this week so it will be a while before I can fit and verify. I shall update when I do.
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19th Jun 2021 8:46am |
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| 914PAW Member Since: 01 Feb 2021 Location: Wiltshire Posts: 14
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So I finally swapped the roll over switch for a new one. Seems to have cured the problem which is a great relief as it was happening more frequently in the hot weather. I got adept at popping the bonnet and resetting the switch but inevitably it would always happen on a narrow lane a few feet from a pulling in spot! Hopefully a year of frustration is now behind me and all will be well! (until the next problem) 😉 thank you for the help on this.
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26th Jul 2021 1:03pm |
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