'96 Disco Distributorless Ignition System
 

Hi all, names Paul. Using brother's account to post a question as I perform most of the services to his Discovery. I am an experienced mechanic but pretty much rate a Land Rover novice. I'm faced with a loss of spark issue on this distributorless system. I'm in need of technical info (description and operation). As the title describes, it is a '96 Discovery I, 4.0. All information that I have been able to access show an electronic distributor ignition system. The development of this issue is quite odd. The vehicle sat idle for approximately 10 months pending replacement of rear light assemblies. After a batter replacement, no spark. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

If it is a 96, it has a coil pack, not a distributor and one pretty common cause of a lack of spark is a failed crank sensor which can also shut down the injectors.

Thanks for the reply, Mike. I had anticipated that that might be a possibility. In your opinion, could that happen as a result of non operation for an extended period. I don't see that often in other distributorless engine designs. The engine ran fine prior to the extended storage. I will test power to injectors as that can be a quick test (noid light). Is there any downloadable test info out there that I may obtain so as not to throw parts at this. Thanks for your input.

Side note: GM used to use a crank angle sensor in certain Buicks that would fail yet register a signal when tapped (also fail when hot and work when cool). Would you know if the crank sensor is of similar design?

My money is on the ECU and alarm not talking to each other anymore because they lost their sync from extended lack of power.
These trucks are notorious for this.
I always recommend a battery tender for extended storage.

As for the crank sensor, it is a fairly cheap part, not a bad idea to just replace it.

Now to help you diagnosis, have a helper turn on the ignition while you have your ear to the fuel pump, it should come on and then shut off after about 5sec.
Then continue to listen for the pump while your friend cranks the engine over, if the pump does not come back on then replace the crank position sensor.

If you would rather use a test light then roll up the carpet in the cargo area, open the fuel pump access panel and hook up your test light or volt meter.

Thanks for the input gents. I will post replies with progress.