I am in need of some help from the LR community!

I have a 96 Disco 5spd with 185k on the clock and it will no longer start.

I picked up the Rover back in Jan and have replaced part of the fuel line and fuel filter, only has 200 or 300 miles on it.

A little back story, a few weeks ago I drove the Rover to work and came out after work (9hrs later) and it wouldn't start. I did not have any tools or knowledge of what might be wrong. So after some research I suspected the CKPS and went to work the next day, and tried to start the Rover, it started right up. Regardless I purchased a new CKPS and swapped it out when I got it home and drove it around for a while to get it hot to see if it was fixed. It appeared to have resolved it, After a few trips around town, the Rover wouldn't always start, so I suspected a faulty CKPS again and replaced it with a used one from a junkyard and the same issue occurred. I also didn't know I could test it by attaching a DMM and waving a magnet over the sensor to read the MV output. So I tested the 'new' sensor while it was out and it displayed a reading, back in the new sensor went.

Fast forward, I drove the Rover to work yesterday and it started just fine. After work, same thing, starts right up. I stopped on my way home and it wouldn't start again. I checked the fuel pressure at the rail, 35psi, and I can also hear the pump running. Didn't check spark but when I sprayed starter fluid in the intake, it would pop and want to struggle but never 'caught.' I then cycled the key a few times and then it fired up.

Today was a different story, this morning the Rover started just fine. After work I had to cycle the key 5 or 6 times to get it started. I stopped on my way home, came out to the Rover and it wont start again! Starter fluid will once again make it 'pop' but not catch, I can hear ingition so I can presume there is spark, fuel pressure is 35psi and pump hums with key on for 15secs, fuel inj fuse is intact. RPMs with starter fluid bounces, so the CKPS is fine. I have also recently replaced the fuel temp sensor with a used one, I ohmed both sensors and they were the same. There are no codes to read. Also I have to leave the key in the 'on' position for a few seconds in order for the Rover to crank, so I presume the alarm is causing this (I only have a key) issue with the key. This has been an ongoing issue though. It may start with no pause in the 'on' position or it may not start.

So in short, I am out of ideas and I am asking for anyones input. I shoud add, the Rover currently is sitting in a parking lot. I want to disable the alarm but I know that isn't possible with a NAS Rover, I do have 2 spare ECU/Alarm sets I can swap out though. I have not done a compression test, I do not have a tester, is that a good idea to do?

Can anyone help me get this started again?

Let me know if I missed anything please.

 

Thank God I've never had that problem!

When you changed the CkPS sensor did you by any chance check the wiring beyond the connector? Your looking for exposed wire or flaking insulation - it gets a wee bit hot where its at. You may have to push back the bundle sleeve as well, don't think it isn't when it might be.....

The ignition, very odd. I doubt it's the switch but you never know. I'd also be checking grounds like crazy. The Rave has all of em mapped, any that have to do with the ignition system and also the engine ground straps for sho cuz they evaporate.

Just tossing out ideas real quick because I'm pooped and don't have a bunch of time to walk through the ETM on the ignition circuits. Whatever it is it's not gonna be easy to find because it's intermittent, the toughest ones to resolve...... eh.

 

Thanks for the response Scouts.


I quickly glanced at the wires for the CKPS and they appeared fine. When I go back today I'll swap out the Fuel Temp Sensor and play around with some of the easier grounds to reach.


The ignition switch/alarm issue doesn't really bother me unless it is immobilizing the Rover, but my question then would be, why doesn't it happen all the time?

 

As I assumed, I'd go back and the Rover would start today. It did, first try with no problems. Sounds more and more like a bad Fuel Temp Sensor.


Does anybody know the best way to test a Fuel Temp Sensor, check it's resistance?

 

I'm not sold on that being the issue simply because it would set off the Check Engine Light when bad. Light on, any codes? Usually it's the coolant temp sensor for the ECU that goes tango uniform way before a fuel temp sensor, the FTS is just not a well known bad part. You would be the first in 9 years I've come across. The FTS is a hard part to find, that's how robust it is.

 

There are no codes, or pending codes. The bulb for the check engine light has been removed by the PO, I will get another one in there eventually.


I was thinking that is the issue because it is kind of a 'hot' start issue.


I have 1 spare coolant temp sensor and 2 spare fuel temp sensors.

 

I know why you believe it is, I have the Rave tattooed to my brain. Same for swapping CkPS as it's a known for no starts. It's never that simple, the fact that you can cycle the ignition and it most times restarts is what clues me into it being one of the those quality times with your Rover......

Test the spare FTS against the in use FTS and see what you get ohm wise. You can remove the in use without fuel leakage. If they're close it's not the problem.

 

Thanks. I'll test the 2 spares and the current in use FTS and report back.


It's a simple swap, 19mm wrench and good to go.

 

Sounds like a plan. Because the no start is so irregular other than intermittently happening after a warm engine I'm still on the fence. Once you get a bulb in the CEL socket we'll know if the ECU is online. My former truck is doing the same, no start but the CEL is not lighting and that is because of relays getting wet under the passenger kick panel. I have to go over and take a look once the weather breaks. There is an ignition relay down yonder....... you may want to take a gander there yourself with the Rave's lovely guidance.

 

Oh, that is good to know. It was been wet down here as well and I can see the ground through the floor boards...