HI all,

I have a problem with my 96 Disco that I can't get a handle on. It will only start periodically, when it does it cranks right up and drives like nothings wrong but mostly I get nothing when I try to start it, no spark and no turnover. Currently, the battery is new and putting out 12.71 volts, the fuel pump is new, the multifunction relay is new and all the fuses are good. The starter was replaced not too long ago as well. I am at a loss here as to what may be wrong, any advice would be helpful.

 

When it won't start is it like dead-DEAD! Like nothing, no anything? If so most likely a bad ground. Either loose or corroded. Common issue. I think there's 2, or 3 grounds if I'm not mistaken. Starter, and battery for sure, and maybe alternator has one? Can't remember.
Usually if it won't start and you jiggle the ground then it does start that's the one that's the problem. In my experience....

 

When it won't start I still have lights, horn radio, and other electrics.

 

You check the high amp fuses too inside the fender, under hood, right side? I'd also still look into your grounds to rule them out. Did you try jumping the starter and what happened if you did?

 

I don't know how to jump the starter, can you give me a quick lesson?

 

Sure. But some safety first, if you kill your self you were warned. There is some inherent danger. First, make sure the car is in Park, and parking brake is engaged, and chock the tires. Second, I recommend having a helper to keep an eye above Cuz you're going under the truck.
Ok that said...
You'll need to to put the key in the on
position. Go under and using a longish screwdriver WITH a preferably insulated handle you will put the metal blade / shaft of the screwdriver on the BIG stud that the positive cable is connected to. Then also put the shaft on the smaller terminal marked with an "S". The screwdriver will complete a circuit between them and should engage and spin the starter.
There is likely to be some sparks. Don't panic you won't die. Also once you're touching that BIG stud the battery is attached to, if you touch the starter case or anything else metal you're also gonna get sparks. You wanna avoid that.
When you test and join those two posts you should get the starter to act like it normally starts when you're inside turning the key. If it just clicks you likely need a starter.
PS Before jumping thru all these hoops have a look at your battery cables and make sure they're truly tight on non-corroded battery terminals AND that the cables have all their insulation. Vibration can cause slacked cables to rub against exhaust manifolds and the like and cause issues.
CHeck YouTube there's a ton of starter jumping videos on there. If I left anything out someone please correct me. I'm better at doing than explaining.....

 

Jumping the starter works just fine.