The Disco wouldn't start the other day and I had it towed back home. I drove two blocks from one store to another. When I came out it wouldn't start. I hear a single "click" when I turn the key from under the hood and another by the glovebox. It's been 4 days and the lights, radio, etc. still work, it just won't start or even attempt to turn over. The alternator was replaced about a month ago. I should note the alternator went out twice within 3 months, but this one seems to be doing okay. I would think if it was a battery/alternator issue the lights and such wouldn't work after 4 days.

If it is the starter, where can I purchase a cheap one? I won't have any extra cash to drop into it for another month...

Also, do you think I'd be able to replace the starter myself if that's what it is? Time?

 

Check to relays to make sure they're not the problem. Assuming they aren't, then I'd contact Randy Williams (British Boneyard - Parts) or Will Tillery...

I did one on my '96 D1 a couple months ago. If you can get it off the truck without destroying the mounting screws replacing the starter should take less than 2 hours. (One of my bolts was seized, so it took me more like 4 hours.)

 

There's lots of threads with all the tips in them for replacing the starter.
Two things are key.
1) Clean out the socket cap screw heads extremely well before trying to loosen so you don't strip them.
2) Once the starter is out replace those socket cap screws with regular hex cap screws, 3/8-16 I believe.

Also, when you pull the starter you can bench test it with a battery. Lots of How-To vids on the YouTubes.

Oh yeah, make sure you're in Park or Neutral. Turn the key to Position II and move the shifter through the gears ending on Park.

 

A few more things to mention/questions after reading other threads for the past few hours...

1) When I turn the key I hear a single click from under the hood, and another that sounds like it's coming from the glovebox. All the lights work. When I turn the key the internal lights dim, but not the headlights. Does that mean anything or help me rule anything out?

2) My alarm went bonkers on the same day this happened and a light was flashing on the dash. Possibly the issue?

3) My key sticks every time. You have to hit the sweet spot to make it go....related?

Thanks for the input...I'm off to read more posts about starting issues. Cheers!

 

It can be several things other than the starter and lots of them are a lot cheaper than a starter. Do you have a multimeter? If not get one. Lowes has a Greenlee for about thirty bucks, well worth it.

Check all the grounds, especially the one from the starter to the frame and the battery to the frame.

Could also be one of the relays in the circuit.

But it also could be the alarm has immobilzed you! Especially since you said it went off. I would check it out first!

 

The starter went recently in my DII. I had no click, just silence. All of the lights worked and the battery was good, and the starting circuit tested out fine. So I whacked the starter with a hammer and it fired right up. I actually replaced it with a reman unit from Autozone that cost me $91 (the core charge was $95!). They had it in stock and it was late on a Friday so I went ahead and installed it. Took about 45 minutes. It will probably not last very long but it has a lifetime warranty.

 

you can try to reset the alarm first... how to do that is to lock and unlock 5x with the key on the driver side then try to start....

 

This sounds like a starter to me.
Call Dorr Auto to see if they have a starter, they have several Disco's in stock.

 

Sonofab*tch! After sitting in my driveway for 7 days, it started right up last night...is that indicative of the issue being the starter and not a relay? Either way, I'm going to pick up a multimeter tomorrow. It cant' hurt to clean the connections too...This Rover has been a PITA the last few months.

 

Sounds like your starter is on the way out. I would consider yourself lucky that it started this time.