Starter Replacement Discovery I 1999 SD
Car being worked on: 1999 Land Rover Discovery SD (Series I)
Hi everyone, Below I’ve listed step-by-step instructions of how to remove and refit a new starter on a 1999 Land Rover Discovery series I. These directions are geared for a beginner (as I was prior to doing this job). I listed the tools that i used but there’s more than one way to figure it out I’m sure. The starter I purchased ($225) was from BritishStarters (classiccar performance.com). It’s a Japanese starter that provides high torque using less battery, doesn’t get as hot, and is smaller than the OEM starter in the Landrover: https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/landrov...add850e13.jpeg https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/landrov...fca41304c.jpeg Tools/Materials:
Step 1 - Make sure your vehicle is stable: I jacked up my Discovery to work underneath it as its very cramped. (You could also use ramps to make it quicker and easier) Per the owners manual: Put the vehicle in park and shift to Low. Engage the emergency brake (locks out the transmission) and block off the back wheels. Step 2 - Disconnect Negative Battery: While disconnecting positive also works, if while unfastening the positive cable you make contact with your metal wrench to another component of the engine there is a possibility of transferring current and causing damage (plus the negative terminal is often more simple with less cables going to it) Step 3 - Remove the Heat Shield Plate: There is a heat shield that surrounds your starter and solenoid, it must be removed. To be able to remove the heat shield you must do 2 things.
While removing the heat shield be aware of the RH knock sensor and wiring going into the engine that is in the vicinity of the heat shield. It’s easy to sever and break this sensor and/or its wiring. https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/landrov...d7e948ef6.jpeg Step 4 - Remove the Wires from the Old Starter: One big power wire attached by a nut One ignition relay that slides over a metal thin connection (near the power wire) One ground wire (my ground was attached to the top bolt holding the starter to the engine via a ring terminal) Step 5 - Remove the Hex Bolts from the Starter: Before attempting to loosen the hex bolts (aka Allen cap screws) make sure to clean the recess out otherwise your hex tool won’t seat properly. The bottom bolt can be removed from under the vehicle. The hex caps take an 8mm hex bit. I personally used a 3/8 drive socket wrench with an 8mm hex bit socket and then slid a pipe over the socket to give more leverage. For the top bolt i was able to get from the top and use the same socket wrench and bit. Step 6 - Pull The Starter, Inspect the Opening My starter had shot white plastic pieces into the engine recess, make sure if yours is being replaced as a result of a failure this hasn’t happened to you. Step 7 - Install the New Starter and Reconnect Wiring Install the new starter making sure to put in properly (my new starter had “UP” punched into the metal by one of the bolts). Step 8 - Replace the Heat Shield Reverse the procedure for the head shield if you plan on putting it back on, I ended up not putting mine back on. |
Nice write up. Couple of notes.
- I've never had to remove the O2 sensor to replace the starter, and I've done it in my gravel driveway in about 10 minutes. - I'd day the heat shield is optional. I've removed the shield on all the D1's I've owned and never had an issue. - Most importantly, replace the socket cap screws with normal 3/8" bolts. I usually opt for a couple longer Grade 8 bolts with nuts for spacers. It makes it so you can use a combination wrench to pull the starter next time. |
Sweet thread. Thanks guys.
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Originally Posted by fishEH
(Post 710630)
Nice write up. Couple of notes.
- I've never had to remove the O2 sensor to replace the starter, and I've done it in my gravel driveway in about 10 minutes. - I'd day the heat shield is optional. I've removed the shield on all the D1's I've owned and never had an issue. - Most importantly, replace the socket cap screws with normal 3/8" bolts. I usually opt for a couple longer Grade 8 bolts with nuts for spacers. It makes it so you can use a combination wrench to pull the starter next time. |
Originally Posted by dialtonehero57
(Post 710808)
super smart idea on changing bolts. Good on you 👍
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Yep, I believe the solenoid just took a dump on me… also the guy who sells these is god awful at getting back to you. I began working on a warranty replacement when the starter started grinding occasionally and it took the owner 3 months with numerous emails to get him to fulfill the lifetime warranty.
I’ll let you know if my swap restores my currently D1 back to life. |
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