Hi all,
The past week or so the disco has been acting up when starting. It seems that the problems up to this point have only existed when I turn it off for an hour or less then try to start it again. If it sits for a few hours it fires right up. The symptoms remind me of a dead battery but the battery tested fine. Lights work, etc. When I attempt to start it the lights dim and it hesitates with some obnoxious clicking then the it starts up. Now it won't turn over or click or anything. Again, battery seems fine and lights all work when this happens. I am leaning toward the starter. Thoughts?

If thoughts are starter... is this something I can replace on my own? I am an amateur mechanic at best but enjoy working on my disco so willing to try if it's not too complex.

Thanks for the feedback!

 

crank position sensor.

 

Replaced crank position sensor in June and seems different symptoms. Knowing just replaced any other thoughts?

 

Might be kind of hard to do because of the heat shield, but what it won't start, if you crawl under and beat on the starter, will it start? If so, then it might be time for a starter.

Have you checked all of the power and ground cables?

Also, it's possible for a battery to be bad/weak enough the starter won't work, but all of the lights do.

 

All good suggestions for sure... If you try hammering the starter, just make sure to do it while cranking it. I don't think the OP mentioned that, probably assumed you knew that

 

Just my input......I just did my starter 3 days ago. It was so done that even with hitting it, it still wouldn't turn. Solenoid would kick out, but that's about it.

 

Your symptoms point to a starter. If it was crank sensor, engine would turn over but not fire. First check battery cables and cables on the starter, would not want a dirty connection to cause all this. Starter comes out, but usually it is easier to get to it with a couple of extensions from in front of the axle. Wash out the metric allen cap bolts with solvent / brake parts cleaner, so you can get to the bottom of them. PITA if you strip them.

 

You gotta take off the heat shield. One bolt (10mm) from the opposite side on the engine mount. YOU DO NOT NEED TO TAKE OFF THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD!!! Wiggle it around a bit and it will come off.