Update on original posting: I falsely accused the anti-theft system on the Disco for disabling the engine but it turns out it was a starter problem all along. The original factory starter had a meltdown inside the solenoid so it wasn't visible in the initial inspection. Having someone under the truck while turning the key helped as they could hear a click coming from the starter. I could be wrong but I don't think power would even reach the solenoid if the engine was disabled by the anti-theft system. New starter from NAPA was around $200 and the Disco is back on the road.
The anti theft system is ridiculously over complicated but I wonder how many other novice Disco owners are quick to blame it for other lesser problems.
Thanks for the help to those who responded to original post, hope this is of some use to others.

 

Good to hear. Mine died a couple weeks ago and I too had an initial panicky reaction. I decided to test the starter with a screwdriver before I went digging elsewhere and got lucky.

Glad starters are cheap lol.

 

The anti theft system is complex to avoid thieves stealing them but they are still stolen by some 'light fingered' creeps. If you had a 'simple' anti theft device any thief could help themselves at anytime.

 

I know thieves aren't normally the "cream of the crop" on the intelligences spectrum, but even they're smart enough to not waste their time stealing discovery's...lol.

 

X1 ..... very true but these trucks were once new and very sought after. They still steal the facelift lights in the UK You can disable the security system fairly easily using a good diag: tool.

I watched a TV documentary about cocaine smuggling from the south Americas where you can have someone 'eliminated' for $25, now $25 ain't too smart either IMO. Some do very strange things for money!

 

i did this two weeks ago! I am waiting for an 8mm hex socket in themail so I can install.

 

Good one Deputy! Proof that you need a sense of humor to be a Disco owner