I am hoping someone can help me out with a problem have been experiencing with my 1997 Disco I. Two weekends ago was running errands and on my last stop my Disco would not start when I tried to leave(starter engaged fine, but it seemed like it was not getting fuel). I towed it home and here's the quick sequence of events:

1) Checked Fuel pump Output Fuel Line => No Fuel Being pumped when trying to start
2) Disconnected Battery
3) Connected 12V Supply to Fuel pump => Pumped Fine
4) Checked Pump Relay with 12 V Supply => Relay OK and contacts OK
5) Checked and Reset Deceleration Switch => Switch OK
6) Checked Fuses => Fuses OK
6) Reconnected Battery => Started fine

I drove it to and from work all week (about 50 miles a day) with no issues. Last weekend, the exact same thing happened again. Again, I towed it home. Here’s what I found this time:

1) Reseated all electrical connections in the fuel system => Still would not start
2) Reset Deceleration Switch => Still would not start
3) Checked Fuel Pump output Fuel Line => Pressure in line
4) Checked Fuel Rail Pressure => Pressure OK
5) Disconnected and Reconnected Battery => Started Fine

I’m a little perplexed about why this is happening. The Disco drives fine after it starts. It does not stall or have any other issues. Based upon this and fact the vehicle seems to drive fine (assuming it starts), I am thinking there is some sort of electrical problem. Maybe the engine ECU is going out. Any ideas?

Thanks,
Tim

 

You have a problem, and I have to tell you, you did a good job checking it out first.
Wish I had an idea, I am going to ponder it for awhile and maybe get back to you. I will be interested to hear what the problem was.
Mike

 

What's that?

 

I think he is refering to the inertia switch.
Mike

 

Thanks Mike.
Tim, how did you do this procedure? Sounds like you may have more than one issue. Crank no start first with no fuel pressure then the same with fuel pressure? Correct?

 

Hi Mike,

I pulled the relay and used a multi-meter to figure out the pin out. Once I found the coil, I used a 12V external source to activate it and I used the multi-meter to check the contacts. Then I reinstalled the relay, and checked voltage going to the coil.

I guess I approached this from the fuel or fire angle (fuel delivery or ignition). That helps me figure out where to start looking. Orginally, I was not getting fuel, so started with the pump and related components. When happened a second time, it appeared I was getting fuel, so that means ignition. However, since the problem only happens on start up, I doubt my ignition is the source of the problem, plus resetting the system by disconnecting and reconnecting the battery would not affect the iginition system. My guess is that there is a component which is used just on start up which is causing the issue. The only thing that comes to immediate mind is the Engine ECU. However, I need to spend some qualtity time with my manual to see what else is involved. Any help would be appreciated.

Tim