I have a 2003 disco HSE. tried to start it the other day and it wouldn't turn over, electrical smoke started to come from the center console where the shifter is located. but from under the bottom portion of it. any suggestions on what might be going on? I tried to jump it and it wouldn't start. then later that evening it started right up, then this morning, it wouldn't do anything again. looking to sell it and need this issue fixed, and land rover wants 95 bucks an hour to find it.

 

may be a bit more work than you want to do but many times if something smokes it leaves visible evidence, I would suggest removing the center console (it is usually much easier than it looks) and visually check out all the wiring and components.

 

Check for wires that have chaffed and grounded to metal, If the wire has broken and grounded to the body it should have blown the fuse.

 

Just to be safe, do not attempt to restart the engine again till either you or a good mechanic can can inspect the entire area under the console, you can be doing alot of additional expensive damage.

 

any chance a regular ase mechanic can find the problem? land rover is so expensive to take for service, and i have a great one that does work for free sometimes.

 

Sure, just ask them on how good they are at tracking down a short.

 

if it tries to turn over, but can't that means the power is going somewhere else when I tried to jump it the other day. so most likely a fuse won't be blown correct? if the smoke smell, and fumes came out of the console i should look for something melted right? I am going to attempt to take it apart. at least save some labor hours if I have to tow it to the shop.

 

rover chris, I have the console disassembled, however can't figure out how to get the shifter **** off, any suggestions? I don't want to force it and break it, does it unscrew like the 4wd shifter?

 

ask that in a new thread