I recently purchased a 1996 Discovery 4 months ago with a new engine,trans and paint. I have had no problems until the last 2 rainstorms. The alarm system and central locking went nuts. while i was driving in the rain (which was really coming down) the locks started locking and unlocking while i was driving. I got home and shut the car off and then tried to start it and it was dead. All of the lights and radio were fine. definetly not a battery issue. My remote did nothing and when i put the key in the driver door the central locking did not work. I let it dry out for a day and it fixed itself, which led me to believe moisture was the cause. But where?

I bought some electrical goup and coated every electric connector i could find in the engine compartment which seemed to help when it rained again.

Recently one of my heater hoses ruptured and sprayed coolant all over the left side of the engine. (probably 2 gallons worth). I immediately pulled over and shut the car off, but when i tried to start it..would not crank. The alarm wouldn't work as well as the door locks. The car cranks but won't turn over even after a day of drying out. The central locking is still not working as well as the alarm. I think it's immobilized and shorting out somewhere under the hood..Any help pleasee..thx.>D

 

Im not sure what the deal is. But I wonder if it has anything to do with the button switch under the hood shorting out? Its located on the driver side fender, it looks like a small push button that the hood pushes on when you close the hood. I do know that a wire from it, looks to go to injector #1. Kind of looks like a disabling system to me, maybe it is shorting out in rain? Either way, good luck man. I have always, and still to this day, hate tracking down wiring gremlins. Especially when it involves me slicing my hands on wire looming and zip ties. A sure fire way to get my mouth speaking obscenities that evenmy family dog grimaces at...lol

 

Sounds more like you got your ECU wet, which will take some work to dry out before you will start again.

 

Fellas, thanks so much for getting back. Unfortunately a monsoon just rolled in, so I have to refrain from tinkering under the hood in order to prevent even more water from getting in. If the rain stops i will definetly check that button and the ecu. I will keep you posted. I welcome anyone else who has suggestions as well..This sight is great and much appreciated..D