Recently my 03 Disco 2 (118k miles) has developed a problem where it refuses to turn over the first time I turn the key (at which point I hear a whirring noise from the engine bay) then when I turn the key again it starts right up no problem.

This does not happen every time (occurs roughly half the time and is more frequently once the vehicle has been started at least once earlier in the day). It hasn't caused any inconvenience yet but I want to resolve it before I get stranded somewhere.

A few more details for context. I don't think it is a battery problem (it's less than a year old and has never been fully discharged), there are no check engine lights or pending warnings on the Ultraguage, and the everything seems to be running smoothly once the engine starts.

Thanks for any advice you can provide.

 

more likely: if the starter is spinning (whirring noise??)and not engaging the ring gear, starter pinion gear might be getting stuck on its shaft...

less likely: teeth could be worn, but that makes a bad grinding sound...

 

That's interesting, it is a smooth relatively faint whirring noise rather than a grinding noise so I think it is the former rather than the later.

Any idea as to why it manifests more frequently when the engine is at least warm?

Also, is the solution replacing the starter motor?

 

I have one that does that once in a while, a little more frequent driving resolved it. Would only do it on cold days. For some reason the starter drive gear is not going out and engaging the flywheel. Could be stuck on the shaft for some reason. You can try removing it and spraying the inside of the drive gear with some lube. Or, maybe wait till a time when it is not doing it and cycle the starter 5 or ten times so it breaks loose whatever has it stuck (probably rust?).

 

I think I would just replace the starter and be done with it.

 

If you are going to replace your starter, starters are very cheap....I have seen them as low as 50-60$ rebuilt.....search google..