We have a 2002 Disco SEII. For about the past six months it has had issues starting. When you turn the key, there's nothing. No click or sputtering, nothing. The power does dim like normal. But, if you click lock and unlock on the key. It starts just fine. At first it happened every two or three months. It's happened 6 times in the last week. No certain event triggers it. It's done it right after we've been driving and after it has sat for a couple of days.

Husband says it's definitely not the battery or inertia switch. He's also cleaned all the connections. Could it be the alarm? Any experiences?

 

I would put my money that you have an intermittent problem with the immobilizer part of the security system. I have no idea how to fix the problem other than replacing the alarm module but someone that knows more about the alarm system could help more.

 

If it was not for the lock/unlocking of the doors to get it running I would have said it was the starter.
But the alarm disables the starter, so I agree with AK, have the alarm unit looked at.

 

You really need to get into a shop before it strands you.

 

DiscoMike: Is the problem something we could fix or test for? We've never used a mechanic. My husband does all the work, minor and major, to our vehicles.

If we took it somewhere, what kind of price range do you think?

 

I think that this is a dealer only type of thing. Only they will have the proper equipment to test all of the electrics.