I just bought a 2002 Discovery II and love it except for when I have to start it. It will only start after I crank it three or four times. It is like this for every start, cold or hot. It seems like the fuel pump is not priming after position 2 on the ignition switch. I tried to listen for the fuel pump when I turn the key but the seat belt dinger is so loud I can't hear anything else.

Has anyone experienced this before? Any ideas where to look?

I do have some codes but I doubt they are related.

Stored Codes:

P1117 - Radiator outlet engine coolant temp - this is from someone putting the wrong radiator in the truck and throwing away the sensor.

P0303 - Cyl 3 Misfire - not sure what the cause is yet

Pending Codes:

P1412 - Secondary Air System malfunction

P1415 - Secondary Air System malfunction

 

Sounds like the fuel pump to me. Try turning the key from the off position to the on position about five times in a row before actually cranking the truck and see if it gets any better. If it does then you'll know it's likely the pump. If you want to replace the entire unit like some do it's extremely expensive and a waste of money in my opinion. AirTex makes a replacement pump that fits inside the original fuel pump assembly and corrects the problem just fine. Not a difficult repair if you are mechanically inclined. Under the carpet in the cargo area is an access panel to the tank and pump. No need to drop the fuel tank for this repair unless you just want to. Airtex E3270 is the part #. Got mine at Advance Auto Parts for about 70 bucks if I remember right. WAY cheaper than buying the whole assembly like most places sell. If you need any other items for your disco now will be a good time to get them. If you create an online account at AdvanceAutoParts.com and use Coupon Code TRT41 during check out you save $40.00 off any purchase over $100. Do in-store pick up to save even more money on shipping. If your closest store is too far away call them and see if they make any daily/weekly deliveries to any mechanics in your area. If so have them drop the parts off there for you to pick up, or meet up with the driver if you'd rather do that. This is what I do using my mechanic's shop because the closest store id about 45 mins away and the rover gets crappy milage!

I would get a pressure guage to check the fuel pressure on the fuel rail after it has sat all night, and also while running. I WOULD do this first so that I didnt have that feeling in the back of mind during the repair of "This may be all for nothing." Can't stand that feeling! Search forums for procedue to do so. It's VERY easy.

ALWAYS BE OVERLY AWARE AND EXTRA CAREFUL WHEN WORKING UNDER THE HOOD WITH ENGINE RUNNING. That moving belt could ruin your afternoon. lol!

When mine went out the truck still ran fine when running, it was just the fact that the pump allowed all the pressure between the pump and the engine bleed back into the tank after the Disco sat for awhile. The pump itself is what actually sustains the pressure, so it had began to leak down. Bad seal probably inside it. Search the forums for proper fuel pressure levels. I can't remember them.

 

Mine occasionally does the same thing but it is like the engine is not receiving any power. The starter doesn't do anything and the radio and lights dim. Then if I put it back to II and wait a couple of seconds it starts right up.

 

Thanks kfx4001442. I'll do a pressure test this weekend. I was told the fuel pump was already replaced by the previous owner but that information is useless since they were the selling party .

Your alternate fuel pump replacement sounds like a great idea. I may just do it for the peace/piece/peas of mind.

@jalodge - It sounds like you have a bad ground connection. I just bought a Disco so can't offer advice as to where to clean or check the connections. Since the radio and lights dim I would start with the main ground to body off the battery and work back from there.

 

^Agree. I was gonna say clean the terminals on that battery and connecting wires.

 

I had an issue earlier where the main ground going to the engine block was not connected at all and the engine wouldn't start. I will check to make sure the connection isn't loose and see if that fixes it.

 

Problem Solved!

I ended up replacing the fuel pump with the kit from Atlantic British. I am sure the other would have worked but the simple drop in and go was a plus for me.

I tried to check the fuel pressure but couldn't get to the valve on the fuel rail. I do have SAI so maybe that makes it more trouble than it should be.

If anyone stumbles across this thread and are intimidated by removing the rear interior for the fuel pump replacement, don't be. I only had to remove the passenger side tool box bit, lean the rear seats forward and peel back the carpet. It only took me 30 minutes. I found several YouTube videos showing how to cut the carpet to gain access to the fuel pump. I think that is a silly idea when it only takes 30 minutes to peel it all back.