I have a 2002 p38a 4.6 that has developed a new issue; occasionally, when I turn the key to the start position, nothing happens -- the starter does not click or turn, no funny noises, just nothing. If I hold the key in the start position for 10-15 seconds it starts right up. Turn the key back off and back to the start position and it starts immediately. Anyone run into this yet?

Thanks for any guidance.

 

swap the starter relay with something else. but I have seen issues with xyz switch.

 

I have not run into that problem yet. Keep us posted on what it turns out to be. Best of luck getting it fixed.

 

This problem happens to me about once a month. Turning the key off, removing it, and trying again always results in the rover firing right up. I would start with the relay first as roving4life suggested. If the relay is not the culprit, I might suspect the ignition coil. In either case, let us know what happens!

 

Sorry for the slow update, again it only happens sporadically. I was traveling last week and fully expected that when I returned to the airport parking lot that I would have a problem with starting. No problem, it started right up.

So, still no chance to try the relay change -- until the next morning... Sat for a week, fired right up; sat overnight, silence. I jumped out, opened the fuse box, changed Relay 19, nothing, changed Relay 10, nothing, changed Relay 2 nothing... removed the key, tried again, nothing. Then I went back to 'old trusty' and held the key on for about ~15-20 seconds, started right up.

 

Other hints:
There is no slowness in the starter turning over the engine, indicative of a low battery. As soon as the starter relay clicks, the engine fires right up.

I do not have to touch the gear selector.

The fuse box was replaced about 5-10k miles ago, so no melted relays/fuses.

 

Also, I am not necessarily trying to avoid the cost of taking it to a knowledgeable mechanic - if I was still in the Atlanta area, I would have immediately taken it to Road Britannia. I moved this past year and unfortunately have not found a Land Rover dealer or capable mechanic within an 1 1/2 hour drive.

If anyone has a recommendation for a mechanic around Ocala, FL I would be happy to have them diagnose and repair and provide an update on the cause of this annoyance.

 

Poss sticking inhibitor switch.I know you said you dont have to touch the gear selector,but its still worth ruling out.Have a link wire at the ready for the next time it misbehaves and then bypass the switch.Others here will be able to tell you the location and wire colours of switch,as i am not familar with p38s.This was the same problem i had with a previous rr classic,kind regards,tony.