General Tech Help Good at troubleshooting? Have a non specific issue? Discuss general tech topics here.
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by: DashLynx

1999 Disco I cranks but won't start

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
  #1  
Old 10-11-2012, 11:12 PM
whitehat's Avatar
6th Gear
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Greenleaf, ID
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default 1999 Disco I cranks but won't start

Hi all, I just picked up a 99 disco I. It's been starting and running fine until today. I pulled the drivers door panel to adjust the linkage so the exterior handle would work. I noticed that some previous owner had disconnected the door lock actuator/switch from its linkage. I inadvertantly moved the actuator and it locked, then unlocked all doors, then quit working. Anyway I reinstalled everything after making my adjustment and now the car will not start. It cranks over but will not fire. Tonite I have found the following and am looking for help:
-Engine MIL light will not illuminate when rotating key to on or start position, engine will crank over but not start.
-If battery negative terminal is disconnected and then reconnected then MIL light will illuminate and vehicle will start! However, if key is turned off for longer than 5 seconds exactly and then turned back to on or start position MIL light will not illuminate and engine will crank without starting.
I am looking for any advice especially concerning possibly removing green alarm unit. I noticed in the wiring schematics that it was apparently an option anyway. Thanks!
 
  #2  
Old 10-12-2012, 05:30 AM
Savannah Buzz's Avatar
Super Moderator
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Savannah Georgia
Posts: 16,322
Likes: 0
Received 82 Likes on 79 Posts
  #3  
Old 10-12-2012, 07:30 AM
whitehat's Avatar
6th Gear
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Greenleaf, ID
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Thanks Buzz but I've already checked into that. My vehicle has a different system without the "spider" unfortunately. Any other suggestions??
 
  #4  
Old 10-12-2012, 08:10 AM
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Westchester, NY
Posts: 5,763
Likes: 0
Received 14 Likes on 11 Posts
  #5  
Old 10-12-2012, 10:06 AM
whitehat's Avatar
6th Gear
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Greenleaf, ID
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

My machine is a 1999 with no spider, only the "Z163" Theft Alarm Unit. From looking at the electrical schematic it appears that this unit was an option. However if I take it out will the engine computer need to be reconfigured as well for the non-theft alarm unit option?
 
  #6  
Old 10-12-2012, 10:34 AM
Savannah Buzz's Avatar
Super Moderator
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Savannah Georgia
Posts: 16,322
Likes: 0
Received 82 Likes on 79 Posts
Default

From looking at the schematic attached I would say removal of the unit would be a problem, the door key tells the same unit to operate the door electic lock. See attached. Now nothing says you can't have a broken wire that make/breaks when door is opened, like on the Blue&green from the lock switch. If you have a fob, try open/close five times. Here's some notes on the dash LED, which may show you what the alarm thinks it should be doing:

Theft Alarm LED



Slow Flash: Immobilised or immobilised and armed



Rapid Flash: Volumetrically armed



Intermittent Rapid Flash: Perimetrically armed



No Flash for 10 Seconds: Mislock



Continuous: Driver’s door open (or ignition on) and immobilised
 
Attached Files
File Type: pdf
D1 alarm.pdf (47.0 KB, 131 views)
  #7  
Old 10-12-2012, 11:18 AM
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Westchester, NY
Posts: 5,763
Likes: 0
Received 14 Likes on 11 Posts
Default

why dont you replace the lock actuator with a working unit from a parts guy. that actuator contains the CDL or central door locking switch, which is why when i actually read your post i realized you have the same alarm system that's in the P38. If that doesnt do anything then i would attack either the BECM or passive coil. you checked the inertia switch correct?

Security and Alarm System Operation & Diagnosis on Range Rover 4.0/4.6/P38A
 
  #8  
Old 10-12-2012, 12:57 PM
jafir's Avatar
Super Moderator
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Arkansas
Posts: 5,847
Received 95 Likes on 90 Posts
Default

If it cranks, it's probably not the alarm causing you problems. Could be a coincidence that something else failed when you parked it. On my D1, the fuel pump failed in my garage. I drove it in with no problems, and then next day I went to start it and it wouldn't.
 
  #9  
Old 10-12-2012, 04:58 PM
whitehat's Avatar
6th Gear
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Greenleaf, ID
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Well I've done a little more troubleshooting today.
Found that the car will start after disconnecting battery cable (same as before), or by unplugging both connectors on the "Z163" alarm unit and then reconnecting.
The inertia switch seems to be internal on the alarm unit instead of a seperate unit, could that be causing a problem?
Also rang out the harness on the drivers door switch, and actuator, both are signalling to "Z163", but not working the door locks. Also I have no key fob and the LED in the dash has never illuminated since I have owned it. Does anyone know if the alarm system sends one digital input to the ECM or is it like the Ford system where the alarm and ECM are constantly communicating?
Also, I did notice that it was simmilar to the P38 system however it uses a transponder ring around the ignition switch whereas this Disco has no ring installed and doesn't appear to use one by looking at the electrical info. Any help is good. Thanks.
 
  #10  
Old 10-13-2012, 12:38 AM
Savannah Buzz's Avatar
Super Moderator
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Savannah Georgia
Posts: 16,322
Likes: 0
Received 82 Likes on 79 Posts
Default

key pulse ring was not North American Spec. Believe the alarm/ecu only communicate at certain times to re-mobilize; not constantly.
 


Quick Reply: 1999 Disco I cranks but won't start



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 07:39 PM.