G4 Owners Club

Starting Problem...linked to cold weather??

https://forum.g4ownersclub.com/Topic17530.aspx

By Sweaty - 15 Dec 2010

My 2005 Rangie has just developed the most annoying fault in the last couple of weeks. Mileage is 55K.



It just won't start occasionally, that is nothing form the starter but no fault readings . Sometimes the starter half turns and quits through the starting cycle but it's not a run down battery sound . If I turn ignition on/off and wiggle the selector stick back and forward it eventually starts .



I have noticed that in the recent cold weather that on starting the starter seems to labour more than normal but it always starts first time.Battery readings seem OK .



Is there a sensor somewhere?



Help??
By discomattv8 - 15 Dec 2010

Had a similar problem with my disco a few months ago, took me ages to find out the problem. It turned out to be the inhibitor switch on the gear lever.

Hope this helps.



Matthew
By Sweaty - 15 Dec 2010

How accessible is it ? Is it cleanable or strippable to fix it or is it a job for the main stealer for a king's ransom.
By marco g4 - 15 Dec 2010

does it do it on lpg and petrol or does it always start on petrol then switch over, i used to have a v8 lr 90 and that would not start on lpg when cold.
By Sweaty - 15 Dec 2010

it always starts on petrol then switches over automatically as soon as the coolant is heated sufficiently to operate the vaporisers correctly. This is more of a nothing is happening sort of an instance.



I am led to believe all LPG set ups start on petrol unless they have very sophisticated, and expensive, preheated vaporisers.



Daft thing is my Merc 220 estate did the same all last winter and this year it's fine.....maybe I'm an electromagnetic mutant?
By MikeS - 18 Dec 2010

This may sound daft but it would be worth getting the battery checked anyway, they seem to be *really* sensitive to even the slightest of drops. I changed mine for a TDV8 one a few weeks back and it's cured many of the starting problems I was having.

Helped that my local dealer had a bundle of genuine TDV8 battery's for £40... 

By Sweep - 18 Dec 2010

I'm with MikeS on this one. After no end of dramas with battery related issues on my D3 ( Christmas lights on display panel and none starting) I had it out with dealer for new battery under warranty. Was told it was alternator so had that replaced. Low and behold battery issues still present! So had it out again and had new battery fitted. Hey presto, sorted. It doesn't take a huge temperature drop to have a big knock on effect with battery performance. If you haven't had a new battery and your beast is 5 years old I'd suggest a new battery, it takes a right kick up the arse to get these modern computer run beasts going.



Worth a shot.



Sweep
By davezrx - 18 Dec 2010

been and tried my D2 today ,and as you guessed not completey dead but wouldnt start ...bear in mind my D2 is just a toy and sometimes doesnt move for a fortnight or more [company van ] :w00t:

so gave her a boost and she started ,left her running for an hour to get her warmed up ,ok to leave running................ locked behind 8ft woodern gates:) ...and van in front of gates

might just leave her running for a while every couple of days;)

ps beeen snowing here on/off most of day ...but D2 still pristine clean thanks to carport /gates:cool:

By discomattv8 - 20 Dec 2010

I got the local indipendant LR specialist to do it. It didnt cost much so guess it wasn't too hard to get to. I don't visit the Dealer unless i have to !!!

Hope you manage to get it sorted.
By Sweaty - 24 Dec 2010

It's not the battery as it starts fine in neutral. Just every now and then won't start in Park. The battery was topped up in the summer as although they say they are sealed for life they aren't and can be topped up when the the window turns black, just peel back the battery stickers and use demineralised water . a good charge and off you go.Good as new even 5 years old.



The problem is annoying to say the least but now I have worked out it always starts in neutral I am less concerned but still getting mildly OCD about the defect in my perfect vehicle.
By adesg4 - 24 Dec 2010

Sounds more like a dodgy gearbox start inhibitor switch if it will start in neutral but not park rather than battery.
By Sweaty - 24 Dec 2010

Is it easy to fit yourself?