Hi all,

My Freelander 2 Diesel 2.2 td4 s, 135,000 km won’t start:

- Today when I tried to start the car, I only got a click (no cranking).
- The message “Engine fault / Special programs off / HDC disabled” appeared once, then disappeared while I kept trying.
- An hour later, after 2–3 attempts, it started instantly and smoothly with no hesitation.
- Battery terminals look clean and undamaged and the charger reads 12.6V.

Video of the problem: https://streamable.com/7mhrbb

Extra info:

- The day before the issue, the car ran fine and was used for the whole afternoon.
- Battery was replaced (along with oil and filters) in late August, as the car had been standing unused for a while.
- Since then, I’ve filled it up and driven it regularly without a single starting (or any) problem until now.

I tried locating the starter/solenoid to tap it with a wrench or hammer, but I’m not sure it’s accessible from the top. I’ll also check the ground cable.

I’ve also read it could be a relay issue.

Has anyone experienced this? I’ve never had a car not crank at all before.

Thanks in advance for your inputs

As there are faults shown on dash its possible voltage is low due to poor earths,ie engine earth,battery earth.also the main feed to starter may have high resistance.

Carnoob,

Common problem…..I had the same fault…well documented on this forum….almost certainly it’s the starter motor solenoid contacts…..you can buy a kit to replace the contacts….I replaced with brand new unit ….
Nippon Denso starter. I had same fault with starter on Disco 2 TD5…..same make….
Annoying that the fault was intermittent……….but been ok since….
Bonne chance…..Pete FL2 SD4 HSE Lux Auto MY 2012— current
D2 TD5 HSE Man MY 1999 470kmls….gone 2014 ….lovely engine..chassis rotten
D1 300TDI Man MY 1996 56kmls….gone 1999…D2 much better
Wife’s FL1 1.8P MY 2001 32kmls …gone 2007…has Mini since.

Thanks both for your inputs 👍 really appreciate it.

Quick update:

- I recharged the battery fully overnight but sadly it didn’t help at all.

- Swapped the A/C relay with the starter relay just in case, no change.

- I’ve ordered a starter solenoid repair kit (found one on AliExpress for less than 10€, looks like the same type) – I’ll probably just replace the copper contacts, since I read the aftermarket plunger doesn’t have the same little black sealing ring.

- Will also pick up a cheap voltmeter, so I’ll be able to test the grounds and the starter voltages.

What I find odd is that it never gave me any warning signs, didn’t happen once or twice the days before failing completely, just suddenly decided not to crank.

Do you know if it’s easier to get at the starter from underneath with the engine undertray off?

Merci

Carnoob,

I found it fairly easy to take the starter off from above……it looks buried but came off ok….
You may want to drop the under-tray anyway…..because it’s likely you’ll drop a spanner or something !
I did….!

Bonne chance..Pete FL2 SD4 HSE Lux Auto MY 2012— current
D2 TD5 HSE Man MY 1999 470kmls….gone 2014 ….lovely engine..chassis rotten
D1 300TDI Man MY 1996 56kmls….gone 1999…D2 much better
Wife’s FL1 1.8P MY 2001 32kmls …gone 2007…has Mini since.