Hi folks, here's the subject:
2000 Disco II 65k, fairly recent battery ('bout 2 months old, very well maintained).
The Disco would not start this morning after driving it to coffee. It started up normally at the house and drove in with no problems. Got coffee and came back out after approx. 5 minutes, tried to start it, but got nothing. And when I say nothing, I mean it. I turned they key and absolutely nothing happened. No dash lights, no dome lights, no clock, nada.
At first I thought the alarm had disabled something, so I tried arming and disarming, all I got was a half-hearted blink of the turn signal indicators on the insturment cluster and some clicking noises behind the climate control unit.
I checked the fuses - fine, battery connections - fine, alternator felt warm too. I got back in the cab and turned the key to the "Acc." setting and all the dash lights came up like normal, dome light worked, clock worked. Turned the key to start and everything cut out immediately.
I repeated this a few times and was able to get the dash lights on, but anytime I tried to start the car OR I put my foot on the brake pedal, it cut out completely.
I pushed that imobilizer/fuel thingy in the engine bay for good measure too.
Anyway, after calling for a ride, and noticing my brake lights were not functioning I decided I'd replace my brake light switch (what the hell). Yes I carry a spare, doesn't everyone???
I got that replaced and wouldn't you know it, she started right up. However, I was skeptical. Frankly, I didn't think my symptoms pointed to a brake light switch, but it was something to keep me busy.
We got it home, turned it off and tried to start it and got the same problems - instant cut-out. The brake light switch was not the answer - I never really thought it would be something so easy
Any ideas? I disconnected the battery a few minutes ago and was going to replace the batteries in my key fob, but I doubt that will do much. It seems like it could be a problem with my ignition or a general wiring problem. Any ideas are greatly appreciated!
Adrian
2000 Disco II 65k, fairly recent battery ('bout 2 months old, very well maintained).
The Disco would not start this morning after driving it to coffee. It started up normally at the house and drove in with no problems. Got coffee and came back out after approx. 5 minutes, tried to start it, but got nothing. And when I say nothing, I mean it. I turned they key and absolutely nothing happened. No dash lights, no dome lights, no clock, nada.
At first I thought the alarm had disabled something, so I tried arming and disarming, all I got was a half-hearted blink of the turn signal indicators on the insturment cluster and some clicking noises behind the climate control unit.
I checked the fuses - fine, battery connections - fine, alternator felt warm too. I got back in the cab and turned the key to the "Acc." setting and all the dash lights came up like normal, dome light worked, clock worked. Turned the key to start and everything cut out immediately.
I repeated this a few times and was able to get the dash lights on, but anytime I tried to start the car OR I put my foot on the brake pedal, it cut out completely.
I pushed that imobilizer/fuel thingy in the engine bay for good measure too.
Anyway, after calling for a ride, and noticing my brake lights were not functioning I decided I'd replace my brake light switch (what the hell). Yes I carry a spare, doesn't everyone???
I got that replaced and wouldn't you know it, she started right up. However, I was skeptical. Frankly, I didn't think my symptoms pointed to a brake light switch, but it was something to keep me busy.
We got it home, turned it off and tried to start it and got the same problems - instant cut-out. The brake light switch was not the answer - I never really thought it would be something so easy
Any ideas? I disconnected the battery a few minutes ago and was going to replace the batteries in my key fob, but I doubt that will do much. It seems like it could be a problem with my ignition or a general wiring problem. Any ideas are greatly appreciated!
Adrian
