I have a 2008 RR HSE which hasn't given much trouble to date except for a problem that has started recently where it doesn't start about one time in twenty.

When I turn the key I get power and lights etc and one click and absolutely nothing else.

My mechanic though it was caused by a frayed cable to the battery which was touching metal and causing a short. This was changed and didn't fix the problem.

Then he thought the battery was faulty and replaced that but the problem is still there.

I have worked out to get the car to start I need to disconnect the battery briefly and hey presto the car starts every time.... Until the next time.

Any idea what is going on and how it can be fixed?

Sounds like your starter motor is on the way out.

An early sign that it will fail in the near future is intermittent and irregular clicking, more common in cold weather.

Also worth checking the starter motor relay, considering starter relays are typically less than (YWB500060) £10 and take only a couple of minutes to change.

Is there any reason the garage(s) didn't suggest starter motor or relay? They should be pointing you towards those straight away. I'd be disappointed if they haven't. 2015 Range Rover Autobiography 4.4 SDV8

Last edited by garyRR on 11th Oct 2022 8:39pm. Edited 2 times in total

Agree with garyRR I had a similar issue that was found to be the starter motor. They can be reconditioned but best if just replacing it with a quality Denso unit

Check the wiki, there's a description of how to replace the starter.

Mike

I would also have a look at the Key Barrel. There was a common problem on the FFRRs where the barrel was at fault, had it happen to me with my old TD6, where the key would turn, all lights, etc., would illuminate then nothing but a click. I cleaned out the key barrel and sprayed some contact cleaner into it. Hey presto, worked perfectly without any problems.
Worth having a look, it may be something as simple as that.