Initially I thought it was a starter issue, but right I'm pretty sure it isn't. The key turns fine and the car even thinks its switched on as all lights go away and fasten seat belt comes up. I swapped the ignition relay behind the battery, I've even removed the green cap off the relay, switched on the ignition and manually activate the relay contacts by pressing them and still nothing. It doesn't click on its own!

I've even removed the ignition switch module with a little help from weggie here, cleaned it up as per this

Click image to enlarge

Click image to enlarge

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You found the screws then?

Although cleaning the switch has worked for others, personally, I preferred a new switch (not cheap at about £100).

The other thought is have you tried the Fuse 18 work round? http://www.fullfatrr.com/forum/topic40178.html?highlight=fuse+18

It may not be the switch that is causing the problem. Simple to check and if it isn't that I would plunge for a new switch.

Let's know how it goes. John
2008 Stornoway Grey 3.6 Tdv8 Vogue
2005 TD6 Java Black Vogue - Written off!!
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Is it possible to put a jump start cable from the starter to the battery just to prove that the solenoid/starter is functioning? Previously..
Vogue SE TD6
Defender 90 2.4
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Suspect starter solenoid not activating, hence no large current draw, you could check for a signal on ignition at the solenoid or just give it a whack, and see if it frees up! There is nothing that can't be fixed with a hammer😜😜
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@weegie Yeah mate found the screws, would have been impossible to find them on my own the way they are hidden inside, so a big thanks for that, and I do have the key wont turn issue from before but I've bypassed it with a on off switch in fuse 18, so key makes a full turn and would start the car normally. And yeah I'm starting to suspect I might have to get a new one, money is super tight to mention, being out of work and all and the part is on a 15 day waiting list. So was hoping a spit and polish would do the trick.

@Contraband/Northern Monkey, tomorrow I'm going to hot wire the starter to take it off the list of possible suspects for good, although I doubt it is, since the relay doesn't even click

Ok so update on the situation, well the starter was duff, had to tow it to a buddys shop where he has a dugout where we can get under the car, a few whack and the car started up, turned on and off a few times but then dead again. Undoing the starter motor wasn't a very difficult job at all, didn't need to open the manifold or anything, but now the dam thing is all loose and wont come out from anywhere, there doesn't seem to be enough space from any side to wiggle it out! Will take out the wheel tomorrow and try from there.

OK follow up on the thread.

Had to drop the sway bar to take out the starter from the wheel well. Bench tested the starter and everything seems to be fine !

The solenoid pushes the bendix out, the start churns aways when powered up!

Could it be the immobiliser?

Any update desertdude ? Current: Supercharged 06 FFRR in Java Black
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I just had similar turned out to be both the imoblizer and ignition switch with labour and diagnostics I could have had a nice holiday