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nininu98



Member Since: 23 Sep 2025
Location: Valletta
Posts: 1

 
Engine Issues
Hi,

I am experiencing an intermittent starting issue with my 2006 Defender 90 TD5.

When I turn the key to the ON position, I wait for the glow plugs to switch off, hear the fuel pump prime, and then turn the key to the START position. The vehicle cranks, starts immediately, runs for 3–5 seconds, and then switches off.

During this, there is no check engine light on the dashboard, only the oil and battery lights. If I then turn the key back to the OFF position, repeat the process (wait for glow plugs, fuel pump priming, then crank), the vehicle starts and runs normally.

Once running, it drives without any issues. If I drive for a few miles, switch it off, and restart, it usually starts immediately with no problems. However, the issue occurs randomly.

Work already carried out:

Full oil and filters service (including a new, good-quality fuel filter)
New genuine injector seals and washers replaced this week
Genuine fuel pump replaced 3 years ago (approx. 14,409 miles since)
Full diesel tank
Battery tested under cranking load – all good
Starter motor contact points replaced 4 years ago
Checked the injectors harness plug and no traces of oil. This was changed 6,700 miles ago
Checked red ecu plug and had very little (2 drops) traces of oil, which is now cleaned
No error codes showing. The check engine light does not show on the dashboard lights as can be seen in the video.

Issue video:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1A2mf7hsFc...drive_link

Despite the above, the issue persists.

Could you please suggest what to check next, or what may be the likely cause of this problem?

Thank you.
Post #1075978 23rd Sep 2025 12:20pm
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DefenderCan



Member Since: 25 Nov 2023
Location: Canada
Posts: 33

 2006 Defender 110 Td5 CSW Chawton White
Check your inertia switch is operating correctly,

The coolant gauge moving to overheat would leave me to believe this is faulty. Could be faulty and misreading a signals and cutting fuel off.
Post #1076022 23rd Sep 2025 10:47pm
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MadTom



Member Since: 10 Sep 2013
Location: Olomouc
Posts: 687

Czech Republic 1999 Defender 130 Td5 HCPU Baltic Blue
Try the fuel purge cycle before the firt problematic start. It should be related with not enough fuel in engine/bubles of air in fuel.
If this help, look for any fuel leaks - mainly fuel pressure regulator and fuel filter head.
Simple to change is fuel filter. A bit harder fuel filter head, fuel pressure regulator, in tank fuel pump or injector seals. "Drobek" = The Small One - Discovery 2, "Blufínek" = The Blue Thing - Defender 130, and for me at least Ford Mondeo Smile
Post #1076034 24th Sep 2025 6:37am
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Mr.Jimbo



Member Since: 20 Jun 2024
Location: Rugby UK
Posts: 31

United Kingdom 2003 Defender 110 Td5 CSW Java Black
I agree - look for fuel pressure issues/signs - I had a similar (but not running as long as 3-5 seconds, more like 1) when my FPR was leaking on the back of the cylinder head. Tell tale diesel leaking down the back of the engine.

New FPR and gaskets etc in the existing housing made it start a lot more reliably and stopped the leak.
Post #1076066 24th Sep 2025 1:26pm
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Roukmuth



Member Since: 25 Sep 2022
Location: Aurillac
Posts: 5

France 2002 Defender 110 Td5 SW Epsom Green
Indeed, your problem could be related to the FPR (fuel pressure regulator). Check if there is a leak around that area.
It's a relatively easy component to replace. Here's a tutorial on how to do it.

https://meca1.co.uk/dm1-ab-regulpresgotd5/
Post #1076134 25th Sep 2025 8:16am
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