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| sgeobeorge27 Member Since: 10 Oct 2025 Location: Cambridge Posts: 5   
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Hello Everyone
I’m reaching out for assistance with my Land Rover Defender TD5, 10p which has been off the road for several months due to a persistent starting issue. The vehicle was running perfectly until one morning it suddenly failed to start. The engine cranks but does not fire. Each time before attempting to start, I have to manually prime it by pressing the accelerator pedal five times. Upon inspection, the air filter was found to be soaked with water. I replaced it, but the issue persisted. The following components have since been replaced without success: • Fuel pump (new) • Fuel return valve (new) • ECU (replaced twice) The first garage diagnosed a faulty ECU, then later claimed the engine had low compression and required a rebuild. They were unable to carry out the repair. I then took the vehicle to another garage, where the engine was rebuilt and another new ECU was fitted. Unfortunately, the Defender still cranks but refuses to start. It has now been nearly nine months without any resolution, and I am keen to find a knowledgeable TD5 specialist who can correctly diagnose and fix the issue. I would really appreciate your advice or recommendations . Am based in Cambridge but the vehicle is in Grays Essex. Thank You |
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10th Oct 2025 8:17am |
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| sgeobeorge27 Member Since: 10 Oct 2025 Location: Cambridge Posts: 5
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Thanks for getting back
Its not starting but its cranking. Yes i bought ecu programmed correctly with immobiliser Off No have tried the quick start spray but not starting but cracking No haven’t tested fuel pressure. |
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10th Oct 2025 9:45am |
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| landy andy Member Since: 15 Feb 2009 Location: Ware, Herts Posts: 6035 
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I’m not far from you SG11 Pcode and have a Nanocom with unlocked access to Td5 Defender if required.
I’d start by seeing if it runs on a small amount of brake cleaner in the air intake. If it does you then know you are just looking along the fuel system. Then look at fuel pressures and see if you can fire the injectors Got any dash lights? You getting good constant noise from fuel pump? |
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10th Oct 2025 9:53am |
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| Hazza Member Since: 10 Jan 2011 Location: North Yorkshire / Leeds Posts: 243 
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I'd say this is key - if it doesn't try to run on easy start/brake cleaner then you have issues other than fuel. I'd try spraying easy start directly into the turbo intake - just to rule out any sort of air intake obstruction. If it still doesn't try to run then it's probably a compression issue. 1990 Defender 110 200TDI Camper - now converted to Td5 power |
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10th Oct 2025 1:38pm |
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| landy andy Member Since: 15 Feb 2009 Location: Ware, Herts Posts: 6035
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Agree.
If not trying on the spray start looking at compressions and the timing of the engine. |
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10th Oct 2025 1:52pm |
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| o4dn Member Since: 08 Jan 2010 Location: South West Posts: 598  
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I had to solve a very similar issue with a TD5 Defender for a friend of mine a year or so ago.
The ECU had been replaced, the injectors coded, and yet it would crank but never start. I understand the ECU has got the immobilizer off, but it might still need pairing with the AS10? A Nanocom can do that, it's pretty straightforward. Maybe worth trying? “A Land Rover immobilized is a moral defeat for the driver and bad publicity for the vehicle, […] it's up to you to do justice to your Land Rover!” - Land Rover Driving Technique. -- 2009 2.4 Puma Defender 90 SW 1979 Land Rover Series 3 88" |
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10th Oct 2025 4:36pm |
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| rustandoil Member Since: 08 Sep 2012 Location: Cotswolds Posts: 891  
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Check the two relays under the drivers seat.... Fuel pump and main relay, check and clean crank position sensor... These things were my crank no start and cutting out problem
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11th Oct 2025 6:58pm |
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| sgeobeorge27 Member Since: 10 Oct 2025 Location: Cambridge Posts: 5
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Thanks you landy andy a lot for the offer, really appreciate that. No, don't get any of the dash lights on, and the fuel pump runs with a good constant noise. Am not sure the garage guy tried it or not . If you know any mobile TD5 specialist can have a look that will be great . Because the garage guys rebuilt the engine and they are searching for someone to come and have a look . Its 9 months now they rebuilt the engine and still not starting and still they are looking whats the issue. I lost my hope in them . Thank you |
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11th Oct 2025 10:30pm |
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| sgeobeorge27 Member Since: 10 Oct 2025 Location: Cambridge Posts: 5
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Thanks, yeah I’ve already tried easy start straight into the intake, but it still just cranks and doesn’t even try to fire. It’s got a newly rebuilt engine and a new crankshaft sensor as well, so I’m a bit puzzled if it’s a compression issue. |
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11th Oct 2025 10:35pm |
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| bankz5152 Member Since: 02 Feb 2017 Location: South London/North Kent Posts: 2235  
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Changed the injectors and the fuel pump housing?
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12th Oct 2025 7:51am |
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| sgeobeorge27 Member Since: 10 Oct 2025 Location: Cambridge Posts: 5
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Injectors are reconditioned while rebuilding the engine and also new fuel pump as well .
Injectors are also coded to new ecu . |
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12th Oct 2025 9:18am |
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