Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Repair and Diagnosis: Electrical: Starters: Description
On Discovery, the starting system consists of starter motor and solenoid located at rear right side of engine. A starter solenoid relay is located behind passenger-side kick panel. Starter solenoid is controlled by the Body Control Unit (BCU) and supplies battery voltage for starter solenoid operation. The starter motor receives battery voltage directly from the battery.
On Discovery Series II, the starting system consists of starter motor and solenoid located at rear right side of engine. A starter relay, controlled by the Body Control Unit (BCU), supplies battery voltage for starter solenoid operation. The starter relay is located in engine compartment fuse/relay box. The starter motor receives battery voltage directly from the battery.
On Range Rover, when the ignition switch is turned to the start position, the BECM grounds the starter relay located in the engine compartment fuse/relay box. When the starter relay is energized, battery voltage is applied to the starter solenoid and starter.
All models are equipped with a 12-volt starter. Starter is a brush-type, series-wound electric motor with an overrunning clutch. Components consist of solenoid and housing, armature, brush assembly and drive assembly. Drive gear housing includes a bushing and supports armature. Splined armature shaft carries drive assembly. See Figure.
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.
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