Hi all,

I have a strange issue. I have no bongs other than an occasional HDC inactive and a low screen wash. The problem is that the car only starts on the second of third attempt.
I get a whirring sound but no ignition when I start it. Then turn it off and try again and the car starts. I have had alternator replaced last year so the battery should be ok. The car isn't getting driven very frequently during the week but at the weekend it gets usually gets a decent run.
Any suggestions on whats going on with the starting?

Car is a 2002 td6

whirring sound ?

Like starter motor going round ? Maybe the motor is not engaging ?

May be worth whipping it out and giving it a good going over with cleaning and lubricant, bench test etc.

If not a motor whirring sound, could be your ignition switch is on the way out, full of crud, try some easing fluid down the keyhole ? .
Experience is the only genuine knowledge, but as time passes, I have forgotten more than I can remember
Volvo V70 P2 2006 2.4 Petrol 170bhp Estate SE
MG Midget Mk1 1962

Previous: L322 Range Rover TDV8 3.6 2008; L322 Range Rover TD6 3.0 2002; P38A Range Rover V8 1999

Have my doubts about it being the ignition barrel as it works I thought it could be the starter motor but the fact it always works second attempt makes me suspicious

Still could be either (or both ) .
Experience is the only genuine knowledge, but as time passes, I have forgotten more than I can remember
Volvo V70 P2 2006 2.4 Petrol 170bhp Estate SE
MG Midget Mk1 1962

Previous: L322 Range Rover TDV8 3.6 2008; L322 Range Rover TD6 3.0 2002; P38A Range Rover V8 1999

The symptom of pressing the button and nothing happening, or just a click, and then at another attempt the car starts fine is consistent with a failing starter motor. That happened with my 2012 WM, and there are threads on here about it. I don't have any experience of the TD6 though, so it might be more a thing for later cars. Only Range Rovers since 1988

my TD6 had a failing starter motor over a long period of time. Sometimes would spin over fine, other times a bit more slowly. sometimes it would even spin fast and then slower then day only a click and it was no more.
i would suggest you are in the same boat.