I have a 2011 TDV8 L322 and have had numerous problems over the years regarding engine cranking and suffering from the dreaded solenoid click.

I have replaced starter motors, run a larger wire from the fuse box to the solenoid, taken the solenoid apart and cleaned and shimmed the copper contacts and replaced batteries.

The only thing I haven't been able to do is find how the engine is bonded to earth/ground/negative.

The wiring harness diagram only shows a short length of cable from the negative battery terminal which appears to be only bonded to the bodywork. I have read on this forum that you can see the engine bonding by removing the nearside wheel arch protector which I have done but I can't see anything.

Can anyone please tell me where the engine earth bond attaches to the engine as this is driving me nuts. 2011 4.4 TDV8 Vogue SE
1993 Discovery 1 3.5 V8i

There is a main one under the front right wing behind the plastic liner. It's responsable for the chassis to body earth. John
2008 Stornoway Grey 3.6 Tdv8 Vogue - SOLD
2005 TD6 Java Black Vogue - Written off!!
GAP iiD BT-Sold

For diagnosing the fault I would just make a new earth cable and fit it somewhere easy on the engine. If it doesn’t solve your problem it’s pointless chewing on finding and fixing the factory fitted earth.

HI john thanks for that I will take a look.

When you say it connects from body to chassis I'm not sure what you mean as I don't have a chassis only a subframe and I imagine that is isolated from the engine because of the engine mounts.

Does it bolt directly to the engine? 2011 4.4 TDV8 Vogue SE
1993 Discovery 1 3.5 V8i

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For diagnosing the fault I would just make a new earth cable and fit it somewhere easy on the engine. If it doesn’t solve your problem it’s pointless chewing on finding and fixing the factory fitted earth.

Why not simply fit a second earth cable from the engine / gearbox to a good accessible earth point in the engine bay and be done with the problem. Years ago l fitted a cable from a gearbox bolt to the earth stud in the engine bay using welding cable for flexibility and needless to say never had an issue since.

"I might make up a cable with proper lugs on the ends and give that a try."
You can get a decent length insulated cable already made up for about a fiver from Halfords, I've had one for years in my toolbox, it's a simple way to check things.

Have you replaced the starter button? Once they start to let go they will give very similar symptoms. A cheap one from Amazon or Ebay will allow you to test the theory at least. 2012 TDV8 Westminster in the New Forest

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Quote:

Have you replaced the starter button? Once they start to let go they will give very similar symptoms. A cheap one from Amazon or Ebay will allow you to test the theory at least

Today I finally found the engine earth lead behind the right side (UK off side) wheel arch liner and removed it and cleaned it up. Thank you Weegie you were spot on

I have also ordered a new starter button which should arrive in a day or two so I'll report back when I've fitted it. 2011 4.4 TDV8 Vogue SE
1993 Discovery 1 3.5 V8i

Turns out the starter button was fine so took out the starter motor and dismantled the solenoid, cleaned up the terminal contacts and put it back together and it appears to be working fine now but who knows for how long.

I'm thinking about making replacement terminals out of copper rod for the next time it starts playing up but not sure how to reproduce the ridge pattern on the contact surface.

Alternatively just brace myself and buy a new Denso starter motor.  2011 4.4 TDV8 Vogue SE
1993 Discovery 1 3.5 V8i