Is your Range Rover L322 not starting? There are several reasons behind this. The most common is a battery issue. Whether the battery is dead or faulty, or the battery contacts are corroded, such problems prevent enough voltage from reaching and powering the ignition. Other reasons include the fuel not reaching the engine, a damaged starter motor or alternator, or a problem with the ignition switch. Fortunately, these problems can be resolved without any permanent damage to the L322. 

The Range Rover L322 is one of the most popular automobiles offered by the Land Rover company. Besides its high-speed automatic transmission and excellent air suspension system, it combines luxury and durability in a way many other vehicles cannot boast of. This is why it can be frustrating when the L322 refuses to power up.

In this article, we explain how to check for problems, how to solve them, and what to do to prevent some issues from arising again in the future.

Range Rover L322 not starting: Possible problems and how to solve them

The first step to fixing an ignition problem with the Range Rover L322 is knowing the exact cause. Some of the most common problems are discussed below, together with the steps you can take to address them.

Empty tank

Before you inspect for any other problem, you should start by checking the level of gas in the tank. A gas tank might be empty not because the driver forgot to top up, but because they were misled by a false fuel gauge reading. And the fuel gauge might give a false reading because of damage to the fuel sender unit.

What to do: If the gas tank is empty, the easy fix is to get a refill. While doing so, you can confirm if the fuel gauge is working properly. If it’s not, it’s best to seek the help of a qualified mechanic who can repair or replace the gauge system, as the case may be.

Fuel not reaching the engine

One or more problems may prevent the fuel from being transferred to the engine’s injection system. These include a clogged fuel filter, a leak in the fuel lines, or a failure of the fuel pump. The fuel filter gets obstructed over time by dirt, and thus it loses its permeability. A leak in the fuel lines could not only waste gas but also be dangerous. And if the fuel pump fails, the fuel does not leave the tank in the first place.

What to do: To keep your fuel filter in good condition, have it checked whenever you service your Range Rover. We also recommend that you change the fuel filter at regular intervals, as a thorough cleaning is not usually possible. Also, you can check the fuel lines with a visual inspection to see if any part has burnt or been damaged. Both the fuel lines and the fuel pump can be replaced or repaired at a good workshop.

Battery issues

Without enough current flowing from your battery, the Range Rover will simply not wake up. A battery might be dead, worn out, corroded at the terminals, or poorly connected to the starter motor due to loose wiring. And while corrosion would prevent proper contact, poor connection would mean that the starter cannot perform its function.

What to do: You can confirm if the problem is from the battery itself by hooking up a multimeter and cranking the engine; if the meter drops significantly, the battery is dead or in bad condition. If this doesn’t happen, then you can inspect the battery terminals for corrosion or damage. You can also check the cables connecting the battery to the starter. 

An immediate fix for a dead battery is to jumpstart the vehicle, by connecting it to a healthy battery from another vehicle or by using a battery booster. After this, you should take the car to your mechanic to assess and fix the issue.

Ignition switch malfunction

If you have checked and confirmed that there are no issues with your fuel system or battery, your next stop is the ignition switch. This switch is most likely defective if you have trouble turning the key in the ignition. You can also check whether the ignition switch has a fault by turning on the car’s headlights. If they come on, then the battery is working but the ignition switch is probably not.

What to do: Contact your service center to have them troubleshoot the problem and confirm if the ignition switch can be repaired or needs to be replaced. The time and cost of fixing the switch would depend on your L322 model. Earlier models have the ignition barrel located next to the gearstick, making them easier to work on. But later models have the ignition on the dashboard next to the steering wheel and thus require the whole dashboard to be removed.

Damaged starter motor

The starter motor is connected to the battery to start the ignition cycle, and a fault in this component could be another reason why your L322 does not start. A malfunctioning starter means the engine does not get signaled that it should start. A starter motor lasts 100,000 to 150,000 miles on average, and because of this lifecycle, it will fail after a long time.

What to do: The only solution to a faulty starter motor is to get it replaced. To detect or prevent early damage, it’s best to have it inspected at a maintenance shop once in a while. 

FAQs

Why is my Range Rover cranking but not starting?

Your vehicle might fail to start for several reasons. These include problems with your battery, fuel system, starter motor, or ignition switch. If you’ve confirmed that all of these are working properly, you can also check if the alternator is faulty or the spark plug is loose. If you still can’t find the problem, then it’s possible that the Range Rover engine has failed. This is a rare occurrence, however, and you should cross out all the other problems before this.