I believe my starter needs to be replaced, but I'm unable to get enough torque on the top bolt of the starter to turn it (space is just too cramped) and will probably have to have it towed into the shop. Has anyone gotten this bolt off before and could let me know how you did it?


It's the topmost no. 1 that is in a recessed spot that only a short ratcheting wrench can reach. But too stuck and not enough leverage room for torque.

Unfortunately, since she's been sitting for a couple weeks, the struts have deflated. I'd rather have her not sitting so low for a tow - is there a way to inflate the struts without having the car running?

Regarding the starting problem, I started troubleshooting by replacing the battery that showed bad, so the battery is brand new. Are there any other obvious things that could be bad? While the electronics all light up, there's absolutely no movement in the starter itself. I had about two instances on different days of that happening when I tried to start. Then after the second instance, the next morning the starter was dead. Thanks for any help!

 

An old school trick is to hammer the starter while turning the ignition. You may get one more shot out of it, enough to get the struts inflated and drive it to a shop.

Really no way to get the struts to inflate w/o having the car running short of hot wiring the compressor to run but I wouldn't even consider it an option...

 

Yet to have the pleasure, do you have a small universal swivel for your socket set?

 

Another issue you may have IF you car is the same as mine you have to remove the engine support on the starter side to be able to maneuver the starter motor out.

That means raising the engine on that side.

Have you checked the related fuses?

With the correct extensions and swivels I had no problem in removing the nuts and bolts off although the top most was mostly by feel.

I have done this several times because of getting new starter motors that were incompatible despite claims to the contrary.

I was unable to find a rebuild shop that would accept my original to rebuild.

 

Well, I am ever the novice. Thanks for the reminder to check fuses, jackra_1. It was a blown 25 amp solenoid fuse in the engine compartment. At least I didn't succeed in putting in the new starter or tow it so the mechanic could find the blown fuse (or worse not find it). LOL

Should I be concerned about why the fuse blew and be checking that out?

 

Keep a close watch on things.
Is all well with the air suspension?
If it happens a second time, be concerned for sure.

 

I replaced a leaking right front strut last year. Haven't noticed anything else other than not keeping pressure after sitting for a week or so, especially when cold. Could be slow leak in other struts or compressor, I guess.

 

Do you have a Jaguar type code reader, such as an icarsoft?
Forget the number, reads the air suspension codes.
It will tell you which shock is leaking.
How far from Stow do you live?

 

+1 on the above.
I have an i930 icarsoft which reads Jaguar codes. I believe there is a more recent upgrade to this. Not sure however mine has proven very useful.

 

I live in London near Columbus, so about 2 1/2 hours from Stow. I have the Mongoose/Jaguar SDD that I use, and I'll double check for any air suspension codes. I didn't see any air suspension codes when I was trying to troubleshoot the starter issue.

 

You have better equipment than me.

 

I also have the JLR SDD however it is a lot more complicated to run than the iCarsoft product. Obviously you can do a whole lot more with the JLR SDD but for a quick diagnosis the iCarsoft product is a lot easier.

Both work with my Rover which is an added bonus for me.

 

Same, I have IDS-SDD, but that thread reminds me that I had to have an icarsoft to be left inside the car.
Just ordered now!

 

I keep mine in the car also.

 

Same with me.
The icarsoft in the 07.
The Launch in the 04.

 

you are lucky, I have the same tool and it does not do much.....wont even read old codes.......tells me 2004 car is incompatible............of course.......Ive had no joy from icarsoft as to either replacing the whole unit........or some sort of download.....which it will not do.......tells me update is not available if you use apple products.....?????

Id like to get my Money back....but absolutely no response from Icarsoft at all.......been over a year now...........

ANYONE THINKING OF BUYING THIS TOOL.........DONT BUY ICARSOFT........SOME WORK AND SOME DONT.......AND THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO CUSTOMER SERVICE.

 

There used to be an on-line update capability for iCarsoft which I used when I first bought it a while ago now.

 

Pompey

If you bought from e Bay or paid with Pay Pal you have some comeback.