I just picked up a lovely new (to me) '96 VDP....I've got just a couple of questions...

1) The interior lights all work except when opening the doors with the engine off. I open, and for a split second, the interior lights come on, but then immediately shut off. I hear a little click sound from the engine compartment.

2) The starter is noisy when I start the car. A sort of rattle then the sound of a small buzzing motor that goes away in a second.

Any ideas?

 

is the interior light thing consistent when you open any door?
it could be the door open micro switches in the doors.
doo the puddle/courtesy lights in the doors come on?
if these are on then i would say not.
but if these are not on then i would check the microswitches.
spray some cleaner/lube into the door latches.

as far as the second point it is hard to say but it is likely that noise is either a starter that is potentially on its way out or a whine from the alternator as it first begins to turn.

 

Do you have the 3.2 liter or 4.0 liter engine ?

This makes a difference on the starter circuit as a different transmission with the rotary switch. The engine block is the same

The original starter on mine had the porous brass bushing missing on the nose of the starter

This would give a constant through the starter engagement a sound of the gears not mashing properly

The buzz may be the starter solenoid not making full electrical contact to power the starter with the heavy battery cables

The solenoid is attached to the starter which has to be removed to remove screws as the heads are on the back side

You might as an easy try swapping the starter solenoid relay that powers the solenoid to close , swap with the same part # with the exception of the ECU control relay Right # 5

There are some battery cables to tighten up also that it may not be getting full current muscle power

Do not over tighten the battery positive post < breaks the nut underneath

Never install the battery in backwards , ask me how I know

 

The interior light do not have anything in the engine compartment

There is a large relay ( right # 5 ) in the engine compartment that powers the engine ECU located in the cabin by the right front door hinge

See page 120

www.jagrepair.com/images/AutoRepairPhotos/jagxj1996.pdf

and see page 17

www.jagrepair.com/images/AutoRepairPhotos/X300 1996 LWB.pdf