Land Rover Discovery 3 Cold Start Solution

[@Isabella135i]

you bloody beauty! 6 years later and this is still saving the day! thank you saved me a massive headache and alot of money!

[@chriscfishing]

What a lifesaver! The wife’s car hasn’t started 2 mornings in a row so tried your method this morning and it worked first time 😎👍🏼

[@robertsquire3611]

absolute star, tried fuel relay, fuel pump, fuel filter, nothing, then came across this video, tried it and started first time, thank you pal.

[@michaelhunter2411]

Awesome!! It's -3 and I've got the same problem. This worked instantly. You're a star

[@paulstylie5495]

Thank you buddy I’d just bought a battery so I new it wasn’t that I did have the idea to poor hot water over the engine thinking it was an oil issue but after watching this and having to use my second car witch is a work van to run the kids to school your video solved the issue. Thank you it’s much appreciated and Faith is restored in there being nice blokes out there that actually know what there talking out. Cheers buddy.

[@chazoclock]

Thank you 🙏🏻 I changed my battery yesterday. Went to start it today, just turning over. I’ve checked all the wires, keys etc. Then luckily found your video, nothing to do with the battery just a funny and frustrating coincidence 😂 You’re an absolute hero for everyone this helps 👍

[@louisecopinger6274]

Most likely the glow plugs if it's a diesel

[@craighouseman2708]

Not all heros wear capes! Thank you for this knowledge

[@beefomatik]

Just help our neighbour out with the same problem, worked a treat 👍🏻 thanks for the info dude 😎

[@dcm4020]

LEGEND MATE SAVED ME A SMALL FORTUNE 👊🏻👊🏻

[@timmartins5222]

Mate you are an absolute legend! Worked just as your video! Thank you 🙏

[@suramyarandimalhettiarachc6120]

My car did not start today morning and I tried this and it worked thank you for saving my life today ❤❤❤

[@markanthonypiacentini4993]

yep me too.....being pratting around for ages. My son saw your video i started doing this. Just bough an new sensor to fit, cheers....brilliant video. Shame the dealers have to rip us all off trying to get glow plugs changed and talk nonsense trying to scam money from us all...Again cheers

[@kenallen4293]

Tried this this morning.....fired up straight away! 2005 RRS 2.7, thanks.

[@craignelson4296]

I Have exactly the same problem, and this explanation was just what my car is doing, Its amazing that a Land Rover has this ridiculous fault, BUT your explanation and video is AMAZING, not tried it yet, but I will in a short while, you may have save me £100s of pounds with a mechanic. I have a 2007 2.7tdi 7 seater with only 76,000 miles THANKS Craig N

[@waynestone9278]

Amazing! Thanks for sharing such an awesome video that shows how to do it, all I need is a flask or hot water bottle, and good to go in this short term cold spell.

[@olliealien]

Just had the same problem and it worked within seconds thank for the video

[@johnkelly2010]

Fantastic thank you. Has worked everytime. Have just bought a plug in car hair dryer. Works same as pouring hot water.

[@mattpooley134]

Had this problem today... This fix worked many thanks

[@jaytoppo1670]

This video saved me, for this I can only offer my subscription as a massive thank you!

[@mrmattrowe]

I wasn't so keen to pour water into the engine bay. So I used a hair dryer on the hottest setting. Heated for about a minute and a half. Worked like a charm. Thanks

[@peterpeterson9903]

Yes because the engine doesn't get soaking wet when driving about in the rain or blasting through a puddle, or constant rain driving through the radiator at 70mph on the motorway for hours on end.

[@powervolt748]

@@peterpeterson9903 actually quite right. The engine bay remains dry when driving in the rain. I wouldn't want to poor boiling water in there either! Hairdryer seems a safer bet if I needed to do this. However, I use a remote for the FBH which works well and brings the engine up to a decent temperature before starting in the cold, causing less wear also 😊

[@peterpeterson9903]

@@powervolt748 It is an engine bay, components are rated for high temperatures, so no worry about the boiling temps, anyway, by the time the hot water actually gets to the engine bay you are lucky if it is even 90° and will be at best only warm within seconds as it cools on the cold components. Even at 100° that is no temp to engine components, all are rated for far higher temps than this. If a bit of water damaged engines then they would not last long. This is also a Land Rover, it has a factory wading depth and if fitted with a raised air intake can wade deeper, in other words it is designed to get wet (wading plugs fitted of course) it is also a diesel, which are notoriously competent in wet environments, they will happily run submerged as long as the air intake is above water. I personally would not wade my Land Rover much over middle of radiator just to minimise water ingress into all sorts of components but water isn't an issue. Engines do not stay totally dry, they only appear dry because the heat and the air movement through them dry them out. After a long drive in the rain look open your bonnet and ask yourself where all the watermarks/water spotting with dirt has come from. Wet electrical connectors are an issue, but vehicle connectors in good fettle should not let water into the terminals, even on older vehicles, I'd not be keen on ECU and control modules getting too wet, so I would not intentionally tip water on these parts. Regarding water I would be less keen on getting water over too much of a petrol engine as water near ignition components can cause ignition spark migration so I would not want a petrol engine soaked to the skin but I wouldn't go crying about a little targeted hot water. If you have been around cars and working on them as long as I have you would realise what a daft comment the OP and yours is.

[@ptb83]

Which sensor is this? I only have warm start problems when taking a break after roughly 1 hr or more of driving. Maybe I should pour cold water over this sensor and see what happens 😀

[@AlanShaw101]

Excellent information, worked first time. Thank you. Now to change the sensor..

[@michaelmccleery7852]

Did you ever get the sensor changed or can you send me a link for replacement?

[@adnannassan9008]

I did same to my range rover sport l320, and after this it's started immediately really, It was _ 6 c and the battery get died, then I look for this problem in KZbin and I did the same here in this Vedio. Thank you so much for helping me to get my Range Rover sport start. Greetings

[@stevenrigby901]

I can not believe this just worked 😅 saved me alot of hassle. Cheers

[@ryanwalsch3081]

No way! Legend, thanks for the video 👊

[@moffatmutawa2446]

thanks mate had the same problem .tried your method straight away it started, thank you very much again please keep on sharing nice video.

[@AlanShaw101]

Hi again Michael, yes the garage said I need new glow plugs but refused to change them in case one or more broke and it would be an engine out job to fix, so yes you could be right a change could be in hand, but its a marvellous machine.

[@alfromsleep1779]

Tried this earlier when my RRS wouldn’t start at 0 degrees, worked straight away 👍

[@phillipneedham5977]

The hot water worked and gave a clue to thr sensor fault, bought a new one about £30 from Paddock spares. Takes about 5 minutes to fit a new sensor. Connector off , turn anticlockwise about 60 degrees, simply pull out, replace with new sensor, no water loss. Worked first time in sub zero temperature. Jobs a good one. The hot water trick was the clue.

[@dantaylor2153]

Hi there what sensor is it exactly. Works with out discovery every time

[@jonathandilk5722]

Hi what is the sensor called please so I can order one

[@phillipneedham5977]

I used the LR041442. In addition I put a 27kohm resistor across the two wires. This fools the system that the temperature is above 4 degrees. As soon as the engine warms up the sensor resistance takes over as it goes below 10k so no need to use a switch. Has worked every time in these recent very cold days.

[@ndmukuk]

Worked for me this morning. Thank you!

[@williammitchell3468]

Thankyou worked straight away great knowledge.

[@mikesomerset1203]

Brilliant Thank you you are a bloody star!!!!!

[@dantaylor2153]

This works every time!!! Amazed.. what part actually is it??? Thanks

[@craignelson4296]

Just as an addition, I used to have Older cars in the 1990s and with cold wet distributor caps, I used to put an Hair Dryer under the hood, that was to draw heat and moisture out , that may work also, I will try this later and thanks Craig (My Landy is for sale so this was a real pain)

[@phillipneedham5977]

Absolutely great Does this indicate I have a faulty sensor

[@HelderViolante]

Brilliant mate ! thanks

[@stefanobaldelli1786]

really interesting video, beautiful trick but how can the situation be resolved permanently? you can't always go around with a bottle of boiling water, I too have this problem, how did you solve it? because it's absolutely not normal for him to struggle so much

[@Superheadless]

Brilliant video, excellent fix thank you! 👌🏼 Do you have the name of the part, do I need a new one if I have to do this fix?🤔

[@noj2943]

I live in Fairbanks Alaska and in the winter we would get normal temp -40 to -50 - in this extreme environment we would winterize the vehicles w/ battery blanket oil heater and although Land Rover claim it isn’t needed a block heater and I never had issues staring my LR3 - but I also plugged in the vehicle every night I would have like to but a remote start on the vehicle that is connected to a temperature gauge but that required putting the spare key under the the hood to trick the computer and since there are no Land Rover dealers in Alaska I just toughed it out and would start it let it run for about a hour to warm up before driving :) although both my jack and lug wrench broke while trying to change a tire when it was -40 the metal was too brittle

[@COM70]

noj2943 lr3 comes with a 5 kw diesel heater under bonnet designed to accelerate heat up from cold, but it can be modified to preheat the engine to 75Oc using the key fob. I will include the link below and a how to video if I can

[@gerryryan2142]

Just tried and started instantly. Thanks. Would a new part there sort it out or what about a night heater in around there. Thanks

[@01superfletch]

Cant believe this I changed my battery and everything lol just for such a simple solution

[@fathallaibrahim1470]

Lifesaver thanks

[@mphathiseninetshiozwi7153]

Do I have to change that sensor or just pointing cool water in my case ? Pls help me .

[@OsuperfastjellyfishO]

Nice video but the real reason the hot water trick works is due to the fact that the Land Rover being a british vehicle thinks you are making it a cuppa & sorts its shit out

[@georgew3300]

Wow cant believe this fixed my problem THANK YOU!.. But why is this happening and what is the true fix??

[@The1979_]

You have to change the glow plugs but it’s a very risky job. The broken glow plugs explode and stick to the guides. You have to call a talented mechanic and he have notch it carefully, otherwise the plugs split into pieces and stick inside. Then you’ll have to remove the engine!! Be careful.

[@stevemarks89]

Is this with the Fuel Burning Heater working?

[@mike_qbik]

Will this work on Disco 2016? Minus 3 and no go. Put in few cups of additives before the cold, just trouble every winter, alwys end up changing filters in the spring or replacing a battery. Grrrr

[@leewillerton3194]

Respect The Phantom, worked great!!!! Reading the comments Phantom says the only fix is glow plug replacement, but this fix should get me through this winter this year with a view to getting a permanent fix in the summer months..... My questions is about the long term fix is it a glow plug replacement (love my disco so happy if that's the case) or should I try the sensor first? In my case less than 0 degrees not start day 1 perform the hot water fix on the coolant temp sensor and happy days working a treat. Day 2 started a dream just like normal waited for system check and glow plug lights to go off even though outside temp -3 (not sure it was could have been above 0 degrees as it seemed warmer) it had been sat for at least 10 hours and frost on the ground. I have found once the car has started and runs for 30 mins it works all day long generally without a problem starts first time.... if I have a problem its less then 0 degrees and not been run for over 12+ hours...

[@thephantom5928]

Hiya, this happened to mine, I'd do the hot water then it would run all day long regardless of the temperature outside. Next day, id have to do it again if it was less than 0 degrees. Its definitely a glow plug issue though.

[@leewillerton3194]

@@thephantom5928 Thank You will get them booked in for swapping.

[@leewillerton3194]

Phantoms advise got me out of a couple of sticky situations and I am very grateful he shared it with us all. Did ring a few places about swapping glow plugs a lot of horror stories out there, but I found a place (never used them before) who where 100% sure of their capabilities and they swapped them with no drama. So can highly recommend Head Tech Willow Farm, Newark Rd, Newark-on-Trent NG24 3RR

[@Phipsy5]

@@thephantom5928 Hi Phantom, I have a cold start problem, not tried the hot water trick yet as i work away, I will be trying this as soon as im back. Out of interest, What does heating this sensor up do to the glow plugs to get the car to start? Ive only recently bought the car but i can see from the service record 5 of the 6 plugs were changed 12 months ago and its only covered 4k miles since. Could the one glow plug thats not been changed still cause this?

[@brumlad76]

What sensor is this please. (Total novice here).

[@thephantom5928]

The sensor is called an Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor, however, this issue is mainly caused by the glow plugs not operating correctly, and they are a pain in the backside to remove, as they have a tendency to snap when trying to remove them. If you do get them changed get a garage to do them

[@rogerrodrigues5971]

Mine was doing the same, got a new sensor but still does it :(, is it just the pipes which are being warmed up as even with a new sensor it’s doing the same thing :(

[@thephantom5928]

Need to change your glow plugs not the sensor

[@gerelt-odaltanhuyag3625]

Does it work petrol v6, what sensor

[@MrSailingsimon]

Saved me...thank you!

[@JimJam-zn4bf]

This saved me - thank you!! Why is it doing it though, can that be replaced etc to help??

[@StromSports]

Worked perfectly

[@tdv8fixes94]

I have just seen that your RR is equiped with an auxiliary fuel burning heater FBH on the right side, so it is possible to convert it easily to a pre-heater being started remotely with your keyfob without engine ignition. Visit my channel for further information. I have just bougt it from uk, installation takes less than 30 minutes.

[@Rusty_oreo]

Hello there, thanks for this video. I have both Disco 3 and RRS. Both started with this method. Thank you very much for the video. However, just a question what is that grey sensor called? I was just thinking to purchase new ones to fix the problem permanently. Thanking in advance.

[@thephantom5928]

I would start changing your glow plugs first, as this is the main cause of the cd start. Just be cautious though, as they have a tendency to break when taking them out.

[@Rusty_oreo]

@@thephantom5928 thank you for your reply. I'm not a mechanic by trade so I took it to garage to run diagnostics and the garage turned around and said there were injectors fault. Now I'm not too sure whether it's the same thing as glow plugs or not. I will take it to another garage and ask them to inspect more. Thank you for your reply and video; honestly I was able to take kids to school this morning

[@thephantom5928]

@@Rusty_oreo you are most welcome. If the injectors were at fault then your engine would not run correctly. I stand by the glowplugs require changing. Get a 2nd opinion just to be on the safe side...

[@andrewmurray4113]

Just replaced my sensor with a new one as I had cold start problems, the new sensor must be faulty as it won’t run properly

[@richardpadgett4648]

Same problem with RRS 2.7 not starting in anything colder than 0c poured hot water on and it fired 1st time. Thank you

[@jeffsebastian2236]

Yeah .......worked for me thank you.

[@heyjqfitness1914]

Please help, my disco 3 2008 model is now struggling in the cold mornings. Watched the video but mine does not have a sensor where yours does, any ideas of where I can locate this sensor?

[@thephantom5928]

Chances are that its your glowplugs that are not working correctly and you need to change them. Your electronic coolant sensor will be near your thermostat on the side of the engine.

[@heyjqfitness1914]

@@thephantom5928 thank you very much👍👍

[@neilheron1332]

Bloody great. Green flag couldn’t get it going. Looked at this and poured hot water and away it went. Any idea what it’s called so I can replace?

[@thephantom5928]

Start with changing your glow plugs, the sensor is an electronic temperature sensor.

[@neilheron1332]

Really, can’t work out how the glow plugs would effect this temperature sensor?

[@rogerrodrigues5971]

What does that sensor do or what is it called??

[@thephantom5928]

Hi, this is whats called an ECT sensor or Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor. When you pour hot water on it, it tricks the ECU into thinking the engine is warm thus making starting the engine in cold weather (normally below 0 degrees) easier, however, the issue is normally with the glow plugs that need changing. Changing the glow plugs is a pain as they normally break so would recommend a garage changing them.

[@rogerrodrigues5971]

@@thephantom5928 that’s great thanks, if it was a problem with the glow plugs, would the engine light or glow plug light be lit on the dash?

[@thomaswirkola2416]

Hi, Im having a hard time starting my disco 3 2.7 Tdv6 2008 below -2 degrees. I dont have the sensor mounted.. Or is it located elsewhere? Anyone know where? Do have the webasto fitted and have ordered the timer for it.

[@pa1668]

Can I ask why!!.....my LR garage,or the AA, refused to believe this could be a fix...

[@AlanShaw101]

Hi Michael, i booked my Discovery into the agents to get this sensor changed, they informed me that this sensor will not stop my car from starting, but we know it did. They told me the diagnostic check said there was nothing wrong with it and left it in place but i have not had a problem since. Spooky....

[@thephantom5928]

Chances are if you experience this issue, then you need to change your glow plugs. Since making this video ive now sold the discovery and got myself a Freelander..

[@phillipneedham5977]

What is the name of the sensor?

[@The1979_]

The problem is the broken glow plugs which is supposed to melt the diesel in the injectors and make the engine start. That’s why we pour some hot water on that area. The area is the same but the problem is on the glow plugs, not that sensor. Regards.

[@aivo3091]

Don't comment when you don't know shit

[@The1979_]

@@aivo3091 …said the man who graduated from primary school

[@ben963524]

What engine is in this discovery 3, is it a 2.7 tdv6 as I’m having the same problem ?

[@thephantom5928]

Yep I had the same engine in mine

[@ben963524]

@@thephantom5928 what battery did you have in it??

[@thephantom5928]

I had this in mine: Yuasa HSB019 Silver 12V Car Battery

[@raymondfleet701]

What component is it .. mine is doing the same thing I was told it was the glow plugs and Iv booked it in to have them changed and was told it’s a risky job I’ll try this tomorrow if anyone knows what the component is please let me know I’ll get a new one .. cheers

[@TheTfortwo]

I have same problem with my 2005 range rover sport 2.7 iam going to try this tomorrow morning mine has not started for a week in this bad weather ,but when it gets up to 3 degrees it starts.Cheers for this i will let you know if it works buddy

[@thephantom5928]

I'm sure It will work.. still not figured out why it works changing the sensor doesn't work.. let me know if your successful

[@TheTfortwo]

It didnt work the first time so i poured more water on it and then it spluttered when i turned the key to start it, and on the third attempt it sparked into life yeahhhh.My machanic mate sent me your video so thank you so much he said when you pour hot water on the sensor it tells the ecu that the engine is warm even if its not so it will fire up.He said its the glow plugs but i would rather just pour water on this sensor than have new glow plugs fitted they are a right chew to replace ive been told, they sometimes snap when trying to get them out.Thank you once again iam over the moon with your help.I think it took a few attempts because its been stood for over a week in freezing conditions.Superb mate you are a legend

[@MartinhoAlto]

@@thephantom5928 hi, do you know what the sensor is called? Seems weird that replacing it doesn't solve the issue.

[@The1979_]

The problem is the broken glow plugs which is supposed to melt the diesel in the injectors and make the engine start. That’s why we pour some hot water on that area. The problem is the glow plugs, not that sensor.

[@nigelthaxter7980]

Massive thanks for this tip mate as I was told that all my glow plugs were duff after being tested, open circuit ment not working if this the case will your solution still work 🤞. Nigel

[@ronnmorris7028]

Where exactly is this sener can't find as have same issue

[@DugganCapital]

Also interested to know

[@joegriffin6699]

As per the video.

[@garylockett9723]

Yes! worked perfect. thanks buddy! will replacing the sensor fix the issue completely?

[@thephantom5928]

Prob start with replacing your glow plugs first :)

[@garylockett9723]

@@thephantom5928 🤦🏻‍♂️ I had a feeling you was going to say that.

[@jaroslavhekelj4319]

Gentlemen, I can’t find this sensor in my car.. how is that possible? My disco is 2008..

[@scottwilliams9724]

Omg had same property today top man it worked any way off future proofing this

[@tomlaverick6892]

Can any body help ..!! I went to try this on my land rover but couldn't find that sensor .it looks different mine is a 2005 disco 3

[@1080Driving]

In a 2005 the sensor is black, but in the same location. Just tried this on my 2005 Disco this morning and worked a treat in -9.

[@sublimemanx]

Man, that worked a treat!!

[@callumharris2235]

Ledgend I’ve been stuck at mine for days in the snow

[@jonathandilk5722]

Blimy I’ll give it a go tomorrow and report back

[@jonathandilk5722]

Tried it this morning and it worked a treat. Thank you

[@brianlever9507]

Cheers thanks

[@PaulRichmondUK]

8th of January 2025- worked perfectly for me - I could kiss you!

[@rogerrodrigues5971]

Had the same problem, changed the coolant temperature sensor, same issue, so changed the antifreeze which fixed the problem :) go figure???!!!

[@pa1668]

Its magic