Trouble Starting with New battery

[lively]

I have a 2003 Discovery 2 model. I have had electrial issues causing me to get my 3rd battery. After I installed the new battery, nothing happens. Lights come on but there isn't anything turning over. What could cause that, the starter, a lose ground? Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[Joey]

I would start with checking all your fuses. If your lights work then at least we know the battery has somewhat of a charge... did you also check the voltage? If you are on you 3rd battery I would look at grounds and the Alternator to check to see if it is having issues.

[lively]

It started with the Radio lights staying on and I pulled a fuse to stop draining the battery. As of now, it won't start. Its a brand new battery. What and where are the grounds that I would need to check?

[Joey]

If the radio lights stayed on, I would start looking at the fuse block under the steering wheel and the wiring harness going to the starter switch... look for corrosion and plugs that might look melted.

[lively]

All the fuses are good and everything looks spotless, no corrossion on any item. The harness appears to look good, spotless. When I do turn the key, the lights come on, and I am still unable to pop the gas tank lid. I can't imagine what the heck is the issue. If it were an alternator, I should still be able to pop the lid for the gas tank or so I think.

[unstable]

I had a similar issue on a Mercury Sable recently. The starter seemed like it was acting sporadic and I had just replaced it not long ago. I checked all of the fuses and everything looked good, I started to suspect a bad ground when I went to pop the trunk and I could hear the actuator struggling to kick in.

I ended up just buying a new main ground strap and installing it and it fixed the problem. Might be a little more of an issue with a Disco because it looks like a web of wires coming off of that ground strap...That would be my first guess though, especially if you can't pop the gas tank, it's a ground issue for sure, if it's not starting it's probably your main.

[lively]

good to know. I will have to look at the manuel but is the main ground strap connected to the battery? When it comes to electrical work, I am out of my element. Brakes, rotors, alternator, etc. no problem, electrical work I am not as up to speed on.

thanks for the pointers.