Trouble Starting with New battery
 

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.