defender wont start

[flash42]

lately its been taking like 2 attempts to start up, so i have to use the glow plugs twice.
just gone to start it up, and it sounds like it wants to start but doesnt.
tried jump starting it using sisters freelander but that didnt work.
any ideas of what could be wrong with it?

[Tommo]

what engine?

[flash42]

its a 300tdi. it will turn over a few times and then just get a clickety clackety noise. :(

[flash42]

anyone got any ideas?

[Tommo]

sounds like a flat battery.

I take it when you jump start it turns over fine but dosent fire?

1st thing to check is that you have power to the fuel shut off solenoid when the ignition is on.

[flash42]

yeah, turns but doesnt fire.
and how do i go about checking that?

[Range Rover Blues]

Soundsl ike a flat battery, you need serious jump leads for the TDi, been there done that.

On the backof the fuel pump you should see a wire, black.  It goes to the fuel pump shut off solenoid, all you need to do is check that it's got 12v going to it, a bulb might suffice or a multimeter if you have one, check it stays at 12 volts whilst you are cranking.

You could also check the glow plugs are getting 12 volts whilst the glow plug light is on on the dash panel.  these are 12 volts so you could try jumping them from the battery as a last resort.  It's also possible they have all bust, I've found this in the past.

[Tommo]

when my alternator broke my battery was completely flat and i jumped it off a mates corsa with some fisher price jump leads no problem. the said leads have stopped functioning now though.

[flash42]

they started smoking and got very hot lol.
its going to garage tomorrow, or rather the garage is coming to us, as im no mechanic.