Hi, i had exactly this problem. Would start fine for a few months then would click and start eventually. Finally after a year just refused to start. Called out the AA. Mechanic did as above and tapped the starter a few times with no luck. After looking arround engine bay it turned out to be the earth strap between the gearbox and chassis was loose on the gearbox end. Tightened and has never failed to start in the last year.

JGH99

Cheers will look at that ASAP .
Started the starter motor removal today but ran out of light. Gonna fit the repair even if earth strap loose to future proof

Sounds to me like solenoid contacts too!
When they used to make proper thick copper contacts, I fixed them by cleaning and re-cutting with a junior hacksaw. They'd last for years (the solenoid that is). Another member of the failed FL2 clutch/DMF club, twice.

I did some work once at a place that had a Kubota utility truck (now that really is an off roader) and it developed a similar intermittent starting problem which was fixed by replacing the starter motor. Out of interest I stripped the old Denso unit down and discovered that one section of the commutator was burnt so that if the unit stopped in the "wrong" place the brushes wouldn't contact properly. As the brushes were wider than one commutator section it only needed a small nudge to get enough power going through it. 3 x FL1 2 manual + 1 auto
5 x FL2 4 manual + 1 auto
Now Discovery Sport P250 MHEV SE

Starter motor off, very awkward to get to with hoses/loom in the way! Got the impact driver set up only to find no room, hadn't got a ratchet for the sockets so ended up using a short ring spanner for the top two bolts which to my surprise worked.
Got a ratchet and bar today and got the bottom bolt off, not looking forward to putting it back in!
I've taken photos so once I'm done I'll post them.

Repair kit fitted,starter motor going back on tomorrow

Fitted starter today,dropped one of the bolts within the first 5mins so spent 20 trying to get it, in the end took the front 4 bolts out of the engine under tray to get it!!
It's a struggle to get the starter motor back in place as there's very little space to get a hand on the end to hold it in place to fit the first bolt, combined with the cables/looms/hoses you can only just get a socket on. Used uj and bar for the bottom bolt and managed just about with bar on top two, finishing off with ring spanner .
I'd left the nuts on the connections and at some point managed to knock the smaller of them off! Found a suitable replacement.
After all that happy to say it started first time and has done since, fingers crossed that's the starting problem sorted.

Forgot to say removed the engine cover and air filter box to get more space

Will.S wrote:

Fitted starter today,dropped one of the bolts within the first 5mins so spent 20 trying to get it, in the end took the front 4 bolts out of the engine under tray to get it!!
It's a struggle to get the starter motor back in place as there's very little space to get a hand on the end to hold it in place to fit the first bolt, combined with the cables/looms/hoses you can only just get a socket on. Used uj and bar for the bottom bolt and managed just about with bar on top two, finishing off with ring spanner .
I'd left the nuts on the connections and at some point managed to knock the smaller of them off! Found a suitable replacement.
After all that happy to say it started first time and has done since, fingers crossed that's the starting problem sorted.

Well done!

Just wanted to say I've restored a Morris a Minor and an MG Midget in the past so I have worked on cars, but modern cars like FRl2 are a nightmare!

Know what you mean!

Bit of a contrast with the old Triumph that I am re-building

First time I changed the oil filter on the Fl2 I had quite a battle with grazed knuckles and much swearing but like most things there's away round it if you know -and where did I find out ? on Freel2.com.
Next time = no problem

Yeah defo,I was quoted £280 for new starter motor and fitting £100, and that was mates rates, so £16.50 and bout 3hrs work is outstanding value. I think I could have made it easier by removing more loom clips etc but I didn't want to disturb stuff!