This is stumping me a little bit and likely it is something stupid that I'm overlooking.

08 LR2, 3.2, auto box, 185k miles

The starter was starting to fail and I ordered a replacement. Swapped the new one in and it blew the R15 fuse which was odd. Replaced the fuse and put the old starter back in assuming the new one might have a fault, fuse blew again.

I've swapped the relays also for a known good one with the same issue. Drawing a bit of a blank on this one. Any suggestions? 1969 Land Rover Series 2a 88
1995 Range Rover Classic TWR
2008 Land Rover Freelander 2 I6
and more.....

hi put the old starter back in.or put a on line fuse and bench test.because it is new doe"s
not mean it work"s good luck

Thanks for your reply. I did put the old one back in and am getting the same issue with blowing the fuse which kinda stumps me. 1969 Land Rover Series 2a 88
1995 Range Rover Classic TWR
2008 Land Rover Freelander 2 I6
and more.....

What does the fuse protect? Have you trapped a wire somewhere? Past: FL2 TD4 HSE Auto
Evoque SD4 Dynamic Lux Auto
Present: Audi A3 S Line.

R15 is the starter circuit fuse. I am a bit stumped on where it could short as it's a shielded wire. From my understanding it directly goes from the fuse box to the starter motor where it triggers the solenoid. 1969 Land Rover Series 2a 88
1995 Range Rover Classic TWR
2008 Land Rover Freelander 2 I6
and more.....

F15 (40A) feeds 12v power from battery (via Battery Junction Box) through Relay Starter 102 contacts to the actual Starter Motor internal contactor operating coil. The Starter Motor itself is supplied directly via the Starter Fuse from the Battery.

Is F15 blowing / straight away / when the ignition (only) is on / when you initiate the Start sequence?

Does the Fuse blow when the starter motor is isolated?

Have you checked ALL the wiring and connectors that you have disturbed for damage?

From your description of work carried out it seems that something happened to the wiring when you first changed Starter, from then on swapping units made no difference.

Are you sure that everything is connected correctly and in the right place. FL2 XS SD4 Auto 2010 2012-2017 (21k - 91k miles) (MY2011)
FL2 Metropolis SD4 Auto 2014 2017- (16k - 79k+ miles) (MY2015)
Metro in its 11th Year of (Extended) LR Warranty / Full LR Service History
(Expensive, but Trouble/Worry free - hopefully?)

I will double check tomorrow if it directly blows or not as I have some additional fuse coming in.

All the wiring looks actually good .. no wear or tear with damaged insulation. I am down to swapping a starter motor under 15 minutes and check with the motor isolated and start checking potential problems off the list. 1969 Land Rover Series 2a 88
1995 Range Rover Classic TWR
2008 Land Rover Freelander 2 I6
and more.....

I found it .. it was a small frayed piece if wire that rubbed against the block. Problem solved. Thank you for helping me. 1969 Land Rover Series 2a 88
1995 Range Rover Classic TWR
2008 Land Rover Freelander 2 I6
and more.....

Excellent result.

Thank you for providing an answer. I am always interested in these topics if I ever have an issue. Procrastination, mankind's greatest labour saving device!

Acoustic insulation ARB TPMS 3xARB air compressors After cooler Air tank On-board OCD pressure air/water cleaning Additional 50L fuel Carpet in doors ABE 2x1kg Waeco 28L modified fridge Battery 4x26ah Solar 120w Victron MPPT 100/20 DC-DC 18amps 175amp jumper plug Awning 6x255/60R18

I'm glad you found the short to earth.

Most FL2's are now coming to an age where the wiring and connectors will start to become worn or corroded and may need to be checked before swapping bits.
(Old and knackered Sensors will be the next problem that we all will face)

Out of interest, did any error codes show as many systems are monitored for open circuits and shorts. FL2 XS SD4 Auto 2010 2012-2017 (21k - 91k miles) (MY2011)
FL2 Metropolis SD4 Auto 2014 2017- (16k - 79k+ miles) (MY2015)
Metro in its 11th Year of (Extended) LR Warranty / Full LR Service History
(Expensive, but Trouble/Worry free - hopefully?)

No error codes but I have had the occasional weird electrical gremlins. I am.thinking of adding an additional ground strap to the block to see if that might remedy that. There is a spot for one easily under the airbox. 1969 Land Rover Series 2a 88
1995 Range Rover Classic TWR
2008 Land Rover Freelander 2 I6
and more.....