No response when I turn ignition key

You have bade contact in the ignition switch .

Could be an engine mounting needing replaced.

Sounds like either bad or wrong battery, dirty or bad battery connection.(just because it's new still can be faulty or wrong) Bad bat cable or ground.. Check those connectors good luck Frank M

when you lock it up does the alarm activate you say this problem only started after changing battery sounds like its the mobiliser lock and open car from inside with key in ignition hope this helps

Check security system first, then check your ground to engine and all the other connections and engine timing.

if lights flash can indicate that battery is dead. turn headlights to see if battery is charged. and make sure vehicle is on park. just an idea

Hi
i didnt quite understand your problem but assume its regarding the brakelights not working when the engine is running.
Try disconnecting the brake light switch and bypassing the wiring. If the lights work..fit a new switch.

This could be a tough one.

My gut instinct tells me the root of the not starting without turning the key back and forth is a ignition switch.

The water loss issue is likely unrelated. Suggest check hoses, hose connections, radiator, heater core, water pump, etc. for signs of coolant leakage.

Good luck with this!

Hi

The main problem to watch out for on these Rovers is that they are extremely prone to headgasket failure. This Rover uses a K series engine and headgasket problems are almost inevitable at some point during the engines life due to poor design of the cooling system.

You do not say what size the engine is on the model that you are considering but 1.8 engine is particularly troublesome in this respect.

Other things to consider is the fact that Rover have long gone out of business and spare parts and body parts will become more and more difficult to source over the coming years for these cars.

There are a few other known niggles with electrics and immobiliser failures but head gasket is the main thing to watch out for. There is an uprated headgasket that can be fitted which is said to minimise the risk of the problem occurring but even the cost for this as a preventative measure is likely to run upwards of £300 to include labour and fitting.

I have included this link which outlines some other key issues to look out for on this model.

http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/index.htm?md=348

Hope this helps and please do rate my answer. Many Thanks.

I had the same problem with my 1993 range rover. It turned out to be the ignition switch. after thousands of times inserting the key, over the years this process slowly pushes the back side of the switch away from the ignition switch housing. This consists of a plastic disk which holds the mechanical stop that keeps the ignition in the run position. If the disk is not secure and tight against the ignition housing the hold mechanism will not work properly. Mine would start and run however the first time i hit a bump the ignition switch would turn its self to the acc. position and the vehicle would stop running. I found the solution on okierover.com He was very clever in his way of a permanent repair. He opened up the steering column and used tie wraps to hold the plastic disk secure against the end of the ignition switch. Thus no more automatic ignition turn offs.