2001 Disco SE7 starting issues - Land Rover Forums

rbwdriven · #1 01-25-2012, 02:35 PM

Ok this has started happening lately.

Wife called two weeks ago.

LR does not start totally dead ( sitting there with radio on for 10 minutes)

Hooks up to friends car, lets charge battery for awhile then fires up.

Go to Advanced auto get a battery.

Wife calls yesterday LR dead again.

same theory sitting with radio on for 10 minutes

Same theory again hook up other car fires up.

I go home, check battery cables find small alternator cable that hook up to alternator out of shield so I re wrap that as well as other wiring.

Starts up fine.

So get an email went to get in LR, dead does not start. Ran fine this morning not running now.

So before we go throwing parts at it, what the hell could it be.

All I know is I've got an intermittent starting problem lately. And yes I know all about Lucas.

I read about it might be the crank sensor etc.

Year is a 2001 disco se7
modifications non
mileage 85k

Thanks

Savannah Buzz · #2 01-25-2012, 02:51 PM

Battery may not be getting a charge, or enough charge. Use volt meter to measure across battery posts, with truck running at idle (assumes you can jump it), volts should be in the 13.8 - 14.4 range. With more things turned on (lights, AC, etc.), volts should drop a little, but not below 13.3 or so. If volts drop below 13.2 the alternator is not putting out enough current to stay up with the load.

When alternator diode or regulator fails it may make voltage, but just not enough current to supply everything, and truck sucks power out of battery as you drive around.

Since you may be a road warrior, I'll post a link to a device SWMBO could pick up at WalMArt and plug in the cigar lighter to tell you readings. Will add here in a few minutes.

BTW - had 84 CRX in 84 - small, but a lot of fun to drive.

rbwdriven · #3 01-25-2012, 02:54 PM

Working too much so helps that wife is very handy with cars.

Yep I'll probably check that tomorrow when i'm off early.

Savannah Buzz · #4 01-25-2012, 02:57 PM

see Plug In Electrical System Tester Pix If you decde alternator is bad, options include high dollar oem, salvage, dismantler, remanufactured unit, and local starter/alternator shop rework. If just a diode or regulator, may be under $100. If buying from AutoZone, to get lifetime warranty be sure to keep copy of receipt in glove box, the reman units have high failure rate. But you could buy 3 of them for one oem. Also draw belt rouite before removing.

rbwdriven · #5 01-25-2012, 03:04 PM

way cool thanks very much.

I might have to stock in and get one of these.

Our saving grace is we have spare cars so that helps.

I read that it might be the crank sensor any truth to that or would you lean towards alternator.

Disco Mike · #6 01-26-2012, 10:03 AM

Before you do anything, take the truck to a local parts store, most do a free charging system test, get it done, voltage should be between 13.6 and 14.4 volts.

Savannah Buzz · #7 01-26-2012, 10:34 AM

Good idea, because when he bought the new battery perhaps system was not tested (always test, alternators have a mind of their own). I suggested the plug in tester, if he was stuck out of town and needed to walk SWMBO through some things.

rbwdriven · #8 01-26-2012, 10:42 AM

yep I technically have a dead battery right now.

Car will not crank.

so even if i take it somewhere it will not crank again.

We are now at that theory.

So taking half day off today to try and work on it.

Disco Mike · #9 01-27-2012, 10:22 AM

Remove the battery and get a 2 hour charge on it, do not try and jump start it as you can mess up the alarm and lock yourself out of the ignition system.
Once you charge the battery, be prepared to turn off the alarm with your remote, start the engine and go get a free charging system test done at a local parts store.
Let us know how it turns out, and if it is a bad alternator, do not buy a re-man from them, get back to us first of buying a new Bosch from British Parts of Utah.

rbwdriven · #10 01-27-2012, 10:34 AM

Left it on charge last night.

Battery was totally dead.

I tried with the jump from the battery box but the interior light flashed so I said not worth the time to try, since it just clicked

I left it on charge last night, I'll give it a go tonight when I get home.

If the alarm or ignition locks me out we will see.

Wife pretty much said if it is the alternator that we cant afford that till tax money comes back.

Thank god for spare cars.