Looks like the part is not available.

No idea how long I'll be without the 110 now.

 

If it helps you feel better, my sister-in-law had a Taycan order ready for pick up until they told her they needed parts out of it for someone else's car. It delayed her a few weeks. The world is nuts.

 

1 week in the shop and we have no info on eta of part.

I suggested them ripping one out of their super cool and not at all ridiculous Trophy edition sitting on their showrrom floor. Sadly they didn't share my enthusiasm for my idea and sold the Trophy. How rude!

I expect LR to announce a new edition any day now. One with an extra alternator and a blue wrap for no apparent reason. The limited edition LOL model.

My dealership has been about as useful as a chocolate teapot up till now. JLR Bellevue has truly some of the worst customer service I have ever encountered at any business. It's been quite enlightening.

I expect a low bar from car dealerships but they limbo'd the **** out of that.

 

GavinC:

I see where your alternator is $1900 USD (fancy!) and does not fit any other JLR product, unlike the P300 alternator. I could not locate an equivalent on ebay (where I buy some hard to find JLR parts) or Amazon UK (where I find other ones) or any other third party website.

The alternator (LR129314) for the P400 appears very different than the P300 alternator, as yours seems to have a LARGE electronics package integrated into the rear of it -- maybe as part of the hybrid system?

Have you challenged the dealer and JLR N.A. to remove the alternator and have it sent to an alternator repair shop -- until they can get you a new one?

I certainly hope they are providing you a long-term loaner, at least?

I am just thinking what might be possible for the tree ratting process of getting yourself to the head of the line for the part.

 

I'll be doing some rattling this week. See what happens. Going to speak with whoever I can at JLR. They're making Defenders by the 1000s. Go to be an alternator kicking about at Nitra somewhere.

Yes, I have a rental for as long as it's in the shop. A GMC Yukon. 5.3L land yacht. Makes the Defender seem tiny. I told them I needed a seven seater to replace our 7 seater 110 so that's what they gave me. Not a wild lot of fun to park but it's a comfy ride. Like driving a living room sofa. Greta Thurnberg dies a little every time I turn the ignition. No loaners from the dealership. They have Enterprise on retainer I guess. Hopefully the rental costs might incentivize them to get the finger out but I doubt it.

 

Just an update for anyone interested




Two weeks on and the car sits broken at the dealership. They can provide zero information on an eta on the part.
Via my own research I have discovered the alternator number listed here is a discontinued part. Replaced by a part that is not available to any part supplier in the world apparently. Best case eta is 12/2021 but likely 1-2/2022

In the same period 1000's of the same part have been placed in p400s at the Nitra facility.

The dealership is unable to fix.

JLR are unwilling to provide the part for a used car. ( I guess a three week old Defender under warranty does not merit their attention when there are Trophies and Bond editions to be made)

JLR are refusing to provide the part to the dealership.

I have sourced a MY21 Alternator (the discontinued part for the p400) on ebay and provided the dealership all the info they need.

Step 1: Buy used OEM alternator from ebay that fits my Defender (They need to click a provided link and then click the buy button)
Step 2: Install in my car when it arrives days later
Step 3: Replace with New OEM part in 2022 when JLR deems me worthy.

This is not likely to be done as they would have warranty concerns but perhaps it could help get a discontinued alternator.

This is not a supply chain issue. The part exists in its 100s if not 1000's. This is a JLR customer support issue, specifically a lack thereof.

The dealership's hands are tied and I'm effectively waiting for my MY22 Defender all over again.

rant/

 

@GavinC Have you looked into the WA lemon law? From some limited research, it appears Washington has something similar to the CA provisions where 30 days out of service for warranty repairs can qualify the car for a lemon law buyback. That's also 30 cumulative days, not necessarily consecutive. Even the possibility of a lemon claim might spur one or both of JLR or your dealership into action. Keep your powder dry - if you think you might qualify, you might be better running out the clock to hit the 30 days before you raise it. That way you have more control - a repair on your terms, or the filing of a lemon claim. Consider talking to a lemon law attorney too. Not only might you get a better outcome, the fees are usually paid by the other party assuming the claim is successful.

 

Thanks for the thoughtful advice mate but I really don't want to go that route. It has already been discussed. I'm not at all worried that the dealer will ultimately source the part and get me going again. It's just frustrating to see JLR's inaction.

The dealer loses nothing by buying the car back. They'll fix it and sell it at their chosen dealer mark up. It's win win for the dealer there. I'l be substantially out of pocket however.

I waited 4 months to get the car. We built it to our chosen spec with all the desired bells and whistles and nothing more. I'll just wait as long as it takes.

Also the question then presents if I did take a refund. What car do I then get? I'm not about to get another at MSRP anytime soon.

We chose the Defender as it ticks all the boxes for our needs and wants.

Initially my anger and frustration was aimed at the dealership but they really have no sway. They have me in a long term rental and have been very mannerly, respectful and professional throughout. I spoke with the manager today and brought him up to speed. Tried asking for the Trophy as a loaner to no avail. LOL. Never hurts to ask.

So long as JLR central and the individuals responsible decide to not release the part to them there is not a thing they can do. Hopefully by Jan/Feb I'll be back in the car. Time will tell.

I'm sorry for being a Debbie-downer in the forum. It's by and large filled with such fun and interesting threads. This is sort of my release valve for my frustration. At the end of the day it's just a car and an inconvenience. Cheers!

 

@GavinC - Sorry to hear of the drama caused by JLR. Here's what I would do. YMMV. I would go ahead and buy the used alternator on e-bay. Then I would TELL the dealer to install it. If they wouldn't, I'd get a 3rd party to. Actually, I'd likely do it myself, but I don't know what your mech skills are. Then when the part becomes available, I'd make the dealer replace it. Actually, I would put the dead one back in there and make the Dealer swap it with a good one. At that point I would e-bay the e-bay bought alternator to get most of my money back.

Regret the issues you have, but I think I would JFDI (just f'g do it) myself.

Don't wait for the Dealer to Flick around with a used part on ebay. They likely won't. There's NO way it would void the warranty to put a JLR part into it.

 

Yes I've thought about doing something like this. I likely wouldn't do it myself as I wouldn't know my head from a hole in the ground when it comes to that sort of thing. I'm sure there are places that can and will do the swap. However, many garages won't install third party parts as they worry about the owner coming back to annoy them with issues. Encountered that when I replaced struts on my last car. I understand that. Labor costs are very high here.

Manager said that while he is sure JLR will hard nope the use of a used part, it may provoke them into allowing use of a discontinued part gathering dust in some JLR facility. Possible.

I probably shouldn't gripe too much as I've got a pretty decent rental/loaner from them . I'm getting quite used to the big-**** GMC they have me in. I'm just worried about the lack of snow traction with its AS tyres and no roof rack for skis in the coming weeks/months. (Although the skis will likely fit in the monstrously large trunk). It does have AWD at least, plenty of clearance and big tyres.

After a couple of weeks I've become less angry and more resigned to the situation. Trying to see the positives. I'll likely just wait it out given my limited automotive skill-set.

Edit: Was that you @GrouseK9 in that epic post on FB. Aussie bull-bar encrusted Defender in the Western desert and rocks with the dog?