I read a post from January related to a guy with a battery that wouldn't keep charge. Disco Mike suggested that it might be a short in the alternator. Is this relatively common? I've done a little investigation of my own 95 Disco, and I think I have an alternator short. The battery drains down over the course of a day or so.

I tried to hook up an ampmeter in line with my battery and at the fuses, but my ampmeter fuse was fried (before I tried this), so I was out of luck. However, I could hear a distinct buzzing that sounded like it was coming from the alternator when the battery was connected. This buzzing went away immediately when I pulled the alternator fuse. It really seems like an alternator short, but I would appreciate some confirmation before I have my alternator rebuilt or buy a rebuilt alternator ($150-170 on eBay with shipping).

Thanks.

 

Wal Mart or most part stores should be able to test it for you.

 

Well, after hearing numerous horror stories about failing remanufactured Rover alternators, I decided to get a new alternator. RoverConnection.com has a new alternator for my D1 for $260 plus $15 shipping. Pretty impressive considering that most local shops were selling reman's for the same or more. It's supposed to arrive on Monday. I'll post my opinion of the aftermarket alternator after I finish the replacement.

Thanks for your help and the local contacts, Mike.

~donald

 

Good luck and make sure all your connections are clean when you hook up the new alternator.
Mike

 

Well, I have the brand new alternator from Rover Connection.com in my 95 Disco. It seemed to fit and install with no problems. Drove the thing around the block a few times last night and drove it in to work this morning and ...

AAARGH! [:@]

Dead battery!

The alternator seemed to be charging the battery just fine after installation, so I don't know what gives. There is a check engine light that comes on when the battery voltage gets low, but I don't think that will give me any helpful info. I'm going to have the battery tested just in case, but I'm running out of ideas. Please help.

 

The check engine light won't help you, sounds like it is time to get it to a good Rover electrical mechanic.
Mike

 

Oops.

I was in a panic needlessly. I assumed that something horrible had happened, but ...

The transmission was not fully shifted into park! [8D]Duh!

Thus, the car wouldn't start and the key would not release.

I'm an idiot ... but a very relieved idiot.

By the way the RoverConnection.com aftermarket alternator seems to be working beautifully.