I've read through any threads here that seemed to fit the situation, but didn't come away with a clear answer, so I'll ask. You guys are always great.

My 2001 Disco is dead. Did a few errands this afternoon. All normal. Went on a trip to a convenience store about two miles away, turned it off and when I got back in the LR, there was nothing upon start up. No clicking, no lights, no nothing. A friend came along and jump started me. I left it running twenty or so minutes. Tried to start it again and nothing. The interior lights come on dimly now but that's it.

So, can I assume this is a dead battery that needs replacing? It was in the LR when I bought it two years ago so it is probably at least three years, if not more, old. I'm probably being paranoid because money is so tight right now (fantastic time to own a Disco but I love it).

Thoughts? Many thanks.

 

You need to put the charger on it and charge the battery overnight, then have the battery and alternator tested, any autoparts store can/will do this for free.
Just dont shut it off until you get home.

 

Argh. I don't have a charger. If I have someone jump me in the a.m. and then go to the local NAPA, can they test it while it is running or am I better off going to the garage with it? Thanks!

 

Just have someone jump you in the AM and then go to NAPA, dont shut it off.
If it is the battery then they can replace it for you right there.
But that is what it sounds like to be, a bad battery.

 

My car was pretty much doing the same. I bit the bullet and bought a battery and the problem was fixed

 

Which is not the best thing to do. If you don't test first you may be replacing a perfectly good battery when in fact the alternation was bad.
Always test first.

 

Also, pick up a charger. Your basic charger is dirt cheap. Though, if you aren't paying close attention to the charge, get an 'automatic' charger.

 

Go to Napa or any major auto parts store and have them test your charging system. Alternator and battery. Like Mike said, if the alternator is bad and you replace the battery, you could fry the new battery or just postpone the problem for a week or two. I know Florida has a tendency to kill batteries with little to no warning. A GOOD set of jumper cables is important to keep with you at all times as well. Know how to use them. Most of the time you will end up helping someone else out with them, but on the rare occasion you need them for yourself, they are worth their weight in gold.

 

It was the battery so all is well. the Disco is happy once again!

You guys are the best.

 

Glad to hear that all is well.