I have had trouble with the amigo lights but now I see my battery light has come on.have checked the globes all seems ok.Any one had this happen.Series 2 /95000km Disco td5.Very little info in handbook.

 

Do you have a multi meter to test the voltage. May want to check battery by itself and then check with engine running to determine if the alternator is working properly. If not, you may be looking at a new one. These things get all sorts of gremlins on low voltage. Alternator should be putting out around 14 volts or so when working properly.

 

Hullo Disco oh no.Thanks for the note.Yes I have a multi meter.I will give this a go and see what happens.Thanks GP

 

Good Luck to you. I think the acceptable voltage range with the alternator turning is 13.8 to 14.4 volts. Any lower and you start to get problems.

 

Read across battery with engine off, no load. Should be between 12 - 13.5 volts. Add some load, like head lights, voltage should drop, but not plummet a couple of volts (if it does, bad battery).

Now crank truck, with load still there. Battery voltage should start rising, and get to about 14.1 - 14.2 volts. Lower volts (like 12 -13) indicates alternator not putting out.

There is a fuse that will control the "excite" voltage to the alternator, you can meter the back of alternator, if good, each wire bolted down will have a volt reading of 12 volts or better. Fuse should be listed in the RAVE or owner's manual. There is a large 100 amp fuse in the underhood box, you can remove it and clean terminals, also terminals of large cables in fuse box, and those on the battery. But your indicator light tells it all I am afraid.

Alternator can be properly rebuilt by a local alternator/starter shop. A rebuilt alternator from national chain stores will have a 50% failure rate or higher. New ones are highly prized and you need to be sitting down when you get the price. Pre-owned from dismantlers is also a good choice.