So we just got it from the mechanic. He said they drove it, started it numerous times, no issues.

It's done fine for a half hour. Now while driving, the emergency flashers are coming on again, the radio is off, the NAV screen is off, and a message something to the effect of "shutting down."

Is this still potentially a battery issue? Can Autozone tell me if it's on the blink?

 

Wonder if it's charging consistently

 

[img]blob:https://landroverforums.com/07226115-8e24-469e-973a-dc3768e01bf7[/img]

 

If it was a battery issue, wouldn't we have dim headlights, weak cranking, etc.? Or not necessarily?

 

Typically yes, battery may be ok but alternator is dying. Test the output with a multimeter both running and about 1hr after shutdown.
Anything over high 13-15V while running is good, mid 12 - 12.8V standing is good.

 

Have you considered that the radio is pissed because you were planning on replacing it

 

Yes AutoZone can load test battery, alternator, and starter for free.

I can't vouch for the quality of the tech/test though - but should at least give you some answers.

 

Battery tested strong. It's only a few months old.

Back to the shop!

This is crazy. This is a low miles, well-taken-care-of LR3. I am the third owner.

Maybe I just had some bad luck and it will work out great after this deal.

I called my mechanic and he said he likes working with electrical and to send it his way.

 

It has to have codes with those faults.

if you rule out battery and alternator I would guess instrument cluster.

if you have communication codes from other ecus to the cluster, that’s your smoking gun.

 

One thing about all of this, I'm definitely learning a lot about cars. i don't recall an instrument cluster issue in my life, and I've owned over 50 cars to date.

If it's the cluster, I am scouting ebay for one now. I am finding ones "with message center" and "without message center". Which of these do I need? And I am understanding that the cluster can be reprogrammed to my vehicle with a GAP tool?