Member Since: 02 Jul 2014
Location: Sunny Devon
Posts: 1759
What effects can a failing alternator have ?
I believe that my alternator is on the way out and apart from the charging side of thing can the alternator cause any other electrical issues ,my sat nav flickered on start up and the alarm has gone off a couple off times I suspect that in may be a related issue look forward to hearing you
regards
MZLand Rover 90 - deceased
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Discovery 4 2013
Mini Cooper S 1964 Mk1 - International Rally winner red & white
Mini Cooper s 1964 Mk1 - Road Rally champion green & white
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27th Apr 2016 2:19 pm
Martin Site Admin and Owner
Member Since: 06 Nov 2004
Location: Hook Norton
Posts: 18457
Sat nav flickering and radio doing odd things was what I had with a dodgy alternator.06 D3 SE / 15 LR D90 XS SW / 88 LR 90 Td5 / 68 BMW 2000 ti
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27th Apr 2016 2:22 pm
mz mini
Member Since: 02 Jul 2014
Location: Sunny Devon
Posts: 1759
Thanks for that Martin that confirms my suspicions I have a new here waiting to be fitted
cheers
MZLand Rover 90 - deceased
Discovery 3 - deceased
Discovery 4 2013
Mini Cooper S 1964 Mk1 - International Rally winner red & white
Mini Cooper s 1964 Mk1 - Road Rally champion green & white
Mini Cooper S 1971 Mk3 - original and unrestored
Porsche 911 997
Porsche Boxster 3.4S
VW Polo 1.2
Citroen Xsara Picasso - shed/run around
27th Apr 2016 2:25 pm
M3DPO
Member Since: 22 Sep 2010
Location: Notts.
Posts: 8112
You will get different faults depending on what component has failed inside the alternator, 1/2 hour job to change providing you have got the tools to get the fan off.It can when others can't,
It will when others won't,
It goes where others don't.
27th Apr 2016 2:46 pm
omg!
Member Since: 01 Jun 2011
Location: Fife
Posts: 569
You ought to fit it before you move the car again.
Apparently the dying alternator often takes the battery with it and leaves you stranded by the side of the road.
27th Apr 2016 2:47 pm
Norfolkmud
Member Since: 06 Nov 2011
Location: Norfolk
Posts: 63
Exactly my experience last week - second new alternator having done 198k miles, and the following day - wife stranded and a new battery required...
27th Apr 2016 6:13 pm
MarkOne
Member Since: 23 Jul 2011
Location: County Antrim
Posts: 3345
And a failing alternator has been known to go on fire
27th Apr 2016 6:25 pm
Robbie
Member Since: 05 Feb 2006
Location: ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Posts: 17932
mz mini wrote:
Thanks for that Martin that confirms my suspicions I have a new here waiting to be fitted
cheers
MZ
Grab a multimeter, turn it to that AC volts setting that you don't normally use and connect it to the vehicle (ideally at the alternator, but the battery terminals should do). If you are getting anything above 0.5v (or less if taken at the battery) then your alternator is toast. If all is good and the DC output is healthy then your problem may be elsewhere.
Land Rover - Turning Drivers into Mechanics Since 1948
Member Since: 02 Jul 2014
Location: Sunny Devon
Posts: 1759
Thanks Robbie will do Land Rover 90 - deceased
Discovery 3 - deceased
Discovery 4 2013
Mini Cooper S 1964 Mk1 - International Rally winner red & white
Mini Cooper s 1964 Mk1 - Road Rally champion green & white
Mini Cooper S 1971 Mk3 - original and unrestored
Porsche 911 997
Porsche Boxster 3.4S
VW Polo 1.2
Citroen Xsara Picasso - shed/run around
27th Apr 2016 9:04 pm
hugeviking
Member Since: 08 Jun 2010
Location: cotswolds
Posts: 1482
Thanks from me too, Robbie.
Andi.
27th Apr 2016 9:09 pm
Barn1e D3 Decade
Member Since: 28 Aug 2006
Location: Mid-sussex
Posts: 2021
Great tip Robbie. Another day and the Forum teaches me something new and useful. Note to self - don't add it to the list of things to check weekly - monthly should be fine 2005, TDV6 S, Auto, 190k miles, owned from new, V8 Brake Upgrade, Nancom Evo, RLD protector, BAS EGR blanking & Remap, separate ATF cooler, changing all the fluids ahead of time.
28th Apr 2016 8:24 am
Madrilleno
Member Since: 13 Oct 2014
Location: Nottingham
Posts: 1745
One of the more serious symptoms is a slight lightening of the wallet! There are two rules for success,
1. Never tell everything you know.
Member Since: 02 Jul 2014
Location: Sunny Devon
Posts: 1759
Cheers Robbie 3 days in no flat battery no alarm going off randomly all well in the Disco world
Cheers
MZLand Rover 90 - deceased
Discovery 3 - deceased
Discovery 4 2013
Mini Cooper S 1964 Mk1 - International Rally winner red & white
Mini Cooper s 1964 Mk1 - Road Rally champion green & white
Mini Cooper S 1971 Mk3 - original and unrestored
Porsche 911 997
Porsche Boxster 3.4S
VW Polo 1.2
Citroen Xsara Picasso - shed/run around
2nd May 2016 8:46 pm
woody32 Site Sponsor
Member Since: 11 Mar 2009
Location: Somerset
Posts: 3551
Happy days Wanted D4s non runners pm for competitive price.
IID Pro MV License - D3/4 RRS - Enabling, Updates,Transmission flushing.
Mobile or workshop,PM for details.
2nd May 2016 10:56 pm
galwaygreen
Member Since: 30 Oct 2011
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no alarm going off randomly 
