Flatlander
Member Since: 20 Jul 2015
Location: Here
Posts: 575
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Yes, you should always start with the highest range and work down to get accurate measurements, in some circumstances, it's best to start with a clamp ammeter to get an idea of the maximum current draw on a circuit.
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 15th Dec 2022 10:05 pm |
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cmb2020
Member Since: 08 Sep 2020
Location: Buckley, North Wales
Posts: 1150
 
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Will start again tomorrow
New fuses and test the device for beeps. If I don’t hear anything beeping then I’ll buy a new multimeter.
And I now understand how they work better.
Then go back to square one and start on the fuse box as per the original video. Rinse and repeat for the split charge and again the main positive. Get videos of my process.
So basically if my multimeter is showing higher than about 0.5- to 0.7… then that indicates it will either be the fuse circuit, or the starter circuit.
How would I know if it’s the alternator? Would it be a case of remove a relay for it IF the readings were high on the starter circuit? Or am I now off track again haha? Disco 3 SE Manual 2005 V6 2.7
Buckley, North Wales
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| 15th Dec 2022 10:16 pm |
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Flatlander
Member Since: 20 Jul 2015
Location: Here
Posts: 575
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The alternator output connects directly to the starter, if it were the regulator connection (unlikely as it's a LIN) then that would present itself as excessive current at the BJB, if you see excessive current on the starter cable, then disconnect either the starter or alternator positive and re-test. If you disconnect the starter and there is still current draw, then it's clearly the alternator drawing current, if you disconnect the alternator and there is no current draw, then it's again clearly the alternator - but if there is, it's the starter (but that would be very unusual).
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| 15th Dec 2022 10:22 pm |
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Pete K
Member Since: 15 Jan 2016
Location: GL
Posts: 10735
 
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Your drain started before the split charge I think ? But good to check before you finish.
I would say starter is very unlikely.
I think it’s easier to disconnect the alternator, but I know you have practiced plenty!
Also difficult to disconnect starter and then liven the cable without a short
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| 15th Dec 2022 10:51 pm |
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Flatlander
Member Since: 20 Jul 2015
Location: Here
Posts: 575
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Whichever you disconnect, you'll need to insulate it before connecting back to +ve We have specific sleeves for the job but a bit of corrugated cardboard folded over with some tape around it pushed over the terminal on the cable would do just as well.
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| 15th Dec 2022 10:58 pm |
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Pete K
Member Since: 15 Jan 2016
Location: GL
Posts: 10735
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I think you do need a new meter.
10A setting sounds broken. (Not just fuse )but you can prove that.
And sounds like you need 10A setting for the thick wire
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| 16th Dec 2022 6:26 am |
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cmb2020
Member Since: 08 Sep 2020
Location: Buckley, North Wales
Posts: 1150
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It’s hard to say as I always kept getting “low power mode” before the split charge
But now I don’t get “low power mode” any more I just get “transmission fault” instead which goes after a few seconds and screen flickers
I did notice yesterday, if I just start the car then it doesn’t flicker or get yellow bing. It only happens when I let the dash light checks all go off. Then crank and all lights come back on.
I’ve got a new multi meter now and waiting for car to sleep
If I test the probes on bolts there’s a reading but testing on 10a doesn’t get a reading or beep. However the screen shows 0.0 to 0.3 so it looks active!
Flatlander: I don’t understand you mean use card to keep the terminal and wire apart? That’s what I did with a rubber glove though. I literally just disconnect, use a rubber glove to keep separate, then just remove it and reconnect after nice and easy or have I misunderstood?
Thanks Disco 3 SE Manual 2005 V6 2.7
Buckley, North Wales
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| 16th Dec 2022 10:20 am |
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Pete K
Member Since: 15 Jan 2016
Location: GL
Posts: 10735
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Video 1 with yellow dmm as expected.
Now repeat that with the thick starter cable.
Where do you get these cheap meters 
Last edited by Pete K on 16th Dec 2022 6:35 pm. Edited 1 time in total
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| 16th Dec 2022 11:32 am |
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cmb2020
Member Since: 08 Sep 2020
Location: Buckley, North Wales
Posts: 1150
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Fuse box:
Split charge:
Main chunky cable (starter?):
I’m taking it video 3 answers the question of very high draw?
I think it’s the starter cable?
Is it drawing power I presume or questionable wether it’s a faulty wire maybe
Surely this is a result
Thanks as always guys Disco 3 SE Manual 2005 V6 2.7
Buckley, North Wales
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| 16th Dec 2022 11:53 am |
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Pete K
Member Since: 15 Jan 2016
Location: GL
Posts: 10735
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Yeap 4A shouldn’t be going down that cable.
Disconnect battery
And see if you can disconnect the thick cable off the top? Of alternator and then repeat.
And/or stick the meter between the alternator and the cable you disconnected
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| 16th Dec 2022 1:02 pm |
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cmb2020
Member Since: 08 Sep 2020
Location: Buckley, North Wales
Posts: 1150
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Sorry I don’t understand you mate
Do you mean disconnect battery positive, disconnect alternator thick cable, then do ammeter test exactly as per video 3 on the main positive chunky cable? Disco 3 SE Manual 2005 V6 2.7
Buckley, North Wales
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| 16th Dec 2022 1:06 pm |
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Pete K
Member Since: 15 Jan 2016
Location: GL
Posts: 10735
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Yeap
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| 16th Dec 2022 2:03 pm |
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cmb2020
Member Since: 08 Sep 2020
Location: Buckley, North Wales
Posts: 1150
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Legend mate I’ve got it now understand it
I’ll do a video when done for future idiots haha
Thanks again
Will update once Dan arrives I’ll do alt when fan comes off save time
Have good weekend guys Disco 3 SE Manual 2005 V6 2.7
Buckley, North Wales
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| 16th Dec 2022 2:21 pm |
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cmb2020
Member Since: 08 Sep 2020
Location: Buckley, North Wales
Posts: 1150
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GREAT NEWS
Found the fault and replaced alternator £250 brand new pick up within 1 hour
For anyone else struggling to do this simply follow video number 3 on my previous post all the settings etc are there
If it is the main chunky wire then next remove the alternator and then remove it’s main chunky wire and test again
Easy to do and then try with cable on and off and you will see the readings change
If anyone struggles then feel free to reply and I’ll happily help!
Thanks to Pete and Flatlander and anyone else who’s helped
Took me a year hahahah but now the whole job would take about 2 hours if that
Mainly get the multi meter settings correct. Leave car unlocked and wait 3 minutes if you’re checking the main cable in video 3 or leave 35 minutes if checking fuse box in video 1
This is for disco 3 2.7 2005 Disco 3 SE Manual 2005 V6 2.7
Buckley, North Wales
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| 19th Dec 2022 4:32 pm |
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Flatlander
Member Since: 20 Jul 2015
Location: Here
Posts: 575
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Well done!
Just check the aux belt tensioner whilst you have it out, any corrosion around the joint of the two halves, a 'funny angle' between the fixed and moving parts or noise from the bearing in the idler pulley and it's best to change whilst you're in there, from memory, the genuine one's are not too expensive.
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| 19th Dec 2022 6:23 pm |
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