Member Since: 12 Jan 2016
Location: Surrey / SW London
Posts: 2138
D4 Charging System Fault - Help Stuck Working Away
Help guys. Im away working and this morning my car popped up the error message in the IPC "Charging System Fault" with the red battery sign and warning triangle. The car has been working perfectly fine and i drove it home last night a few miles without issue. I had also run the FBH this morning and previous mornings and everything was as normal!
So this morning, it just popped up after about 50m of driving. I drove to work a few miles and car ran fine. I checked it this evening at work and basically I'm getting this error message with the IID:
Also im getting no voltage increase with the engine running, in-fact it drops slightly form 12.2 ish to 11.8.
Could it be anything i can simply do or is it a knackered alternator?
I looked in the manual to check the fuse under the bonnet, but my D4 doesn't have a fuse. Is that normal? Think the manual says F20 5 Amp, but nothing there!
Ive left the car in the work car park, and meant to be heading home for Xmas tomorrow afternoon.
No idea how im going to get back now unless there is an easy fix somewhere?
Any help greatly appreciated.
Current: D4 HSE
Previous: BMW Z4M Coupe
Previous: Land Rover Defender 90 CSW Td5
Previous: Land Rover Discovery Td5 ES
21st Dec 2017 7:58 pm
OJ
Member Since: 01 Oct 2017
Location: Loch Leven
Posts: 725
Sadly sound awful like the alternators at fault, presume the drive belts ok? I looked at the fuses as well couldnt see one either listed for the alternator.
What a Bummer just as you were relying on the car.
21st Dec 2017 8:09 pm
robpenrose
Member Since: 12 Jan 2016
Location: Surrey / SW London
Posts: 2138
Yep, i don't know what to do really. The car has a warranty on it, so it should cover the cost, only if you follow the procedure. Trying to get a warranty claim submitted and the car fixed with limited time will be very difficult. Anyone any idea how much a alternator change should be?
Im in Grimsby, so no LR dealer or specialist here. Im concerned that when the breakdown people come, they will either try and fit a really expensive alternator and say its this or nothing and leave me if i don't agree to pay for it, or take me to a local garage and do the same.
I have breakdown cover through my Bank (Nationwide) Anyone had any experience?
Current: D4 HSE
Previous: BMW Z4M Coupe
Previous: Land Rover Defender 90 CSW Td5
Previous: Land Rover Discovery Td5 ES
21st Dec 2017 8:15 pm
robpenrose
Member Since: 12 Jan 2016
Location: Surrey / SW London
Posts: 2138
Also, can anyone tell me how long the car will last driving without the alternator charging and is it ok to drive? Just thinking is it ok if i find a local garage a couple of miles away who could maybe sort me out with the repairs first thing?
Current: D4 HSE
Previous: BMW Z4M Coupe
Previous: Land Rover Defender 90 CSW Td5
Previous: Land Rover Discovery Td5 ES
21st Dec 2017 8:29 pm
OJ
Member Since: 01 Oct 2017
Location: Loch Leven
Posts: 725
If its an alternator fault it could run for a few miles or might discharge the battery quicker than you think, best to get it fixed asap, could you not contact the warranty company and explain your situation, with a bit of luck they might authorise a local repair, if its discharging check the battery leads are not overheating, if they are disconnect the battery just in case.
Hope you get it fixed ok
21st Dec 2017 8:43 pm
DSL Keeper of the wheelie bin
Member Since: 11 May 2006
Location: Off again! :-)
Posts: 73125
Do you have recovery & onward travel cover? If that's the case get the car recovered to home or chosen dealer & get their hire car. For me not worth trying to drive it any further, you could screw up the battery trying to milk her to the max.
21st Dec 2017 8:48 pm
robpenrose
Member Since: 12 Jan 2016
Location: Surrey / SW London
Posts: 2138
I think my breakdown cover states they will do onward travel if the car cant be fixed at roadside or by the end of the working business day. Im not sure how likely it is to get fixed tomorrow during the day? I probably cant call the breakdown until lunchtime at the earliest
Current: D4 HSE
Previous: BMW Z4M Coupe
Previous: Land Rover Defender 90 CSW Td5
Previous: Land Rover Discovery Td5 ES
The alternators on a Disco have a nasty habit of catching fire given half a chance. Only replacement that's worthwhile is a new genuine Denso one.
Saying that, I had an alternator fail on my Sprinter 4x4, I'm with the AA through my bank and they replaced it in a Morrisons carpark in North Wales while I was out on Rally GB. If they can get a genuine part get them to fit it. I know it's not going to be under warranty, but it might be better.1972 Range Rover Classic 2 door V8
2013 Land Rover Discovery 4 HSE - SCRAPPED
2016 Land Rover Discovery 4 Landmark
2022 Volvo XC40 T5 PHEV 282HP FWD 3 cylinder!
21st Dec 2017 9:09 pm
sputnixb51
Member Since: 23 Apr 2013
Location: Morayshire
Posts: 833
Duckworths Market Rasen, several indies in Louth ie Famous four, Hodgson?
21st Dec 2017 9:25 pm
John C
Member Since: 28 Aug 2007
Location: East Yorkshire
Posts: 3292
+1 for Duckworth’s - been going there for 10 years2020 SDV6 D5 HSE, Carpathian Grey +
2022 Tesla Model Y LR... almost Carpathian Grey
Previously : 2005 TDV6 SE Auto, Cairns Blue (288K) - ours for 16 years
21st Dec 2017 9:27 pm
robpenrose
Member Since: 12 Jan 2016
Location: Surrey / SW London
Posts: 2138
Thanks chaps.
Can anyone give me a fair price for an alternator? So i should only get a Denso or Genuine LR?
Current: D4 HSE
Previous: BMW Z4M Coupe
Previous: Land Rover Defender 90 CSW Td5
Previous: Land Rover Discovery Td5 ES
21st Dec 2017 9:27 pm
OJ
Member Since: 01 Oct 2017
Location: Loch Leven
Posts: 725
Depending on the exact type, AF prices range £176 to £211. Denso type, LR will without doubt be dearer
21st Dec 2017 9:51 pm
robpenrose
Member Since: 12 Jan 2016
Location: Surrey / SW London
Posts: 2138
Local garage in Grimsby quoted £700 for an alternator change, and were not sure if they could get the required part today.
Current: D4 HSE
Previous: BMW Z4M Coupe
Previous: Land Rover Defender 90 CSW Td5
Previous: Land Rover Discovery Td5 ES
The AA only charged me £200 for mine on the Sprinter, and he had to do an hours round trip to collect it.
Speak to your recovery company and see what they can do for you.1972 Range Rover Classic 2 door V8
2013 Land Rover Discovery 4 HSE - SCRAPPED
2016 Land Rover Discovery 4 Landmark
2022 Volvo XC40 T5 PHEV 282HP FWD 3 cylinder!
22nd Dec 2017 1:19 pm
Narpy
Member Since: 18 Jul 2011
Location: Stockport
Posts: 7830
I wouldn't trust to a recovery company unless they were installing a genuine Denso.
You need to insist on a Denso. The forum is littered with posts about after market, so called "Discovery 3 + 4 compatible" alternators. You will open up a whole world of pain you never knew existed in going for a cheapo. Your best option is to buy from one of the forum sponsors so you know you're buying a genuine Denso and, in the unlikely event of a problem, you have a decent after sales support and then get it fitted locally or again getting one of the forum supporters to do the install.
Do not trust to a random aftermarket brand. Mods:
Front Fogs + Halos
FBH Remote Control
The 1st Ever RRS Modded Grill
Garmin Nuvi + D4 Surround + Reversing Camera.
D4 Steering Wheel.
Rear Boot Spoiler.
Twin Brake Lights.
Wing Mirror Indicator Repeaters.
Long Roof Rails
Make your own Narpy grill thread
I'm not scared, I'm outta here.
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