Hi all,

Hoping someone may be able to help me diagnose the sudden battery drain on my 09 TDV8, here are the symptoms;

1) Following a short journey the car was left idling for approx 5 mins, then warning lights went haywire with spurious lights and messages (none of which were active at the time, e.g. fog light indicator, access heigh messages etc).

2) Engine switched off momentarily then failed to crank engine (seems like there was not enough power, wouldn't even attempt to engage starter).

3) Left a further 5 mins and complete battery drain, not even enough to light dash.

4) Jump leads later attached but would not hold a charge, enough juice to perform ignition checks but not crank starter. After jump leads removed, battery would fully discharge within seconds!

5) Noticed that jump leads were getting seriously hot when attached.

6) So, it looks like charge coming out of the battery faster than I can put a charge in. I have all but basic electrical skills, but to me this is a serious short of some kind. Guess I'm lucky this didn't result in a fire!.

7) Pulled glow plug relays (as thats the only thing I know would pull that kind of current) and tried attaching to a spare battery. The kind of sparks I got suggested it was still drawing a serious current. So, no more test with a battery attached for now.

Have since attached a multimeter and tested for continuity whilst pulling all relays & fuses in the engine compartment bay. I am seeing that I have an "open circuit" regardless of what real/fuse is pulled. I haven't yet continued this test with the fuses located under the passenger footwell, but I'm guessing these are likely to be lesser rated and should have "popped" given the rate of discharge.

So, like I say, my knowledge of auto electrics is very limited. Anyone got some suggestions where to look from here?

Any help appreciated before I resort to calling in an auto electrician. Unfortunately I don't know of any "good" auto electrician in my area, only bad ones!

Thanks fellas
Steve

I'm no auto electrician but suggest checking alternator is working ok. They usually take out the battery when they go so best replace both if it turns out to be the alternator.
Flack is in Preston and is mobile. Search for him on here or Disco3 site
Advanced Factors in Southampton can supply any parts you need....
Good luck  Visitor from fullfatrr.com
* GONE. 2012 RR Sport HSE SDV6 Orkney Grey. Now being piloted by RRSTDV8
* GONE: 2011 4.4 TDV8 Full Fat. Amazing piece of kit.
* Current. 1974 Lightweight 2.25L petrol. Old skool
* GONE. Freelander GS TD4 Manual MY2013. Orkney Grey with privacy, cold and clearview packs, armrests (a must!) and a spoiler.
* GONE. Range Rover Classic '93 200Tdi Factory fit
* 1949 80" in family since 1975

Probaly sort cut within the battery. (plates made contact). happens sometimes, particularly in hot conditions.
If so, replace the battery. RRS 3.0 SDV6 HSE Lux
RRS 3.0 TDV6 gone
LR 3 HSE V8 gone
DiscoveryII V8 Gone
Discovery 1 V8 Gone
Mustang Shelby
Alfa Guilia (classic)

I agree wth Hog, it sounds like your battery has gone kaput with buckled plates and needs replacement.

How old us the battery? Just bought a RRS 06 MY HSE TDV6 136,000 miles, to be a second car to my bland, boring Mitsubishi Outlander 68 plate 2.0 petrol 4

DrRob wrote:

I'm no auto electrician but suggest checking alternator is working ok. They usually take out the battery when they go so best replace both if it turns out to be the alternator.
Flack is in Preston and is mobile. Search for him on here or Disco3 site
Advanced Factors in Southampton can supply any parts you need....
Good luck

I would 2nd Dr Rob. We had it, the car was driving perfect then all of a sudden the dash lit up like a Christmas tree and the car cut out. brand new battery was dead flat, recovery came and used a power pack to start it and get it on the back of the truck, but it drained this in a matter of seconds. Alternator had gone and wrecked the battery, battery was replaced under warranty as it was 1 month old, and would no longer accept a charge, fitted a new alternator, cleared loads of fault codes it caused and its been perfect since.

Hi all,

Thank you so much for all your responses. Earlier I disconnect the battery and put it on charge. it looks like its taking a charge just fine, so I'm guessing it's most likely the alternator thats at fault, hopefully it's not cooked my battery. Now the problem I have now is getting at the alternator. Problem with these TDV8 engines is that there's not an inch of room! I'll phone round for a few quotes, in the meantime I google a little to see if its within my capabilities (and patience level).

I should also change the battery, I can't recall every having had it swapped & the car is now 8 y/old. Us Lancastrians, we're tighter than cramp!

Thanks again fellas for all your replies. Much appreciated.

Steve

I kidded my iffy battery which was dead flat by charging it through another good battery and the volts did gradually come up

A lead-acid battery that has become totally discharged will never be quite the same again.

Quite agree mate, but never say never