alternators

hi ,
got a current shape petrol v8 range rover in at work , alternator not charging , checked fuses, had a look at alternator and it is quite differant to older models. It has wiring into the front of it and appears to be housed in what is best described as the engines front casing and it appears to be sealed from the elements. All you can see of it is the pulley and wires going to it , no windings etc as you would see on a normal alternator .
The local dealer wants over £700 to replace it . Is there any common problems relating to alternators and charging with these late models and are they easier to replace than they look.? Customer said the it was ok until he plugged a fridge in the cigar lighter socket in the boot . The fridge was not a RR accsessory , believe it was from Halfords and it was working ok in his previous car a Mercedes MB.

thanks

Is it definitely the alternator not charging, or is it that the battery drains fairly rapidly (1/2 days)? There are a few known issues with rapid battery drain on the L322 RR.

First thing to check might be a bit basic - but make sure the vehicle is locked with the remote and not with the key. If you lock it with the key the ECU will not go to sleep and will drain the battery.

Matt