Hello, I am on vacation half way around the world and while I was away with my disco parked on the street where there is no parking postings by the city, I was emailed by my landlord saying a city sticker was posted on the vehicle to move it within 72 hrs (Someone called I guess). So, I told him where the key was. He was unable to turn the engine over with the key. He then towed it away to avert the city clutches to a shop where I am being told I need an alternator and battery. The car was sitting for 8 days. Prior to my parking it, there was not a lick of signs of battery trouble or charging issues. Prior to towing, my landlord tryed to jump it (not sure of his capabilities). If there suddenly became a dead cell in the battery, I could see where jumping may be difficult. But the alternator? If I replaced the battery, shouldn't it start regardless of the alternator condition? Will a dead alternator on a disco prevent starting with a good battery? Will a dead battery from sitting take out the alternator? Upon my return I need to move it again and plan to buy a battery to start it. Any suggestions/help?
sierrafery
Well-Known Member
Hello to u, check this out:
1. If the old battery was old enough it's normal to die in 8 days.
2. If the car worked well before without any signs of drain or warning on the dash i dont think the alternator has gone
3. If u put a new battery and there is no major drain or shortcut it must fire up.......watch the sparks when u put the lead on it it must be "normal"(small and quiet)....be aware if it's disco 2 after u fit the new battery let it a few minutes to stay before u ignite so as the systems to reconfigure themselves
4. After u started it if the alternator is faulty u'll have a warning on dash....to make sure u cau use a voltmeter and make measurements as follows. : with neg. lead disconnected > close to 12V ..... lead reconnected > close to 12V .... engine started > around 14V. If so u dont need any new alternator. Good luck
1. If the old battery was old enough it's normal to die in 8 days.
2. If the car worked well before without any signs of drain or warning on the dash i dont think the alternator has gone
3. If u put a new battery and there is no major drain or shortcut it must fire up.......watch the sparks when u put the lead on it it must be "normal"(small and quiet)....be aware if it's disco 2 after u fit the new battery let it a few minutes to stay before u ignite so as the systems to reconfigure themselves
4. After u started it if the alternator is faulty u'll have a warning on dash....to make sure u cau use a voltmeter and make measurements as follows. : with neg. lead disconnected > close to 12V ..... lead reconnected > close to 12V .... engine started > around 14V. If so u dont need any new alternator. Good luck
thebiglad
Well-Known Member
Might be helpful if you state what year/model/engine/gearbox (auto or manual) of Disco you have?
Car naffing me off
New Member
I have a 2001 TD5 Discovery which until today had no problems starting. Been sat for two days then got snowed on and now its not happy. All dash lights turn on & off for unknown reasons when trying to start it.
Had same problems last year during snowy times and mechanic changed the glow plugs and all were fine yet here we are in snow again and car is indeed very unhappy and won't start.
So much for a capable vehicle!
Had same problems last year during snowy times and mechanic changed the glow plugs and all were fine yet here we are in snow again and car is indeed very unhappy and won't start.
So much for a capable vehicle!
sierrafery
Well-Known Member
Put a powerfull battery and it'll start
Car naffing me off
New Member
Thanks for your posting, all help much appreciated.
Looks like I'm going to have to get my breakdown guys out in order to get it moving before I can get to a battery supplier.
I did get the battery tested last year when same thing was happening and the guy said the battery was fine hense the glow plugs being changed. Odd that I'm now having the same problem as soon as the snow appears. Oddly enough though it started fine the other week when it was -10 yet today its -5 and car is sick.
Hope this isn't the start of having to rebuild it.
Looks like I'm going to have to get my breakdown guys out in order to get it moving before I can get to a battery supplier.
I did get the battery tested last year when same thing was happening and the guy said the battery was fine hense the glow plugs being changed. Odd that I'm now having the same problem as soon as the snow appears. Oddly enough though it started fine the other week when it was -10 yet today its -5 and car is sick.
Hope this isn't the start of having to rebuild it.
Have you had your alternator tested?
Car naffing me off
New Member
Not that I'm aware of unless garage did it when in with same problem in January.
