Guys,

I'm after a bit of info/guidance.

On Saturday the Rangey suddenly threw a hissy fit.

This is what happened:-

1) Driving along, all of a sudden the dash display, radio and HEVAC all stopped working. I also got gear box fault and traction control failure messages

2) The engine did not cut out, but was a little unresponsive(sluggish), so I got it to a car park to have a look.

3) The lights, windows all continued to work.

4) I turned the engine off and back on. After a while the fuel and temp gauges came back with the radio. If I flashed the headlights the radio would reset itself (like it was turned off and then back on again).

5) After a little longer all alarms cleared themselves and the HEVAC, speedo and rev counter all came back. everything back to normal.

The same thing happened last night, but I drove through it and all came back as before.

6) I've checked all the fuses and relays for signs of burning - nothing.

This morning I have checked everything I can (in the time I had available) and cannot see anything obvious.

I fired the car up and all was fine until up to temperature, then it all occurred again.

My thoughts are pointing me towards either an earthing problem or a component breaking down when the engine reaches running temperature.

Anyone had this happen to them?

Any thoughts that might help?

Cheers

Steve

Likely to be the fuse box or the main connection to it to be more precise.

Datatek,

Just been out and checked all the connections around the battery, fuse box, etc. All seem well tightened.

Fuse box shows no signs of melting or damage on top, around the relay terminals or underneath.

I have started the car and it now seems everything is playing up at random. Then the car started to struggle to start, and now will not turn over.

Now what that indicates to me is the battery has lost it's charge, which leads me to believe it is not being charged.

From previous readings on this forum I seem to recall there is a link between low battery and spurious alarms.

So, could it be the alternator?

Just dug out my multi meter and checked the battery voltage - 11.96.

So, it's either the battery or the alternator.

Got a mate coming over in a while with a booster pack to start the car. Once started we'll see what the alternator is throwing out.

Battery only taking a charge of just under 10 volts.

Alternator seems to be the culprit

Emmotts here I come!!

stevef1964 said:

Battery only taking a charge of just under 10 volts.

Alternator seems to be the culprit

Emmotts here I come!!

Click to expand...

You can get an overhaul kit for the alternator for not a lot of cash. However, I think you need to do more checks as normally an alternator fault will leave the battery warning light on and/or produce an alternator fault message on the message centre.
Check the output at the alternator, could be the cable from the alternator to the starter or the one onward to the battery has failed due to corrosion inside the plastic sheath.

The replacement alternator arrived yesterday and fitted it today.

What a bugger of a time we had getting the belt back on, but once we'd worked out what we actually needed to do it was straightforward.

Battery immediately being charged at 14 + volts and all alarms cleared.

I'm quite pleased with myself!!!

And it's so nice driving it again.

Cost me £30 and 2 1/2 hours of my time.