QuestionI purchased a used Range Rover off a mechanic I know back in Nov '07. As I was driving it off the lot, the dashboard beeped and started to flash all sorts of messages while the tachometer went into spasm and the revs fluctuated up and down before the engine died with the car lights on. The mechanic claimed it was a bad connection between the alternator and battery since he had to do replace the serpentine belts. He of-course fixed it at no costs to me.
I was driving it for about 3 weeks with no problems before I had to go on a business trip for 2 weeks where I left the car in a parking garage. I came back to a "dead" car.
The first sign was the remote not opening the door. Unlocking the door the old fashion way with the ignition key, I found that no light would turn on or no cranking.
My first instinct then was to jump start the dead battery. But I'm finding that I can't even pop the hood with no electricity. I called my girlfriend and she picked me up. Fortunately, I'm a monthly parking subscriber so it doesn't cost me extra to leave the car at the parking garage.
Can you help with the following questions:
1. Why happened to the car?
2. What do I need to next? I don't have the original owners manual and none of the "codes" as described in some of your reponses to other inquiries I have read.
3. What do I need to do to prevent or reduce the chance of this happening? Is it just the battery? Do I need to check the alternator or any other controls and parts?
Any recommendation is appreciated. I'm not mechanically inclined so please assume I know nothing in your response.
AnswerHi Jerry,
I'm not sure what happened when you bought the Rangie...to me it sounded like a Throttle Position Sensor problem. Since the mechanic 'repaired' it AND you drove it for 3 weeks with no problems, it may have been trully repaired.
The second problem seems to be a dead battery. Could be part of the original problem, could be a result of a drainage (or electrical short). Sometimes the alarm system can do this, IF a problem exists within the system.
Here is a website that describes common alarm problems and how to deal with them:
http://rangerovers.net/repairdetails/becm/alarm.html
Since you are in the US, you might try the generic EKA (emergency key access) procedure. On the above website, also check the section "Vehicle Battery Death While Vehicle Locked or Superlocked".
As for original manual, you could order one from a local LR dealership or look for one online. You could also search for a RAVE CD (strongly advised) that includes the workshop manuals, electronic troubleshooting guide and the owners manual. Well worth the effort. Send me an email if you are interested in knowing more about this CD.
I would have the battery and alternator checked. Advance auto (and some other auto parts shops) usually perform this test for free. I'm not sure if this is your problem but its a first step.
Most likely, if the battery and alternator check out ok, you'll have to get the vehicle connected to a LR diagnostic device called a 'testbook'. Its very good at finding common problems and I hope this is one of them.
IF money is not a concern then you visit the local LR dealership. However, if you want to save some money, I may be able to find a local independent LR mechanic for you. Send me an email and let me know where you'd want to have the vehicle serviced. At this point, I doubt there is much you can do other than having a LR mechanic look for the problem.
Regards,
JohnMc
jmcinnis64@hotmail.com
