QuestionI have a 96 Land Rover that keeps having electrical problems. An alternator was put in it last week (it died two days after I picked it up) and yesterday the local LR dealer stated the battery was not big enough and dumped a bigger battery in there. I drove the Disco to work today and it was fine, but I did notice the tachomter was not working. When I got in to leave from work it started but by a half-mile later the radio died ,the anti-lock light and battery light came on and the rpm went to nothing. The only way I got enough power to pull over was by turning off the headlights. This will be my fourth tow in three weeks and I am getting desperate for answers(while I am sitting here waiting for another tow!). The LR dealer did a diagnostic yesterday and stated there were no shorts. The SRS light used to be on all of the time until last week when my mechanic disconnected it. It was found to be causing a drain. Each time I take it in and they do something, I can drive it for a day or two then I am back to square one. Any advice you can give I would really appreciate it!
AnswerHi Erica,
be brave. I've had three alternators replaced in my Disco (actually 4 if you count the original from the factory).
My experience with alts is that you have to have the best battery possible or you run the risk of ruining your alternator. Take very good care of your battery for if it goes...usually the LR alternator goes too!
The first sign that you have lost your alternator is that the tachometer no longer works. The tach sensor is integrated into the alternator - a kind of slick way to measure engine rpms.
In my opinion (hold on...) LR alternators are very flimsy and should be re-engineered. I have never seen so many failures in any one vehicle.
You can continue to purchase NEW alternators and hope they last OR you can buy one from a local auto salvage yard (they are online now!). My last alternator cost me under $100 and I install it myself. After 3 install, I've got it down to under 20 minutes.
Any local mechanic can do this work. If you prefer LR service, you can insist that they buy a used one and install this for you. Some dealers will comply and do this to reduce your repair costs. The warranty is a different matter.
Since you have had the work performed already at the LR dealer, make sure they don't charge you for another alternator. They never fixed the orginal problem and unfortunately ANOTHER alternator was ruined. IF they had been more thorough, they would have corrected the problem and you'd be on your merry way.
DON'T sign off on the work until you are absolutely convinced that the work has been done correctly. Four tows is three tows too much.
My advise would be this:
when they call you saying your Disco is "ready", talk to the service manager and tell him/her that you want to drive the vehicle for a few days before 'signing off' on the work that has been performed.
BE assertive on this point. You have had four tows and still the problem surfaced. You've endured enough hardship, loss of time and expense and you want assurances that a professional job has been done and that you won't be crawling back with the same repair.
Insist that you will have the vehicle for a few days and IF no more trouble is experienced, you will return and 'sign off' on the repair and pay your bill. Sign whatever document stating this intention and make sure you let the dealership know you are upset and fustrated with the service so far. Disconnecting the SRS leaves you with less safety (no air bags) and is a quick and dirty solution.
IF the dealership does not do this, sign the repair bill but add "UNDER DURESS AND PROTEST" above your signature. If there is room below your signature, add the comments that this is the 4th time you've had this service performed in three weeks.
Then contact LandRover North America (US or Canada) and voice your complaint. Itemize the work performed and your costs (towing, parts, labour). Insist that you want the problem resolved and that you've more than paid for the work. Make sure you tell LR that you are a loyal client that maintains your Disco accordingly. They respond better to clients with a history of service. (money talks)
I wish you luck and if you need more advise, send me another Q or a followup to this response.
JohnMc
