Land Rover Repair: electrical, automatic door locks, fuse boxes

Question
I have a problem that I think is to do with the security system on my 97 Disco...4.0l auto.

It has been intermittent but currently much more regular.  First indicator is a noticable whirring noise through the speakers, then the automatic door locks will not work (2 button key fob).  The the doors will not lock with a key.  Then the power will cut sometimes....causing to reset the radio code.  Finally there will be no power after you shut off the ignition.... and to try and restart the car doesn't work.

Remedy for this has been to disconect the battery for 5 minutes and it will reset.

when it is in it's screwed up phase.. if you press the door lock buttons on the key fob there is a clicking sound that goes on for 30 seconds or so from under the dash on the passenger side.

Any ideas of the problem or fix??

Thanks

Kevin.  

Answer
Hello Kevin:  just following up on your problem,

could you tell me what has happened with your electrical problem?  Did you determine if it was a ground fault problem, fuse or relay replacement, or worse?

Let me know so I can pass on this info to other Disco owners who might suffer from the same maladie!

Thanks,

JohnMc
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Hello Kevin:

this sounds like a ground fault problem.  Engine cutting out and the radio code having to be reset is an important clue.  Could be as simple as a battery problem...hook up a mulitmeter to both negative and positive terminals and see if you are having 13+ volts with engine running.  12 volts with engine off.  Anything less and you have a charging problem.  Max voltage is not good either - no more than 14.

Otherwise, you may have a grounding problem or worse case one of the fuse boxes is faulting out.  Have it checked soon as your ECU is very, very expensive. If its affecting your door locks, engine, radio (negative feedback is being heard over speakers) it could cause some damage elsewhere.

If you have a spare battery, swap it in and see if it helps.  Test the alternator to make sure its charging correctly (between 13 and 14 volts).  After that, take it to an auto electrician or your local LR dealer.  Don't let it fry your expensive electronics.  Is your tachometer freak'n out?  A good way to judge your alt is by watching your tach.  The tack measures the rpm of your alt. (not sure why but that's the way it is).

Best of luck,

JohnMc