↓ Advertise on Defender2 ↓

Home > Technical > Sudden Battery Discharge
Post Reply  Down to end
Page 1 of 1
Print this entire topic · 
Staftly



Member Since: 06 Jul 2012
Location: Lancashire
Posts: 55

United Kingdom 2012 Defender 110 Puma 2.2 USW Orkney Grey
Sudden Battery Discharge
Hi all,

Firstly, let me explain I'm a Defender man through & through, I'm lucky to have a 110 xs ute & my pride and joy 1968 Station Wagon 2a. I can fix anything on my Series truck and most things on my Ute truck, most things that is apart from electronics.

Whilst this particular cry for help relates to my wife's RR Sport I though I'd try a post here as most Defender2 readers are generally more "hands-on" if you get my drift. If the word RR Sport offends then I apologise. If, on the other hand you think you can help please read on, I'd really appreciate any help. So, my wife's 09 TDV8 is suffering from chronic battery drain, here are the symptoms.

1) Following a short journey the car was left idling for approx 5 mins, then warning lights went haywire with spurious lights and messages (none of which were active at the time, e.g. fog light indicator, access heigh messages etc).

2) Engine switched off momentarily then failed to crank engine (seems like there was not enough power, wouldn't even attempt to engage starter).

3) Left a further 5 mins and complete battery drain, not even enough to light dash.

4) Jump leads later attached but would not hold a charge, enough juice to perform ignition checks but not crank starter. After jump leads removed, battery would fully discharge within seconds!

5) Noticed that jump leads were getting seriously hot when attached.

6) So, it looks like charge coming out of the battery faster than I can put a charge in. I have all but basic electrical skills, but to me this is a serious short of some kind. Guess I'm lucky this didn't result in a fire!.

7) Pulled glow plug relays (as thats the only thing I know would pull that kind of current) and tried attaching to a spare battery. The kind of sparks I got suggested it was still drawing a serious current. So, no more test with a battery attached for now.

Cool Have since attached a multimeter and tested for continuity whilst pulling all relays & fuses in the engine compartment bay. I am seeing that I have an "open circuit" regardless of what real/fuse is pulled. I haven't yet continued this test with the fuses located under the passenger footwell, but I'm guessing these are likely to be lesser rated and should have "popped" given the rate of discharge.

So, like I say, my knowledge of auto electrics is very limited. Anyone got some suggestions where to look from here?

Any help appreciated before I resort to calling in an auto electrician. Unfortunately I don't know of any "good" auto electrician in my area, only bad ones!

Thanks fellas
Steve
Post #624023 14th May 2017 10:48am
View user's profile Send private message View poster's gallery Reply with quote
Balvaig



Member Since: 19 Feb 2016
Location: Fife
Posts: 719

Scotland 2016 Defender 90 Puma 2.2 Landmark LE Corris Grey
As nobody has replied who might be better qualified - I would start with the battery itself. Sounds very much like an internal short. If it is original it has probably reached the end of its useful life.
This would be indicated if you have not identified any blown fuses, which would occur if you had a serious short elsewhere.
Post #624038 14th May 2017 12:07pm
View user's profile Send private message View poster's gallery Reply with quote
jeffersj



Member Since: 23 Jan 2015
Location: Near Preston
Posts: 431

United Kingdom 1996 Defender 90 300 Tdi HT Bronze Green
As above sounds like a dead battery, can you try one from your other motors? Jeff
Ex 1968 Series 2A
Ex 90 TD5
Ex D3
Ex D4
Post #624042 14th May 2017 12:23pm
View user's profile Send private message View poster's gallery Reply with quote
Fifth Horseman



Member Since: 08 Mar 2011
Location: Lanarkshire
Posts: 322

United Kingdom 2011 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 XS CSW Santorini Black
First thought would be a failed alternator, these were notorious on the D3/4 for killing the battery and giving symptoms similar to those you describe, the battery could also have an internal short circuit - If the alternator has died then it probably has ruined the battery as well.

Your posting in our sister forum rrsport.co.uk may get better (more specific) answers - as stated there, forum sponsor Advanced Factors is a good source for parts.
Post #624075 14th May 2017 3:37pm
View user's profile Send private message View poster's gallery Reply with quote
roel



Member Since: 08 Aug 2009
Location: Lelystad
Posts: 2039

Netherlands 2003 Defender 90 Td5 PU Caledonian Blue
Maybe try the D3 or D4 sister site as they mostly are better then the RRS site. Laughing

First I would charge and test the battery. My D3 is also hard on Batteries. Mine just survive 3 years. Big Cry
A RRS/D3 use a lot off electric power even when switched off. Combined with short drive and longer times with no use kills batteries too.

With no battery attached:
Disconnect the alternator cables and check the continuity, it has to come from somewhere.

Fault finding is time consuming so better to do it yourselves. Mr. Green Roel

1984 90 2.5 na Diesel - RR V8 (1994-2001)
1997 Camel Trophy Discovery 300TDI (2001-2009)
2005 G4 Discovery III 4.4 V8 (2008-2018) It's gone but it still hurts.
2003 90 Td5 (2009-now)
Post #624083 14th May 2017 3:54pm
View user's profile Send private message View poster's gallery Reply with quote
LandRoverAnorak



Member Since: 17 Jul 2011
Location: Surrey
Posts: 11240

United Kingdom 2013 Defender 110 Puma 2.2 USW Orkney Grey
As Fifth Horseman says, dead alternator now killing your battery. Darren

110 USW BUILD THREAD - EXPEDITION TRAILER - 200tdi 90 BUILD THREAD - SANKEY TRAILER - IG@landroveranorak

"You came in that thing? You're braver than I thought!" - Princess Leia
Post #624084 14th May 2017 3:58pm
View user's profile Send private message View poster's gallery Reply with quote
rockster57



Member Since: 15 Nov 2014
Location: West Yorkshire
Posts: 937

United Kingdom 2011 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 CSW Zermatt Silver
I concur with Horse and Anorak. I had same symptoms with a BMW E39 (V8 lovely car). Main dealer diagnostics failed to find fault. On the 3rd visit old fashioned mechanic techniques traced problem to the alternator. Fortunately my battery wasn't fried so new alternator did the trick.
Post #624201 14th May 2017 9:14pm
View user's profile Send private message View poster's gallery Reply with quote
Staftly



Member Since: 06 Jul 2012
Location: Lancashire
Posts: 55

United Kingdom 2012 Defender 110 Puma 2.2 USW Orkney Grey
Hi all,

Thank you so much for all your responses. Earlier I disconnect the battery and put it on charge. it looks like its taking a charge just fine, so I'm guessing it's most likely the alternator thats at fault, hopefully it's not cooked my battery. Now the problem I have now is getting at the alternator. Problem with these TDV8 engines is that there's not an inch of room! I'll phone round for a few quotes, in the meantime I google a little to see if its within my capabilities (and patience level).

I should also change the battery, I can't recall every having had it swapped & the car is now 8 y/old. Us Lancastrians, we're tighter than cramp!

Thanks again fellas for all your replies. Much appreciated.

Steve
Post #624243 15th May 2017 8:43am
View user's profile Send private message View poster's gallery Post Reply
Post Reply  Back to top
Page 1 of 1
All times are GMT

Jump to  
Previous Topic | Next Topic >
Posting Rules
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum



Site Copyright © 2006-2024 Futuranet Ltd & Martin Lewis
DEFENDER2.NET RSS Feed - All Forums