del Posted February 9, 2012 Share Posted February 9, 2012 hi all got a defender with 200 tdi fitted , the battery is probably 2 years old , the starter is about 4 years old , when I dont use the truck for a few days and turn it over it wants to start first time but seems to drain all the power out of the battery and makes the alarm kick in and start bleeping as if all the power has gone. Put one of those battery gadgets that show the strenght of the battery and alternator and it gives good readings , is it the starter- battery or alternator at fault any suggestion would be great cheers del Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LiamC Posted February 9, 2012 Share Posted February 9, 2012 It does sound like the battery is going flat for some reason, either that or a bad earth? You say it only happens if you don't use the truck for a few days so I assume it starts fine when you use it on a daily bases? That would suggest that the alternator and starter are fine. There could be something constantly draining power from the battery which is allowing it to go flat after a few days. You could disconnect one of the battery leads and put an ammeter in series with it to see what standby current is being drawn. A few milliamps for the alarm is normal but hundreds of milliamps is not so good. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wizard Posted February 9, 2012 Share Posted February 9, 2012 Sounds like you need to replace the earth cable that goes between the engine and the chassis. Next time you have a problem put a jump lead from the battery's negative terminal to the engine block. Regards wizard Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frax Posted February 9, 2012 Share Posted February 9, 2012 I would go with Wizard on this one, had the same fault on an old Disco - run a new earth and all was fine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
del Posted February 9, 2012 Author Share Posted February 9, 2012 Were abouts is the earth cable on the block? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
James90 Posted February 9, 2012 Share Posted February 9, 2012 Goes from the negative lead through the side of the battery box upto one of the bellhousing bolts, theres normally another steel braided cable that goes onto the nearside chassis rail as well, easiest way is to follow it from the battery Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
western Posted February 9, 2012 Share Posted February 9, 2012 engine end is on the rear of the alternator bracket & other end is on the chassis part of the left engine mount, it jumps across the rubber engine block. try a search, I put 3 photo's on here a while ago. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.