Help!! It's died on me.

[anonymous-user]

I've been using my Chim continuously for a week and today it broke down!!

Firstly it wouldn't start at the petrol garage,No starter sound or anything just the buzz from the fuel pump.
After the garage attendant helped me push it to one side it then started.

I noticed whilst driving the oil pressure was very low, around 14psi whilst driving and just over 0 when idling.

The car then spluttered to a halt, i.e no drive and couldn't keep the car running.
After my dad looking at it and inserting the immobiliser fob is started and I managed to limp it home, about 1/4 of a mile.
The battery light is now on all the time, the alternator appears not to be charging and the oil pressure is still very low despite there being enough oil it it.

Any ideas?

Lee

P.S I'm only using the TVR every day as the Supra is having £600 worth of lower suspension arms work done.

[gb61390]

Lee, don't think that using your Chimaera daily is the cause of your problem! I used my Chimaera daily for 3 years with mostly short journeys with no problems at all.
Best get your dealer/independant specialist to have a look?
Cheers..... Andrew

[anonymous-user]

I think it may be that the alternator has got cooked, which in turn is showing a low reading on the oil gauge.

[rthierry]

... and quite possibly a fried started motor as well - a very common problem which fortunately can be fixed quickly and cheaply.

[hut49]

You didn't say what your oil pressure was before this event. But since the oil pressure gauge is electric then presumably if you were into alternator melt down then the reading on the oil pressure gauge might be corrupt?

Maybe this is not as serious as you might have first thought, although if the alternator's given up the ghost I guess it's not going to be painless.

Hope you get back on the road soon!
Hutch

[anonymous-user]

It was reading around 15 psi on idle and around 30 whilst driving.
I have recharged the battery and when starting it again (admittedly now when the engines cold) the pressure is back up to around 15psi on idle.

My Dad reckons there is probably no voltage stabiliser on the dials so if the alternator goes, the gauges show less than they should.

My dad works for Fords, who Land Rover are now part of so we are going to try and get a new alternator with a discount.It's worth a try anyway.

Thanks all.

Lee

[hut49]

Hey! Great news - perhaps you should get an order for a gross and sell them at reasonable prices on PH?

Hutch

[beljames]

Sounds like you're on the right track. My initial thought on reading your original post was that it could be a bad earth. Had my battery out (again) last week and noticed that the earth lead to the battery was getting corroded and was splitting.

Worth checking but sounds like alternator is more likely.

[leerdam23]

Had a similar thing happen to me. Similar symptoms, but it turned out to be the alternator fused link. Easy to fix, but it was the dealer that found the problem, so I can't tell you where it is, but I sure it is within the alternator. Try removing it and having a look.

[shpub]

Its under the car on the started side. Oblong thing with two big red power leads going to it.

[trefor]

quote:
Its under the car on the started side. Oblong thing with two big red power leads going to it.

Ah, I wondered what that was for - sensible place for it ... not. (Guess it keeps cooler there anyway)

[anonymous-user]

Thanks for the advice guys, I might try and check the alternator, (It's a bit difficult to get to with the Aircon being there).

A new alternator from Land Rover I believe is £365 + VAT.

An exchange recon unit is about £135.

Lee

[anonymous-user]

My Dad has tonight stripped out the alternator and has got the following readings.

Can anyone confirm this is correct or has anyone got a wiring diagram they could email me.

The Red main lead to the alternator is 12v (regardless of ignition).
The Brown lead, D+ terminal is 0-1v (With ignition on) and 0v when off.
The white lead to W Terminal is 0v all the time.

What I was wondering was whether anyone could tell me if the Brown/D+ terminal is a field terminal and if it should have 12v.
...And is the W Terminal a AC Tap off.

Many thanks.


Lee (with Chim in pieces).