URGENT help required!

[Timja]

Car just broken on M1, was driving fine, then started running really rough and could not get any power down. Pulled over, car was idling stopped engine. Car would not start again, solenoid clicking but not firing.

Put on sidelights and try to start and lights turn off completely. So guessing battery not charging. Battery was new last year so should be ok.

What do I need to check? 100a fuse, alternator (also new last year), fab belt tight, any other ideas what problem could be?

Thanks!

[Timja]

Hmm, just tried it again and got it started, left it running, idling idled ok for a couple of mins then revs started dropping and cut out. Stepper motor was cleaned on Friday, so that should hopefully be ok...

[davvid]

When that happened to me it was my alternator,anew one fixed it.

[BliarOut]

Definitely sounds like any output from the alternator isn't getting to the battery. Does the Chim have a voltmeter the same as the Griff and what does it say if so?

[Timja]

No altmeter. Was in garage on Friday for 1000 mile service after rebuild, had run fine in previous 1000 miles, I think all they did was change oil, clean stepper motor and adjust idle speed on Friday unless they knocked something and it's just a connection problem. I hope it's not the alternator as this is quite new. Not sure if it's coincidence that just got problem after been in to garage, but I was there when they did the work and can't think of anything else they would have done other than stepper motor out and clean. Wouldn't have anything to do with connections on that would it?

[Johno]

Definitely check the 100amp fuse while you're there. My alternator has 85k miles on it and is absolutely fine (that's blown it). More likely the connection to the battery is weak and therefore the charge isn't getting through. New battery may have masked symptoms.

Don't know, but do you also have a second 100amp in the footwell on the Chimaeras?

[BliarOut]

Oil filter is in the proximity of the 100A fuse. I've heard people say theirs has looked fine but had a hairline crack. I'd be focussing my attention in that area checking the connections etc.

[chelseawiggie11]

when this happened to me it turned out to be the 100amp fuse

[Timja]

Cheers, thinking the 100a fuse is prime suspect, I have a spare in the car, might just wait for breakdown van as don't fancy laying under car next to M1!!

[scotty_d]

Sounds like the 100 amp fuse, Mine did this a few years ago and losing power to feed the coil as the altinator is not charging the battery back up.

[chelseawiggie11]

This was in daylight with no other power draw apart from the radio and every time i tried to put my foot down it just wouldnt pull and gradually slowed to a stall.Started up a couple of times but eventually the battery gave up.This happened about 4years ago and is the only time in my ownership of 6 years that i have had to be towed home.

[Ribol]

Agree with the above, would also check the alternator connections given that you have had recent engine work.

[Timja]

So, changed fuse (old one looked ok) and same problem. So guessing it's altenator which is very annoying if it is as had new one last year! Still have old one at home with noisy bearings so could try that. They just sent a recovery truck not a breakdown van with the most miserable driver ever who had no interest in checking connections etc. So on lorry home... Chatsworth will have to wait til next year

[scotty_d]

Did he try to jump start it with a booster pack or the likes see if it springs back to life?

Before you remove it jump start the car get it running and check the voltage at the battery you should see at least 13v when the car is running.

[pole]

I feel your pain. Same thing happened to me last night on m25. Maybe we can arrange a discount on a bulk purchase of alternators! Chatsworth next year too.

[Timja]

I will have to check connections when I get home. Then I will be looking for my receipt! But I have a Horrible feeling it may have been just over 1 yr since I bought altenator

can't believe it, today was meant to be 1st decent run with new engine!! Grr.

[Timja]

Forgot to say, thanks to the various TVR drivers who stopped to see If they could help. Not sure I would have that kind of support if I was in any other car!

[smudge660]

have you tried both 100a fuses?

[Timja]

Have got home, got out electrical meter to test and was 11.7V at battery when car running. I have my old alternator (the one i replaced last year as it had noisy bearings) so swapped it over and got 13V..... so looks like it was the alternator... just need to find my receipt now, but pretty sure it may be 15 months as think i bought it early last year.

Will be having words with the supplier anyway as only done about 4000 miles in that time!! - Not very impressed as it was a decent make i bought from a Land Rover specialist, not a cheap one.

[Flintstone]

Timja said:

...i bought from a Land Rover specialist, not a cheap one.

Ummm, what out rating?