TVR Chimaera - Alternator issues
Discussion
Hi all, I'm brand new to this forum so apologies if this has been posted previously.
I bought my first Chim (T-reg 4.0 1999 model) 6 months ago and all had been going well until I was driving home (London) from a weekend in Suffolk. After filling up, the battery light came on and around 20 mins later the lights starts dimming and radio went, then I lost all power and cut out. Luckily the dual carriageway was going slowly so managed to pull over and get the car off the road (with a big help from the true gentleman how jumped out of his car behind me to assist in pushing).
Based on what the AA man said, and seems to make sense from what I've read around, is that the alternator has gone, therefore not charging the battery when the engine running (confirmed as he jump started the car and tested the battery with a voltmeter to see if it was charging).
Based on what I've read, issue with the alternator could be:
- Blown 100A fuse in the alternator (mine's a Land Rover one). Understand accessing is from underneath so would need to jack up the car
- Fixable issue with the alternator
- Written off alternator, requiring a new one
After being towed home, my car is parked on my street with a flat battery (and likely broken alternator).
Three questions I have:
1. Any recommendations for mobile mechanics that service the London area (SE11 to be precise)
2. Any recommendations for sourcing a new Land Rover alternator
3. Any alternate views on what the issue is and/or solution.
Any help much appreciated!
I bought my first Chim (T-reg 4.0 1999 model) 6 months ago and all had been going well until I was driving home (London) from a weekend in Suffolk. After filling up, the battery light came on and around 20 mins later the lights starts dimming and radio went, then I lost all power and cut out. Luckily the dual carriageway was going slowly so managed to pull over and get the car off the road (with a big help from the true gentleman how jumped out of his car behind me to assist in pushing).
Based on what the AA man said, and seems to make sense from what I've read around, is that the alternator has gone, therefore not charging the battery when the engine running (confirmed as he jump started the car and tested the battery with a voltmeter to see if it was charging).
Based on what I've read, issue with the alternator could be:
- Blown 100A fuse in the alternator (mine's a Land Rover one). Understand accessing is from underneath so would need to jack up the car
- Fixable issue with the alternator
- Written off alternator, requiring a new one
After being towed home, my car is parked on my street with a flat battery (and likely broken alternator).
Three questions I have:
1. Any recommendations for mobile mechanics that service the London area (SE11 to be precise)
2. Any recommendations for sourcing a new Land Rover alternator
3. Any alternate views on what the issue is and/or solution.
Any help much appreciated!
Thanks a lot both of you , incredible helpful. Very much appreciated
I've ordered a 100A Midi fuse, I noted you mentioned some people push this up to a 125A but I'm wary of potentially damaging the battery (maybe unwaranted worrying).
You mentioned it's possible to access the fuse without jacking up the car. Seeing as I don't have a jack or axle stands (and the car's on a slight incline), any tips on getting at it? Otherwise will need to get a mobile mechanic out to help.
Thanks again!
I've ordered a 100A Midi fuse, I noted you mentioned some people push this up to a 125A but I'm wary of potentially damaging the battery (maybe unwaranted worrying).
You mentioned it's possible to access the fuse without jacking up the car. Seeing as I don't have a jack or axle stands (and the car's on a slight incline), any tips on getting at it? Otherwise will need to get a mobile mechanic out to help.
Thanks again!
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