Thread: D4 Alternator

Is there power at the fuse position with the engine running? Is the voltage the same as at the main battery? When there is power, is there still power with the sense wire connected and if so, is it still the full battery voltage? Which unused fuse position are you using?

Hi Graeme, the fuse is F7 in the engine compartment. Looking from the front of the car it is the fourth from the back on the left row.
I have just started the car and the voltage at the main battery and the fuse are the same floating around 12.2 - 12.4v , the second battery is at 12.5v steady. The light on controller is flashing which I think shows it's active but not charging/connected, which makes sense.

Regards
David

What's the voltage with the lights on and engine running? Some load should trigger some charging so after a while the voltage should increase enough for the aux battery to start receiving charge - it would be good to determine the cut-in voltage. I'll have a look at what F7 is meant for but it having the same voltage as the battery is a good start.

Edit: Fuse 7 has no info so can't tell from the handbook how or when its powered.

Hi Greame, The guys at Piranha said that it won't kick in until 13.8 - 14v. I haven't checked as It is taking 15 min plus for the voltage to get to a charing Level even if the car is already warm. Tomorrow I,ll have to take the car out of the garage and sit in the driveway running and check it so I don't gas myself waiting.
Seems like I need to do a lot more log trips to keep my batteries charged, Broome,The Kimberley, Alice Springs, I suppose that wouldn't too much of a struggle (I wish)

Regards
David

Originally Posted by DM Disco

...Seems like I need to do a lot more log trips to keep my batteries charged, Broome,The Kimberley, Alice Springs,

Yeah, some long trips like those would at least be worth a try...

How old is your vehicle and does it have the latest software? Mine's a late 09 build with a major s/w update in 2010.

I just checked some voltages. My VSR cut-in 13.7 cut-out 12.8
Before starting: Main 12.35 aux (AGM) 12.45 with the vehicle last run Fri a/n for an 8K run to the local PO then back.

Start engine & within a couple of seconds: 14.45 & VSR has connected
During the next few minutes 14.35 but momentarily dropping to 14.30
Lights on high beam & driving lights on: 14.38 steady for a few minutes
Lights off: 14.38 for the 1st few minutes but momentarily 14.55 or 14.35 before returning to 14.38 each time then gradually rising to 14.40
Several minutes later dropped to 14.35 then steady for at least another 5 minutes.
Edit: Engine stopped: main 12.65 (high freq cleaning in progress) aux 12.90 VSR is disconnected.

Is your voltmeter digital or analogue? Analogue meters are often not very accurate. Does your controller's indicator flash with the ignition on but the engine not started?

Edit: I just re-read your 1st post re Piranha verifying your low voltages. Your D4 charging has a problem.

Hi Graeme, the build date is Feb 2011 and not sure about software. It hasn't been for a service yet so it will be as from factory /dealer.
I am using a handheld digital meter which is fairly accurate.
I agree I think that my alternator is the problem , taking too long to come up to charging voltage.
I did find a Pdf on my DBS (link bellow) and 13.4v on the trigger wire is mentioned.
http://www.piranhaoffroad.com.au/med...20Aug%2008.pdf

I think my next step is to get an incar battery monitor to keep an eye on things, while I wait until the 16th to get Landrover to look at it.

Regards
David

Perhaps only software rather than the alternator itself, but definitely a charging problem. Perhaps also worth taking along my voltages as an example of another 3.0 D4.

Hi Graeme , thank for the help, I will take my Ipad with your info when I get the car looked at.
Hope they are as helpfull as the people on this forum.
Again thanks

Regards
David