Land Rover Repair: 1996 Range Rover Electrical Problem?, tensioner pulley, interstate batteries

Question
I have a 96 Range HSE and about eight months ago I had to replace the battery and alternator because the car wouldn't start.  Before it died, I received various messages on the dash board.  Recently, while I was driving on the highway, I heard a beep and the battery light came on.  Soon after I received an alternator fault and sure enough 30-minutes later the car died.  I was able to restart the car while waiting for AAA but it died after driving 5 blocks.  Now the car wont start at all?  Any ideas?  I suspect it is either the alternator or battery, but these were just installed eight months or 7500 miles ago.  

Thanks for any input.

Answer
Hi Jay,

I had so many troubles with the alternator on my '95 Disco.  I've replaced 3 and rebuilt the one I currently have just last spring.

They are very vulnerable to weak batteries and you should have the best battery that you can afford.  Don't wait for a plate to fail...your alternator will surely fail too!  The moment your battery won't hold a deep charge...change it right away.  

I now use interstate batteries.  So far, so good.

Make sure the serpentine belt is in good condition.  No cracks on inside or burning/glazing on outside.  The tensioner pulley must be examined and the AC compressor pulley too. If its seized, the load can affect the alt.

If you have a warranty on either parts, take advantage of it and replace them immediately.

If you bought a new alt...that's not a good sign.  It should have lasted much longer than 8 months.  7500 miles on a battery or alt is nothing.  Most battery last 60,000 miles or more.

This sounds like an alt problem. Consider buying a used on from a salvage yard.  Use www.car-part.com to search for an alt near you.  They are so inexpensive you could carry a spare in your 'boot' and swap it onto your Rangie in less than 30 minutes.  I doubt AAA got to you in 30 minutes. I seen alt's for as low as $40.  Most 'yards' will bench test the alt before shipping and also provide a limited warranty (30 days).

Best of luck,

JohnMc

NB:  its also possible that you may have a grounding problem on your Rangie.  Check all the grounds and clean the areas at least once a year.  The biggest problem I see with our older LR's is corrosion on the wires and connectors.