Battery voltages

[GSMblue]

Hi, totally new to the LR3 world, but already I understand the importance of a good battery or two.

I took delivery of a 07 HSE 2 days ago and the HK radio would not go past 20 and I got the low battery sign .
Thanks to google and this forum, I found the 735 hack and I could see the battery was sat at 11v, which I know Ishorrible! So I went for a long drive, about an hour, and the voltage peaked at 12.5, but when I got home it is back at 11... What is consider a normal range, I am used to 13.5 +-1 from the alternator and 13+-1 when sat cold.... What do you guys see as a normal range?

I have an appointment on Monday at an independent LR service place, in the meantime....

I think it could be:

Car was sat one dealer floor for nearly 2 months and battery is just low
Battery is old and needs changing - not checked if it is the oem or not...
Alternator is on the way out "eeeeek!"

I though I would ask you seasoned guys for opinions before I meet my new mechanic!

Thanks.

 

[Team Jeff]

Sounds exactly like the symptoms I had prior to replacing the alternator. It's a pretty easy job if you have the tools & the alternator can be had for around $180 reman.

 

[GeoRover]

Yes, do a battery check first. And yes the long stays can drain the batteries on used cars at dealerships. Check the battery, charge it or better yet just change it - it won't hurt

And welcome to LR world!

 

[Disco Mike]

Many of the parts stores will do a free charging system test. Voltage at the battery when not running needs to be in the 12.5 range and when idling, you need to be between 13.6 and 14.4 volts.
If replacing the battery buy one with a CCA rating at or above 800 and up to 1000 CCA for extra lights, winch or what ever.

 

[GSMblue]

Thanks for the responses. Looks like I am on the right track.

Is it worth investing in a charger? The LR3 is our second car and will only be used a couple of days a week.

I will definitely switch out the battery, it is one of those things I do whenever I buy a used car! I can see a lunch time run to interstate batteries

 

[Disco Mike]

I wouldn't worry about a charger unless you are going to let it sit for a couple weeks at a time.

 

[newthings]

Forgive the obvious but, do check the water levels.
Roy

 

[GSMblue]

UPDATE:

I checked the battery, it is an interstate So I drove to the local store and they did a battery test, all checked out fine...12.45v, 989CCA

BUT they detected a diode short

Does this mean a new alternator????

Thanks for reading

 

[bbyer]

If it is just the alternator, be happy.

Yes, it is the diodes inside an alternator that tend to be what fails - and no, you cannot seem to buy parts for these alternators. (If you can, let me know where); also count the number of pulley grooves in the alternator you take out - will be either 6 or 7 - seems to vary, and you could be swapping pulleys.

If the problem is solved by installing a new alternator, be happy. There can be so many other obscure faults that make a 3 hard to start that something simple is a relief.

About 1/4 way down on the link below are some files re the alternator and more importantly, the internal regulator. I think more often than not, the problem is the internal regulator, but that means a new alternator so the point is moot.

http://www.**************/gallery/thumbnails.php?album=3801

Replace the **** with disco3 co uk and insert a period in each of the two spaces.

 

[GSMblue]

Thanks! I have the LR3 booked in for 1pm at the the local independent LR specialist, lets see if they identify this as part of their inspection service.

I presume a new alternator will be about $400 fitted, please let me know if I should prepare for something more $$$