Electrical Problem! I think...

Land Rover Forums Land Rover Classifieds Photo Gallery Member List Calendars Search Contact Us Sponsors
Land Rover Lineup News Forum FAQ Land Rover Recalls TSBs Timeslips Register Login

Electrical Problem! I think...

Printable Version

Land Rover Forums >> Vehicle Line Up >> Range Rover >> Electrical Problem! I think...

Page: [1]

Message

<< Older Topic Newer Topic >>

Electrical Problem! I think... - 8/24/2008 8:33:57 PM

wizardmagu

Posts: 48
Joined: 4/13/2008
Status: offline

96 RR HS
I have noticed for a while now that my inside message center, interior, and headlights have a slight flicker. They never actually go completely out, but now my HVAC unit screen goes blank and all buttons turn off??? When this occurs the entire heat/air con shuts off (motors and all) and comes back on shortly after. I do notice that my headlights are flickering alot and I don''t know how to fix this electrical problem. Another strange thing is that when the key is in the ON position (car not running) ALL the lights work fine, but about 3 sec after turning on the vehicle the lights flickering begins. Im no mechanic, but I think the problem might be related to something running with the vehicle on??? The following are some items that I have done to troubleshoot:

Had bought a replacement HVAC unit and swapped them out and problem still occurred.
Began to pull a whole bunch of fuses (1 at a time) and tried starting the vehicle to see if I could crack down on a certain problem... still no change in the flickering lights.

More info...
I did have a problem with the vehicle draining a brand new batter within a month, but haven''t had any more problems with it... I took the alternator in to get it tested and they said it was good. So I changed the serpentine belt and havent had anything come up.

ANY INFO WOULD GREATLY BE APPRECIATED... WINTER IS COMING AND I NEED THE HEATING SYSTEM TO STAY ON WHEN I DO NEED IT! Taking it to a dealer/mech to find the electrical problem will probably be really EXPENSIVE, so any info would be apprecieated.

Thanks in advance

Post #: 1

RE: Electrical Problem! I think... - 8/25/2008 6:14:15 AM

Rotorhead1959

Posts: 19
Joined: 7/1/2008
Status: offline

Have you tried pulling the relay that controls the heating system? Also, how was your alt. tested? It definitley sounds as if you are getting a heavy draw and an automatic breaker is doing its job by shutting the power off then resetting giving that flickering. I would continue with isolating each relay one at a time. I hate those elect gremlins.

(in reply to wizardmagu)

Post #: 2

RE: Electrical Problem! I think... - 8/25/2008 8:23:56 AM

wizardmagu

Posts: 48
Joined: 4/13/2008
Status: offline

Will try pulling this relay today and let you know. When I had the alternator tested 2 of 3 parts stores had trouble testing the alt because they said they usually hadn''t seen that style of alt??? AutoZone checked it said that it was working... it didn''t give a ready out... just a GOOD! Like I said in my initial message about the problem only happening when the vehicle is running.

(in reply to Rotorhead1959)

Post #: 3

RE: Electrical Problem! I think... - 8/25/2008 5:47:11 PM

roverguy7

Posts: 517
Joined: 4/7/2008
Status: offline

it sounds like you need a alt. not that it isnt charging, which is probably what was checked, but the rectifyers inside it, they are what turn the a/c voltage that your alt normally produces into a nice steady flow of d/c that your car can use, they go bad and youre essentially turning the power on and off and reversing it very quickly, itll cause a flicker. its a standard bosch alt so you should be able to find a replacement rectifyer, also called a diode pack

(in reply to wizardmagu)

Post #: 4

RE: Electrical Problem! I think... - 8/26/2008 4:13:59 PM

wizardmagu

Posts: 48
Joined: 4/13/2008
Status: offline

Thanks for the help guys... I will be picking up an alternator this weekend hopefully. Where could I find a good price on an alternator?

I checked my local autozone and they sell their DURALAST Brand alt, but would it be best to go with a BOSCH?? I also found a shop called ALL FOREIGN and they had a Beck Arnely for $200... let me know what guys think about which type of alt to go with.

< Message edited by wizardmagu -- 8/26/2008 4:40:58 PM >

(in reply to roverguy7)

Post #: 5

RE: Electrical Problem! I think... - 8/26/2008 5:10:07 PM

roverguy7

Posts: 517
Joined: 4/7/2008
Status: offline

bosch. the electrical systems are touchy to say the least, get what it takes... have you checked on getting just a diode pack? itll be much cheaper

(in reply to wizardmagu)

Post #: 6

RE: Electrical Problem! I think... - 8/27/2008 5:45:03 PM

wizardmagu

Posts: 48
Joined: 4/13/2008
Status: offline

Having some trouble finding the diode packs and I think it would be easier to just replace the alterntor... I found this BOSCH online http://www.car-stuff.com/landroveralternator.htm seems like good deal. What do you think? Or where would you get your parts from? My local autoparts stores dont carry BOSCH. Another question do I need a 100 amp or 120 amp? The website shows 2 for a 96 RR 4.0?

< Message edited by wizardmagu -- 8/27/2008 5:50:56 PM >

(in reply to roverguy7)

Post #: 7