Battery/Alternator Question

[cotefarmboy]

I am having trouble starting the 90, the voltmeter on the dash is showing just above the red and doesn't increase much when I manage to bump start her. Is it likely to be a battery issue or alternator related? Not sure what this gauge is actually supposed to show.

It has been worse since an enthusiastic off-road session last week, I winched a lot so am thinking the battery could be shot but also waded pretty deep so could water have affected the alternator?

[Range Rover Blues]

A voltmeter showes the voltage in the system, if it's below 12volts then the battery won't be charging and probably going flat, if it's above 12 volts then it should be charging.

If it's an ameter then it will show current flow in either direction, negative means charge flowing out of the battry, positive means it's flowing in.

Genrally speaking, right of centre good, left of centre bad :(

Sounds like an alternator problem to me, charge the battery up now or that too will become damaged.

[cotefarmboy]

There are no markings on the gauge but the needle is well left of centre. I'll get the alternator tested. i guess bump starting isn't going to do any harm short term is it?

[Range Rover Blues]

No other than whilst iot's running you are flaettening the battery more, it won't take that forever, batteries don't like to be kept discharged.

[kizz81]

it will likly be the alternator, keep the broken one if you swap it, and fit the old one for pay and play days thn you dont have to worry about it breaking as its already broke  :lol:

[Saffy]

I be reluctant to drive it with the alternator kicking out that much volts. I had one go like that and it started to cook big time and close to catching fire after about 5 miles.

[cotefarmboy]

It is the Alt, new one on it's way.

How easy a job to swap (for a novice mechanic)

[Tommo]

not too bad. bit fiddly getting to the back bolt but ok. by far the worst task is getting the sodding fan cowl off.