Any suggestions?

mike56 · Feb 7, 2021

Defender Puma 2.4 12 years old 100,000 miles.

Due to lockdown only using vehicle once a week.

Last weekend difficult to start. 4 or 5 failures then started but running terrible for 30 seconds. Set off then stalled 10 yards down the drive. Weather was below freezing. On about 8th attempt it started and kept going.

Yesterday weather was milder but exactly the same happened.

Then another twist. I walked past the vehicle today and heard the radio playing. For 12 years the radio switched off with the ignition.

Look forward to replies

Thanks

Mike

Wimblowdriver · Feb 7, 2021

Have you checked the battery voltage after it has stood for a few days? If its low the glow plugs might not be doing their job. Plugs might also be fkd. Don't know about the radio though

Scooby22 · Feb 7, 2021

Give the battery a charge then see how it goes.

mike56 · Feb 8, 2021

Thanks.

Can I just remove the battery from the vehicle for charging without upsetting the ECU?

The battery is original (12 years old) but is turning the engine over fine but I will charge it but just concerned re the above.

I mentioned the radio in case someone thought the 2 issues may be linked. Maybe they are, the radio could be taking a bit of charge out of the battery.

Mike

lynall · Feb 8, 2021

mike56 said:
Thanks.

Can I just remove the battery from the vehicle for charging without upsetting the ECU?

The battery is original (12 years old) but is turning the engine over fine but I will charge it but just concerned re the above.

I mentioned the radio in case someone thought the 2 issues may be linked. Maybe they are, the radio could be taking a bit of charge out of the battery.

Mike

To make 12 years is pretty exceptional, I would just fit a new one and be done with it.

Turboman · Feb 8, 2021

lynall said:
To make 12 years is pretty exceptional, I would just fit a new one and be done with it.

Amazing. Pretty good going to get 5 years out of a modern battery on a vehicle.

Wimblowdriver · Feb 8, 2021

mike56 said:
Can I just remove the battery from the vehicle for charging without upsetting the ECU?

Removing the battery will not upset the ECU. But before you disconnect it you need to follow a set procedure;
Ignition key in, turn to position 2 (dash lights on). Turn key off and disconnect battery within 15 seconds (it helps if you loosen the negative terminal so it will lift off within the timescale). This disables the alarm system (otherwise disconnecting the battery sets the alarm off). After charging and reconnecting you will need to re-synchronise the key fob. This is done from outside the vehicle; press the lock button on the fob 4+ times until the doors lock (do both fobs if you have them). Then unlock and go. When you drive for the first time the engine fault light may come on while the ECU learns new driving characteristics. After a few miles stop the engine and on restart the light should not come on.

Wimblowdriver · Feb 8, 2021

As an afterthought, are the fob batteries fresh? If weak they could be the problem?

Cavey_P38 · Feb 8, 2021

lynall said:
To make 12 years is pretty exceptional, I would just fit a new one and be done with it.

+1
I am with Turboman here 5 years is kinda your expectation,

tottot · Feb 8, 2021

It makes me wonder how is it that original fit batt's look to last twice as long as replacements even if they are like for like.

lynall · Feb 8, 2021

tottot said:
It makes me wonder how is it that original fit batt's look to last twice as long as replacements even if they are like for like.

I have read the same about tyres, ie tye tyres fitted to car on the production line are better/longer lasting than the same make/model tyres fitted as replacements.

flat · Feb 8, 2021

My battery is over 9 years old now, but I baby I’m on a c-tek charger when not driving, so it’s lasting well. I have budgeted to replace it in 2022 and the old one will be relegated to electric fence duty around the beehives!

Scooby22 · Feb 8, 2021

My original battery lasted 12 years without ever needing charging, once it showed the first sign of being sluggish I replaced it with another Land-rover like for like battery and the original was charged up and used in the caravan for several years. The replacement Land-rover battery needed charging the other day because it took a few turns to start first thing (5 years) but the Landy is not getting used much now I am retired, it was used daily when original battery was on, fires up instantly with a fully charged battery. I think this one would last as long as the old one if I used it more often. ( well I hope it would or will)

mike56 · Feb 8, 2021

Wimblowdriver said:
Have you checked the battery voltage after it has stood for a few days? If its low the glow plugs might not be doing their job. Plugs might also be fkd. Don't know about the radio though

Multimeter read 12.39V so I reckoned it would not need charging. The vehicle started first go although it has only been parked for +/- 36 hours. The problem seems to be occurring when it has been parked for longer.

Mike

mike56 · Feb 8, 2021

Wimblowdriver said:
Removing the battery will not upset the ECU. But before you disconnect it you need to follow a set procedure;
Ignition key in, turn to position 2 (dash lights on). Turn key off and disconnect battery within 15 seconds (it helps if you loosen the negative terminal so it will lift off within the timescale). This disables the alarm system (otherwise disconnecting the battery sets the alarm off). After charging and reconnecting you will need to re-synchronise the key fob. This is done from outside the vehicle; press the lock button on the fob 4+ times until the doors lock (do both fobs if you have them). Then unlock and go. When you drive for the first time the engine fault light may come on while the ECU learns new driving characteristics. After a few miles stop the engine and on restart the light should not come on.

Thanks. The owners manual does not give any of this information.

Mike

mike56 · Feb 8, 2021

Wimblowdriver said:
As an afterthought, are the fob batteries fresh? If weak they could be the problem?

Have not replaced batteries for years - will do.

Mike

Wimblowdriver · Feb 8, 2021

mike56 said:
Have not replaced batteries for years - will do.

Mike

Some useful info you can print off if you want. Taken from the 2.4 puma workshop manual. The procedure for changing the fob batteries is in the owners handbook. It has to be completed within a 5 minute timescale so don't attempt it if you don't have the handbook. I can scan and attach a copy of the pages from a 2.2 puma handbook if required (should be the same).

Scooby22 · Feb 8, 2021

mike56 said:
Multimeter read 12.39V so I reckoned it would not need charging. The vehicle started first go although it has only been parked for +/- 36 hours. The problem seems to be occurring when it has been parked for longer.

Mike

I would put money on it just needing the battery charged if it only happens if not used for more than 3 or 4 days in cold weather, I would start to save up your fun vouchers for a new battery.

lightning · Feb 9, 2021

Turboman said:
Amazing. Pretty good going to get 5 years out of a modern battery on a vehicle.

The battery on my 110 was fitted in 2011 and is still fine, the indicator on top (of the battery) still shows green and it starts first time even below freezing.

lt's a Land Rover OE branded battery so l don't know what the actual make is.

However
l suspect the O/P's battery has had it.

Wimblowdriver · Feb 9, 2021

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