Complete loss of electrical power (TD5)

Evening all,

Earlier today i noticed a burning smell, a minute or so later the 3 amigos came on, then the battery light, then everything. My power steering stopped working and I came to a halt. I've since had zero electrical power. I tried jumping her but got a big flash of sparks when connecting the jump leads (dead short somewhere?) Anyone have any ideas where to start? I thought maybe failed alternator? but would that give a short? Its been a few hours now and not even an interior light when I open the door.
Thanks in advance

if power steering is affected you need to look at auxillary belt because it drives it ,an alt seizing could cause belt failure and short

Seen alternators go dead short onto the casing before.

not an easy job on a td5 disco apart from been under inlet manifold it has a vac pump on the front of it

As the smell suggests burnt wiring/electrical components, I suggest u look in that area so its anywhere from the battery/fuse box/alternator, if other parts under the bonnet in the way of your search so be it.

It smelled quite bad but couldn't locate where it was coming from. I'll have a good look around in the morning. Thought it was going too well, not broken down for months :-(

Disconnect the battery and check major cables with a continuity device ... and check for shorts too ...

davehayes2204 said:

It smelled quite bad but couldn't locate where it was coming from. I'll have a good look around in the morning. Thought it was going too well, not broken down for months :-(

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Large melted mass may give good clue in daylight ...

Had the tester out this morning, confirmed dead short. Just need to try and locate it now! last thing i done electrical was dash light bulbs cant see them being responsible but they are LED so maybe worth checking? Anyone had similar issues that may be able to suggest a starting point for the search?
Thanks

How was that "dead short" confirmed though, if it's completely closed circuit between battery positive lead and body then let the tool connected and start removing those big fusible links one by one and when the short goes away that's the circuit... if you can't follow the circuit on the diagram report back and you'll get help

sierrafery said:

How was that "dead short" confirmed though, if it's completely closed circuit between battery positive lead and body then let the tool connected and start removing those big fusible links one by one and when the short goes away that's the circuit... if you can't follow the circuit on the diagram report back and you'll get help

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Done exactly this, the short goes with the 150a alternator fuse link removed. Is it simply just a knackered alternator? and why is the fuse not blown?

sounds like it, is the belt still on

jamesmartin said:

sounds like it, is the belt still on

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Yeah. The belt is fine. I cant understand the fuse not popping under a dead short? Perhaps a dodgy fuse also?

power steering issue was just engine dying then,fuse should be ok it obviously hasnt had enough load through it though enough to give you problems

davehayes2204 said:

Done exactly this, the short goes with the 150a alternator fuse link removed. Is it simply just a knackered alternator? and why is the fuse not blown?

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you didnt rule out anything with that main maxi fuse cos it's not for the alternator, it feeds fusible links FL4, 5, 6, 7, and fuses F3, 4, 5, 6 ... so put that big one back and remove those mentioned one by one, then you'll be closer to the answer

sierrafery said:

you didnt rule out anything with that main maxi fuse cos it's not for the alternator, it feeds fusible links FL4, 5, 6, 7, and fuses F3, 4, 5, 6 ... so put that big one back and remove those mentioned one by one, then you'll be closer to the answer

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Right OK, I've put the 150a (FL1) back in and the short is back. I've then removed every other fuse one at a time but the short stays. FL1 is marked ALT on the inside of the lid. Is there anything else after these fuses I should try?

sierrafery is the electrical genius ,but isnt alt fed from a lead removable from fuse box area

jamesmartin said:

sierrafery is the electrical genius ,but isnt alt fed from a lead removable from fuse box area

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It seems so, I've had a look on a few alternator threads on here and people are suggesting the FL1 fuselink is for the alternator?

FL1 comes from the alternator output but it's linked to many other circuits too though if the short goes away only by removing it alone it means that the alternator has an internal short or that lead from FL1 to it, that's certain now, undo the thick brown lead on the alternator and if the short goes away replace it

sierrafery said:

FL1 comes from the alternator output but it's linked to many other circuits too though if the short goes away only by removing it alone it means that the alternator has an internal short or that lead from FL1 to it, that's certain now, undo the thick brown lead on the alternator and if the short goes away replace it

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Right I see. Ill get under tomorrow and whip the cable off. Thanks for the help guys.