Flat Battery

I have a 4.6HSE which I use at weekends only. It is occasionally sluggish to start (doesn't turn particularly fast) but usually fires fine. I didn't use it at all the last 2 weekends, and the battery is completely flat.

I got in the charger straight away and I'm sure it'll be fine. The car is otherwise fine, no reason to suspect electrics or anything else.

Does anyone else find this?

Can I just pull a fuse on the immobiliser circuit to kill the alarm?

Cheers,
Jock

possibly the RF receiver - common fault with range rovers - is it left anywhere near CCTV cameras, mobile phone masts, Wi-Fi etc - RF interference causes the BECM to be constantly 'woken up' drawing power from the battery.

Do a search for "rf receiver"

here's a few links

http://www.landyzone.co.uk/lz/f10/battery-drain-42458.html?highlight=rf+receiver

http://www.landyzone.co.uk/lz/f10/lock-out-no-start-battery-drain-42663.html?highlight=rf+receiver

Sorry burtonboy - what's the BECM (something control module I guess?)

I've got a WiFi hub in the study, through the wall from where the rangey is parked, so yes this could be a reason. Could try disabling my WiFi but there's a few others active anyway, so that wouldn't sort it.

Will try the suggested link - I'm looking at either a static charger, or trying to isolate the circuit that's causing the drain. Either way is a pain!

Jock

BigJock2007 said:

I've got a WiFi hub in the study, through the wall from where the rangey is parked, so yes this could be a reason. Could try disabling my WiFi but there's a few others active anyway, so that wouldn't sort it.

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If you replace your current RF receiver there is no reason to disable your Wi-Fi network.

My P38 suffered from the same problem. The wife and I got stranded in Blue Water (Wi-Fi CCTV) and Bexleyheath Car Park (again Wi-Fi CCTV system). The battery always was poor and low which was down to ANY wireless or RF signal waking up the BECM security module and draining the battery.

Once replaced with the YWY500170 (3rd revision of RF receiver), it cured all my problems instantly.

I also suggest you upgrade the alternator to 120amp instead of the standard 80amp as it again increases reliability and doesn't strain the battery with all the P38's electric gizmos. This is particularly important if you have the heated windscreen.

Although my Disco which I only use only at weekends is simple and it dosen't have such problems I read some where that u I need to drive at least 20 miles to put back the current taking out on starting the engine.

A friend of mine has a newish XK8 and again only using it at weekends he would be lucky to get started if the car is left over two weeks, he told me its a known prob at airport carparks with a lot of big/expensive cars not starting when their owners return from holliday.

Yes change the alternator or fit an Optima battery or top up the battery using a intellegent battery charger such as the CTEC charger which can be left connected for months if need be.

I believe that LR did a recall to replace the BEMC on cars with this prob It's worth checking with LR.

Regards

Thanks for the advice and links guys. I'll bite the bullet and upgrade the RF unit, and think about the alternator as well. In the meantime, I'll disconnect the RF unit and do without the remote locking!

I was wondering how long it takes to recover the charge lost on a start-up; it's a time thing, not distance, as the engine is running the alternator all the time. I reckon only 10-15 minutes will replace a start-up.

Jock

BigJock2007 said:

I was wondering how long it takes to recover the charge lost on a start-up; it's a time thing, not distance, as the engine is running the alternator all the time. I reckon only 10-15 minutes will replace a start-up.Jock

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Again, a good quality battery and an upgraded alternator will cure that too....I can't tell you how much all three will improve the reliability of your P38 RR.

Hey Discool, can I just check: the CTEK chargers can be connected to the battery in-vehicle and left to charge without disconnecting anything else?

BigJock2007 said:

Hey Discool, can I just check: the CTEK chargers can be connected to the battery in-vehicle and left to charge without disconnecting anything else?

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Yes it can. No need to unscrew cap/vents as there is no gassing or remove any battery leads, you can even close the bonnet and lock up the vehicle using your remote.

The battery charger's output charge lead comes with two types of battery connectors, the usual 'dog clips' and a permanent socket arrangement, either is connected via a plug and socket in the charge lead. The plug & socket are the same as uses by the Tamya models, Maplin sell them so u can make up other permanent leads for any other cars that may require the use of a CTEC.

I have the XS3600 model

Regards

My 99dse has been droping charge when parked at home since I got it, no prob when used regularily but if not used for a few days it goes flat. I noticed that the gear selector LED has been glowing dimly when it is turned off. Found out through the Rangerover.net website that this signifys that the BeCM is active.
I have a remote weather station with a transmitter outside the front door. It transmits on 433mhz, same as the key fob. Looks like this is the source of the problem! Its away for a new head at the moment but when it gets back I'll check if getting rid of the weather station will solve the problem. Next door neighbour has wi-fi so this could be it also but it seems certain that it is the weather station.

SpudH said:

My 99dse has been dropping charge when parked at home since I got it, no prob when used regularity but if not used for a few days it goes flat. I noticed that the gear selector LED has been glowing dimly when it is turned off. Found out through the Rangerover.net website that this signifys that the BeCM is active.
I have a remote weather station with a transmitter outside the front door. It transmits on 433mhz, same as the key fob. Looks like this is the source of the problem! Its away for a new head at the moment but when it gets back I'll check if getting rid of the weather station will solve the problem. Next door neighbour has wi-fi so this could be it also but it seems certain that it is the weather station.

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Your RF receiver is the old defective one. You need to replace it otherwise your going to get stranded somewhere and need to be flat trucked back home.

Buy part number YWY500170 (3rd revision of RF receiver) and get it fitted ASAP.

Morning Spud & other Victims of this problem

I have been there too

The first time i thought "dumb s**t" youve left the lights on got a jump and started no problem. 2nd time it happened i made sure it hadnt left anything swictched on.
what i have noticed is if you park the vehicle in a different position (same location) that helps.

But yep all said - its a pain the A**se

the only way for peace of mind seems to change the RF unit

PS i ALWAYS now carry a set of good jump leads in the boot along with a 3.5 ton strap & Jate links

PPS heres a thought: Is it cheaper to carry a spare batery in the boot and if you park the vehicle at an airport for 2 weeks than to cough-up the cst 140 quid for a uprated RF unit? - food for thought

Abe said:

PPS heres a thought: Is it cheaper to carry a spare batery in the boot and if you park the vehicle at an airport for 2 weeks than to cough-up the cst 140 quid for a uprated RF unit? - food for thought

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Unfortunately no, as the battery looses charge and gradually goes flat the BeCM has a habit of loosing the security code sync with the engine ECM. This can only be re-synced with a Rovacom or similar diagnostic computer. This is annoying to say the least and will leave you stranded until you get the code re-synced.

-Wills

Hey adam, thanks for advice. Theres one on ebay, claims its 8 months old so should be the latest one but I cant read a part no from the picture. i'll take chance and have a bid anyway.

SpudH said:

Hey adam, thanks for advice. Theres one on ebay, claims its 8 months old so should be the latest one but I cant read a part no from the picture. i'll take chance and have a bid anyway.

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Word of warning, the RF Receiver doesn't have any part number stamped on it anywhere.....so be very careful! Ask for a copy of the receipt of when and where they bought it.

If no receipt, DO NOT BUY IT! It's far better advice to go and buy it from an Independent LR garage or even dare I say from Land Rover themselves!

just a quick one i had the same problem battery draining every morning, i was told to replace the rf receiver. But to check it was this i removed the aerial from it, it still works fine just a lot shorter range, will replace it one day. Just thought maybe you should try this to confirm that is what is causing your problem.

colsey99p38 said:

just a quick one i had the same problem battery draining every morning, i was told to replace the rf receiver. But to check it was this i removed the aerial from it, it still works fine just a lot shorter range, will replace it one day. Just thought maybe you should try this to confirm that is what is causing your problem.

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If you park it near a strong signal regardless of disconnecting the aerial, you will land up coming back to a flat battery and dead RR. With Wireless routers and CCTV systems everywhere now, you just can't take a chance.

Replace it ASAP is my advice.....

i will replace but no rush it has ben fine for two years now, i did contact range rover and the part didnt warrant replacing for the price when it is still fine

colsey99p38 said:

i will replace but no rush it has ben fine for two years now, i did contact range rover and the part didnt warrant replacing for the price when it is still fine

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Maybe your P38 is fitted with the 2nd revision version (part YWY500010)....if it was the 1st revision ie part number AFR1953, then believe me you'd had to of had it replaced by now....its that sensitive to RF wireless signals.