P38 4.6 - New owner - battery drain and water leak!

Hi, I'm new to Range Rovers and new to the forum.
I bought a P38 4.6 several weeks back and I'm afraid my first post here is relating to problems!

Firstly, In the log book it states 4.6 Limited Edition.....does this mean it's a vogue?

When I first got it I was using it every day, no problem, but now when left overnight it flattens the battery. The battery itself has been tested and is healthy enough and its hitting over 18 volts when running.
I left it unlocked last night and it started ok this evening....does this mean the immobiliser/alarm is draining the battery?

It's had a tendency to steam up inside so yesterday (in the very heavy rain) I had a look. Seems to be coming in behind the rear drivers side seat at the top of the pillar and running down into the boot. Is there a seal that commonly fails up there? Looks like its either under those strips on the roof or the top of that rear side glass.

Sorry for all the questions on my first post!

Cheers.

it's over charging **** loads and will/has killed battery.
14.7 volts generally accepted healthy maximum.
Have you a battery light on dash without engine running?
Dodgy voltage sensing wire/blown bulb or voltage regulator cause over charging

18 volts? I hope your meter is wrong, 14.8 should be about the maximum. Flat battery is probably the BECM waking up, many threads on this, most common cause is the RF receiver for the key fob. Disconnect the aerial wire or fit the latest receiver.

alternator needs a noo regulator pack.

Thanks for the replies gents!

OK, Jump started it again tonight and when running was getting 16.8v
Took it for a spin and checked it again while running......19.8v !!!

There is no dash light on when not running, nor can I see any blown bulbs.

I take it this is pointing at the voltage regulator on the alternator then?

Cheers.

look in the Q's and A's bit for the "testing yo Alternator" fred, or pm me yo email addy.

bigpimpin said:

Thanks for the replies gents!

OK, Jump started it again tonight and when running was getting 16.8v
Took it for a spin and checked it again while running......19.8v !!!

There is no dash light on when not running, nor can I see any blown bulbs.

I take it this is pointing at the voltage regulator on the alternator then?

Cheers.

Click to expand...

Definately the regulator is knackered in the alternator, not a good idea to run the engine until it's fixed, could do some very expensive damage to the ECU's

I've just contacted my local Land Rover Dealer who says the voltage regulator is not available separately from the alternator.
Any of you guys got insider knowlege if I can get one of these from somewhere else?

Evening all,
Sorry to jump in on this thread bigpimpin but it pretty much describes the current situation with my P38. I'm also new to the forum and the P38, have had it about 2 months now. Runs fine, no issues with lights, wipers, indicators, alarm etc but leave it unused for 2 days and the battery is as flat as the proverbial. I've trawled the internet regarding this apparently most common of faults and so have disconnected the RF receiver aerial but this has not solved it. New battery made no difference. I tried the sleep test and it stayed awake. The gear selector light constantly glows dimly at all times. The car has had an LPG conversion and hands free kit fitted. My next step is to put my multimeter in series with the battery to actually see the current draw, but would be grateful for some advice from those who have seen all this before

With the RF receiver aerial disconnected so that you have to be right next to the car for the alarm fob to work, would it still be possible for stray signals to keep the BECM awake?

How can you test if it is the LPG ECU that is draining the battery?

Is it possible to trouble shoot the possible problem areas by pulling fuses and looking for changes in the current draw?

I don't know if it's relevant but the factory fitted satnav was U/S when I got the car so I removed both the screen and unit in the boot (simply unplugged them) and the CD changer is also U/S but so far still connected.

Sorry this is a bit long winded and I hope I haven't broken any site rules! All advice / suggestions would be appreciated! Ever hopeful, beerisgood

Yes, stray signals can still wake the BECM even when the original RF Receiver antenna has been connected. Why not spend the £100 for the new version and know that you have saved yourself hours of wasted time and bother? At least you know then that the RF receiver is not going to be a problem again!! Disconnecting the antenna works for some but is a temporary "fix" really. Buy a new RF receiver directly from a main stealer though as there are dozens of old dodgy ones on fleebay packed in new boxes....they were never marked and loads of shysters put old ones in the new box to try to recoup the £100 they spent on a new one.....

Just a quick update, I fitted new alternator at the weekend and gave the battery a good overnight charge, now when running the voltage is a more healthy 13.8v.
I also disconnected the RF aerial but think something is still pulling it down overnight although it strated no problem this morning.