Battery Light on Dash!

[Popsjag]

Got in the XJR the other morning to go to work and just after setting off, the battery light illuminates!

As I only had a 3 mile trip to work, I thought I'd chance it. Voltage check on battery, after getting to work was 12.19 volts.
Upon returning home, later that day, the voltage was 11.56.

Obviously the alternator was not charging, so I'd have to get it off and tested/repaired.

This job is not exactly straight forward, due to the location of said alternator!
It requires you (condensed version) to disconnect the battery, support the engine, drop down the steering rack (leaving it supported), remove the RH engine mounting and then get into the tiny space available!

I managed to get it repaired locally - new recifier, for £45, done within 24 hours!
The total time (including tea breaks!) for removal and refit was 6 hours - god knows what garage would charge!!

The cause turned out to be a tiny coolant leak under hard acceleration - and it wasn't where I expected it. There was evidence on the hoses going into the metal pipes on the rh side of the engine bay, but it was actually on the hose joint on the metal crossover pipe (at the front of the engine) and tracking down the rubber hoses. I assume that it sprayed onto the alternator over time and took out the rectifier.

[davidr]

Well done. Not much fun doing that on your driveway in this freezing weather!

[J44EAG]

The first time I`ve heard of this fault, Steve.

As David says, not the right time of year to be doing this sort of work. Regret to say, I`d have shot the job out to my local indy! I`m getting too old for this type of caper!!

Mike

[Andy P]

Good work Steve,glad you got it sorted out before the really bad weather comes.
Take care and stay safe.
Andy