| Author | Message | ||
     Luis Valdez (Virtualmex) New Member Username: Virtualmex Post Number: 1 Registered: 11-2003 |
I have a 95 Disco. Runs fine but just noticed that the RPM needle in the instrument panel is not moving. Only goes up to the first notch at the bottom of the 1 RPM no matter what the drive or rev. Was working fine a few days ago... only thing I can think of that MAY have had something to do with this is I cut into the stereo wire harness in order to install an aftermarket stereo. Can anyone help? Appreciate any suggestions. | ||
| Erik Olson (Jon) Senior Member Username: Jon Post Number: 500 Registered: 02-2002 |
Luis, Is the needle stuck at a constant RPM or is it jumping? If it is jumping, you'll have between 1 and 100 miles to change out your alternator. My 95 has been through two of them now. The first a salvage, and six months and $611 later a LR genuine. Add to that my hotel room and a $4 hamburger dinner in Maxton N.C. while I waited for the part from Wilmington. Go check the battery with the engine off, then check it again with the truck running - should jump to 14.4 or higher when charging from the alternator. If it stays at 12VDC or less, you should have the truck towed home or to a shop. Don't try to drive it unless you're very close to your destination. That would be my $.02, er, make that $611.48... e | ||
| Ethan Makarowski (Ethan) New Member Username: Ethan Post Number: 33 Registered: 04-2003 |
The most common (and easiest) issue associated with this problem is the connection going into your alternator. I experienced the same problem with the tach (needle acting with a mind of its own) on my '94 and a quick cleanup of the connections on the plug and in the alternator fixed the problem and it's worked fine ever since. Hope this helps... Ethan Makarowski | ||
| Luis Valdez (Virtualmex) New Member Username: Virtualmex Post Number: 2 Registered: 11-2003 |
Thanks, Guys! Needle is actually stuck on a constant RPM... not jumping or acting with a mind of it's own. Will try Ethan's suggestion... maybe I should completely replace the spark plugs altogether... think that'll work? Thanks again! | ||
| Andy Thoma (Andythoma) Senior Member Username: Andythoma Post Number: 501 Registered: 01-2003 |
Ethan was refering to the wiring and connectors on the alternator. The spark plugs have nothing to do with the rpm gauge. I would do that, check and clean those connections, but more than likely your alternator has failed. If you can , take it to a service station and have the alternator load tested. If it needs replaced you can get that one rebuilt by almost any alternator/motor shop for around $200. Problem is you have to take it out, drop it off, wait for the rebuild, then put it back in. Mine died and I had it towed to a my local Rover mechanic. He got me a replacement alternator for something like $250. They are an easy do it yourself install, good time to replace the belt and idler pulley. I had a shop do mine because I had no time and needed it running again asap. | ||
| Luis Valdez (Virtualmex) New Member Username: Virtualmex Post Number: 3 Registered: 11-2003 |
I'll try that, Andy. Thanks. I don't think it's the alternator as it's brand new... only a month old. What else do you think it could be? Thanks. Luis | ||
| Tony Zuniga (Tony23007) Member Username: Tony23007 Post Number: 204 Registered: 05-2003 |
Did you check the connection on the Alternator yet? Check the cable and the pin the connector slides into, the cable could be burn and not actully making contact or making a bad contact, or the lead could also be dirty and therefore not working properly. If you find that is not the problem than take your car to AutoZone and have them check your alternator, if both of those are good, you might have a problem with the actual RMP gauge in the console but I don't know that many people who've had that problem. | ||
| Eric Dennis (Dcdisco) New Member Username: Dcdisco Post Number: 25 Registered: 07-2003 |
well here is my worthless 2 cents did the rpm gauge work fine b4 the radio.. yes... then get a diagram of the electric layout and see if the radio had a looping ground aka 2 ground wires connected tru the radio either spliced in or near the connector.that may have added in the guage operation.....did you have any spare wires left after the radio install? if the gauge was acting up prior to the radio follow the other suggestions.. but you may have a faulty guage as well but dont completly over look the radio install due to this was activity working at and near the guage . check all of your fuses and multi plugs for tightness and proper connection take a quick check at any other device not working now this may give you a clue to what else may occur... this is a british truck after all... | ||
| Luis Valdez (Virtualmex) New Member Username: Virtualmex Post Number: 4 Registered: 11-2003 |
I did, in fact, have spare wires left after the radio install. Thanks Eric. Will try that. | ||
| Luis Valdez (Virtualmex) New Member Username: Virtualmex Post Number: 7 Registered: 11-2003 |
Thanks guys. You were right... it was the alternator. I had just bought it a month ago and it turned out to be defective... was not charging. Mechanic replaced and repaired. Thanks again! -Luis |
