Member Since: 18 Apr 2017
Location: London
Posts: 18
Transmission fault - battery issue?
Just looking for a quick sense check before I go spend more money on my D3
Was away on holiday and on turning on the truck was presented with the delightful 'Transmission fault - traction reduced' error message. It only shows up every time the ignition is switched on, doesn't show up constantly. Didn't stop it happily plowing across muddy field though, and can still switch into different terrain response modes without error.
Looking around on here and other forums it seems a common cause of this error is a battery on the blink, so I've taken a look at the battery voltage in the hidden 'vehicle signals' screen. After a 100mile drive it's showing 11.4v. Which sounds like it might be a bit low based on other posts on here?
So, my questions are - should I replace the battery, and is it likely to help with the transmission error?
I've reserved a battery on Eurocarparts site to pick up later today (they have a 30% off sale this weekend by the way!) and if the consensus is new battery is a good idea I'll go get it later today/Monday.
Thanks in advance for any advice.
12th Aug 2017 10:17 am
DSL Keeper of the wheelie bin
Member Since: 11 May 2006
Location: Off again! :-)
Posts: 72774
Is the battery very low coz the battery is on the way out or coz the alternator is goosed. What are the voltage numbers with the engine running, especially under elecrical load (switch everything heated on)?
12th Aug 2017 10:23 am
marscolony
Member Since: 18 Apr 2017
Location: London
Posts: 18
Good question. Sitting idling after just being started, I get 13.5v, which drops down to 12.5v when I turn on fans, heated seats and screens etc.
What does that suggest? (Electrical stuff is not my forte).
12th Aug 2017 1:44 pm
DSL Keeper of the wheelie bin
Member Since: 11 May 2006
Location: Off again! :-)
Posts: 72774
It would suggest alternator is on the way out and not far from packing up. If it is that, get it changed asap as it will take the battery with it.
Bare in mind I'm a non techie, about now would be the right time for a techie to confirm this or say I need to keep off the vino.
12th Aug 2017 5:02 pm
marscolony
Member Since: 18 Apr 2017
Location: London
Posts: 18
Thanks DSL. Maybe I will hold off on the new battery just now. Is there another way to tell if it's the alternator?
It's going in to have aircon pipes replaces soon, so can get them to look at the alternator/battery then.
13th Aug 2017 8:39 pm
DSL Keeper of the wheelie bin
Member Since: 11 May 2006
Location: Off again! :-)
Posts: 72774
Unfortunately that's past my skill level, best wait for someone that knows their techie stuff.
13th Aug 2017 8:41 pm
M3DPO
Member Since: 22 Sep 2010
Location: Notts.
Posts: 8072
Should be nearer 14.7v on start up at tick over.It can when others can't,
It will when others won't,
It goes where others don't.
You cannot post new topics in this forum You cannot reply to topics in this forum You cannot edit your posts in this forum You cannot delete your posts in this forum You cannot vote in polls in this forum
