my car died

ketch · 11-11-2017, 09:03

Hi there
Driving my 54 Xtrail the abs light came on, then the air bag light, then all the dials were flippling up and down, bit like one of the old sci fi films, then all lights/power went off. The car carried on for a while (limp home mode??) and then finally died.
The car had a squeak for a week or so beforehand, which a friend suggested could be the alternator.
The RAC didn't test anything but just rescued her.
Any thoughts pls?
Thanks in advance

jims-terrano · 11-11-2017, 09:19

I’m sorry not much help really but that does sound pretty catastrophic doesn’t it.

Assuming RAC have towed it home for you. Have you tried disconnecting the battery for a few hours in effect like a reset.

panelbeater · 11-11-2017, 10:14

make sure battery is fully charged and get the alternator tested.

solarman216 · 11-11-2017, 11:23

Yes does sound like power failure, recharge your battery and get your alternator tested as PB says, Rick

macabethiel · 12-11-2017, 01:00

Had quite similar things on Mercs - is usually a loose battery terminal or alternator connection issue.

As others have said I would disconnect the battery, charge up and refit see what happens.

Jikarti · 24-11-2017, 14:45

Have you checked the alternator belt? I had a similar experience in that all the lights came on one after the other as the alternator charge fell off as the belt shredded itself

11-11-2017, 09:03	#1
ketch Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2017 Location: wales Vehicle: xtrail Posts: 1	my car died Hi there Driving my 54 Xtrail the abs light came on, then the air bag light, then all the dials were flippling up and down, bit like one of the old sci fi films, then all lights/power went off. The car carried on for a while (limp home mode??) and then finally died. The car had a squeak for a week or so beforehand, which a friend suggested could be the alternator. The RAC didn't test anything but just rescued her. Any thoughts pls? Thanks in advance

11-11-2017, 11:23	#4
solarman216 Off road maniac Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Bexhill on Sea Vehicle: Y60 Patrol Me, 3 ltr Mrs Posts: 17,431	Yes does sound like power failure, recharge your battery and get your alternator tested as PB says, Rick __________________ Ex banger racer now off road maniac Lokka on the front with manual hubs Diff lock on rear 3 inch SS straight through exhaust Manly winch bumper with 13000 lb winch 10 spike ground anchor, with multiple straps and blocks Super strong body cills capped with scaffold pole 20% stronger springs all round aggressive off road tyres on wheels so just swap. Aim to get stuck and be completely self sufficient in extraction, love getting muddy, 2ft deep is good but rare.

12-11-2017, 01:00	#5
macabethiel Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Derby Vehicle: Freelander & Jeep GC 3.0 Posts: 4,416	Could be poor battery connection ? Had quite similar things on Mercs - is usually a loose battery terminal or alternator connection issue. As others have said I would disconnect the battery, charge up and refit see what happens.

24-11-2017, 14:45	#6
Jikarti Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2017 Location: South west Vehicle: Nissan Patrol 2.8TD GR Posts: 4	car died Have you checked the alternator belt? I had a similar experience in that all the lights came on one after the other as the alternator charge fell off as the belt shredded itself

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11-11-2017, 09:19	#2
jims-terrano Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: UK Posts: 12,965	I’m sorry not much help really but that does sound pretty catastrophic doesn’t it. Assuming RAC have towed it home for you. Have you tried disconnecting the battery for a few hours in effect like a reset.

11-11-2017, 10:14	#3
panelbeater Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: clacton on sea essex Vehicle: nissan terrano 2 2.7 tdi Posts: 1,638	make sure battery is fully charged and get the alternator tested.