Please Help

[PeZ]

Hey guys,

I just wanted to know if some of you could help me with a problem i experienced while taking a 96 Legnum for a test drive. I was idling at a set of lights and the dash blinked off then on and then the whole car went dead. I was told by the owner that it was because it has a flat battery. Does this just seem like the result of a flat battery or something more?

Any help would be appreciated!

 

[Buckas]

flat battery? if it was running and it died because of electrical issues id be worried about alternator, should be charging the battery. sounds suss to me

 

[ygoslo]

Did it start again afterwards?

I've had a car die like that on me due to a battery. Replaced it and never had a problem again.

 

[Emu]

Did you check the terminals on the battery? I've had a similar issue with a loose terminal. Otherwise, alternator as Dan said.

 

[Guest]

The best way to put your mind at rest is to get it checked out by a mechanic that knows these cars before purchasing.

 

[jet150]

Sounds like a completely dead battery to me.

Mine did the same when I picked it up from Toll, some dash lights stayed on then the motor died as soon as I put my foot on the brake.

A battery that dead needs to be replaced, jump starting it is and driving is not good.

 

[PeZ]

Yeah well the car needed to be started off jumper leads when first started. I knew the battery was flat but I thought it was strange that the car died AFTER the car was already running. I think putting on the headlights may have been the catalyst for it dying? The guy said that he will replace the battery on sale. I think a mechanic check is needed just for a piece of mind.

While I have your attention, some feedback on the general reliability of 96 Legnums would be appreciated

Cheers

 

[bradc]

The only thing to check AFTER the new battery has been put in is to make sure that the voltage on the battery terminals is around 14V when the car is running. Less than about 13.8v means the alternator is dieing.

 

[PeZ]

Cheers brad, Ill keep that in mind. If it is the alternator, what price am I looking at to replace?

 

[fieldy107]

Not cheap. At least a few hours labor plus the price of the new alternator, think I read on here that someone was quoted $1400 for a brand new one from Mitsubishi but you should be able to find cheaper... Im starting to hate alternators, my 2nd one just broke - thank goodness for warranties.

 

[Guest]

Genuine Mitsu Alternator from Lander Mitsubishi is over $1400 + GST...and yeah, not a fun thing to replace. I had a very similar experience on a test drive from Edward Lees (first Legnum I drove). Same story - bat flattery, needed to be started off a jump-box. I put the headlights on and after backing off the accelerator, the whole dash went dead for a second, then came alive again.
Funnily enough, a similar thing happened when the alternator in my car died.

So it could be one, or the other, or both

 

[Scubasteve]

Other than alternators causing issues, Ball joint/Control arms are common thing to be replaced on these vehicles. Mine cost round $500 inc Labour.

 

[PeZ]

- bat flattery, needed to be started off a jump-box. I put the headlights on and after backing off the accelerator, the whole dash went dead for a second, then came alive again.

Thats exactly what happened.

Im not so sure this car is a good buy anymore given the cost of new alternators. Ill keep you guys posted.

 

[snickells]

Got a carsales link?

 

[ygoslo]

Why the hell would you buy a new alternator? Buy a 2nd hand one, get it recoed, and save about $1200...

 

[fieldy107]

Kind of Hijacking the thread now but since we are on the topic, anyone know where to find a 2nd hand alternator?

 

[naughtika]

Why the hell would you buy a new alternator? Buy a 2nd hand one, get it recoed, and save about $1200...

agree.. when mine craps itself.. i'll be pulling it out myself and get my dad to recondition it..

 

[ygoslo]

Same as FTO ones, no?

 

[king_panther]

Same as FTO ones, no?

I believe so. Didn't Paul (VR-04-TT) do this very thing himself ?

 

[Guest]

Youi just have to make sure it's a 4 pin plug as some FTO's are just 2