Sam Shields

Hi Allan, my 1985 LandCruiser diesel’s battery seems to be discharging itself. I have replaced the battery, and I’m confident it’s not the alternator (I have tested it with a voltmeter). The vehicle has an external regulator, but I have had that replaced too.

Occasionally out in the bush I have to jump start it, which is pretty embarrassing! It must be not too hard to fix, but I’m stumped and I need your help.

Thanks in advance.

Allan

Sam, I would fit a battery lead isolator switch (just a simple on-off control knob) and turn it off at night. If the vehicle won’t start in the morning the battery is in question. If it does start, something is switched on or there’s a short in the wiring somewhere.

Before you do this, try starting the engine and check that it is in fact charging correctly. I always suspect everything, even if it is brand new and has caused no trouble, I still test everything.

If I didn’t I may miss some important information that’ll point to the problem. Hope this helps, Sam – good luck with it.