[michfitting]

I have a '98 Landrover Discovery and the battery on it won't hold a charge. My husband has to jump the car now every morning. In addition, we are only able to get the key out of the ignition when the battery is completely dead - otherwise we are not able to turn that final notch to get it out but we can turn it so the alarm light on radio will blink - the solution has been to carry extra keys to lock the car and such - we have taken it to the dealership with no result. We, obviously, think the two problems are related but don't know how to resolve. Needless to say, I'm sick of loading three little kids into the car to go somewhere and try to start the thing and it not starting - not to mention, my husband is sick of coming home from work to jump the car! Any advice would be appreciated!

Michelle

 

[Disco]

Changing the battery will solve one if not both problems. If the battery does not hold it's charge it's 'cactus'. How old is the battery? Usually they die after a couple of years.

 

[Disco Mike]

Dead Battery

So you have a minor problem. You have a dead battery, get it replaced, not by Sears, and then have a mechanic test and verify that the battery and alternator or running to specs.
Now with the new battery installed, you are going to need to deal with the alarm. The key should come out after you start the truck. Or the alarm my go on, if so, take a key and lock and unlock the drivers door a couple of time slowly to reset the alarm and then you should be fine.
Does this make since to you??
Mike J.

 

[michfitting]

Another quick question

Thanks for the info - we were under the impression when we bought it that it had a new battery. We will give getting a new one a try - why not get it done at Sears? I'm assuming you think the ignition switch and battery are related - true? Thanks for your help.

Michelle

 

[Disco]

As I don't live in the US, I assume that Sears stock batteries made in China.

 

[Disco Mike]

Sears batterys are know to have one of the highest failure rates, when they die, they do "DIE HARD".
If you think your battery may be somewhat new, have someone put a good two hour charge on it and then check the battery by a load test and alternator for its output.
Mike J.

 

[OkieRover]

I buy my batteries at O'Reilly's Auto Parts.
Mainly for two reasons. There is one in every quadrant of the places I normally drive and they replace them if you even THINK they are not working up to snuff.
Plus if your a "lady" they will swap them for you.