Range Rover keeps saying low battery

On cold mornings or your engine hasn’t got up to temperature, you may often find your Range Rover keeps saying low battery – I’ve seen this countless times, thankfully it’s normally nothing too expensive.

Read on to see the signs and symptoms, potential causes, and how you can fix this error relatively easily.

What models are affected?

• Land Rover Defender
• Range Rover Discovery
• Range Rover Evoque
• Range Rover Sport
• Range Rover Velar
• Range Rover Vogue

Signs and symptoms

When your Range Rover keeps saying low battery, it’s definitely something you are going to see fairly obvious signs.

Here are some signs and symptoms you might notice:

• A persistent “low battery” warning message on your dashboard, accompanied by an annoying beep.
• Dimming or flickering dashboard lights, indicate a power shortage.
• Difficulty starting your vehicle due to a weakened battery.
• Drop in engine performance.

List of possible OBD codes

To get a better understanding of the issue, it’s helpful to know the possible On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) codes related to a “low battery” warning light.

Here are a few codes you might come across:

• P0562: System Voltage Low
• P0563: System Voltage High
• P0560: System Voltage Malfunction

Common causes

The most common cause when your Range Rover keeps saying low battery is listed below.

• Weak Battery: Over time, the battery might lose its ability to hold a charge, resulting in insufficient power for the vehicle.
• Faulty Alternator: The alternator, responsible for charging the battery while the engine is running, could be malfunctioning and not provide enough power to keep the battery in good shape.
• Parasitic Drain: Some electrical components or systems may be drawing power from the battery even when the vehicle is not running, leading to a drain over time.
• Faulty Battery Sensors: The battery sensors, responsible for monitoring the battery’s condition, may be giving false readings, resulting in the “low battery” warning.

Can it be fixed without a mechanic?

If you’re a DIY enthusiast and love getting your hands dirty, the good news is that you might be able to fix the “low battery” issue on your own.

However, keep in mind that diagnosing and fixing electrical issues can be complicated, so if you’re unsure or not confident in your abilities, it’s always best to consult a professional.

Parts you’ll need to fix it

To fix the “low battery” problem, you might need the following parts:

• Battery: If your battery is weak or old, it might be time to replace the battery. It’s worth looking on the side of the battery for the date when it was installed. Anything over 2+ years old is due for a replacement.

Tools you’ll need to fix it

Here are some essential tools you’ll need to address the “low battery” issue:

• Battery charger or jump starter
• Multimeter
• Basic hand tools (screwdriver, wrench, etc.)
• Safety gloves and goggles

How to fix it

Now, here’s the exciting part – fixing the “low battery” issue. Remember, safety first! Make sure to follow these steps carefully:

1. Ensure Safety: Park your Range Rover on a flat surface, engage the parking brake, and turn off the engine. Open the hood, and if available, refer to your owner’s manual to locate the battery.
2. Inspect the Battery: Check the battery for any visible signs of damage or corrosion. Clean the battery terminals if necessary.
3. Test the Battery Voltage: Use a multimeter to measure the voltage across the battery terminals. A healthy battery should have around 12.6 volts. If the voltage is significantly lower, your battery may be the culprit.
4. Charge or Replace the Battery: If the battery voltage is low, you can try recharging it using a battery charger or jump starter. If it doesn’t hold a charge, it’s time for a replacement.
5. Check the Alternator: Start your vehicle and use the multimeter to measure the voltage across the battery terminals while the engine is running. It should read around 13.8 to 14.4 volts. If the voltage is outside this range, your alternator may need attention from a mechanic.
6. Inspect for Battery Drain: If the battery and alternator are functioning correctly, there likely is a battery draining issue. Hopefully not as this can end up being a pain to find the root cause of the drain. I’d recommend getting it to an approved mechanic for this.
7. Reset Battery Sensors (if applicable): Some Range Rover models may have a battery sensor reset procedure. Consult your owner’s manual or contact a Land Rover dealership for guidance.

Potential alternative causes

While the common causes we discussed earlier are the primary culprits behind the “low battery” warning, there might be additional factors specific to your vehicle.

These can include faulty wiring, malfunctioning modules, or deeper electrical system issues.

If you’ve followed the steps outlined and the problem persists, it’s best to consult a professional mechanic.

FAQs

Summary

Range Rover’s tendency to keep saying “low battery” can be traced back to several common causes, such as a weak battery, faulty alternator, parasitic drain, or battery sensor issues.

While some DIY fix attempts are possible, electrical issues can be complex, and it’s always advisable to seek professional help if unsure.

Remember, with a little care and attention, you can keep your Range Rover’s power flowing and conquer those sarcastic “low battery” warnings like a true Range Rover owner!