Defender's Battery Mystery: Lights Dim & Engine Struggles

Hey there! I've got a 2011 Land Rover Discovery 4 diesel and had nearly identical issues last year. The symptoms you're describing match exactly what I experienced, flickering lights, weak cold starts, and general electrical weirdness. My garage confirmed it was indeed a faulty battery temperature sensor. It wasn't just the sensor itself but also some corroded wiring leading to it that needed sorting out. Got it fixed at the shop. Honestly, it's not a major repair, but it's crucial because a malfunctioning sensor can't properly regulate battery charging. If left unchecked, it could potentially damage your battery or alternator. The repair took about two hours, they replaced the sensor unit and cleaned up the connector area. Been running perfectly since then, no more cold start issues or dimming lights. Just make sure whoever works on it is familiar with Land Rover electrical systems, they can be a bit tricky. Hope this helps with your decision!

Thanks so much for sharing your experience! Really helpful to hear about someone who went through the same thing. Quick question, do you remember roughly how much the repair set you back? Also, curious if you've had any other electrical gremlins pop up since getting it fixed? Just want to know what I might be in for with my Defender. Cheers!

Hey again! Just wanted to update you on the costs since you asked. The whole repair ended up being 315.00 € at my shop, and I can honestly say it was worth every penny. The battery temperature sensor replacement sorted out all those annoying issues completely. Since getting it fixed, my Discovery 4 has been running like a charm, no more electrical gremlins at all! The lights are staying bright and steady, and those frustrating cold morning starts are now just a distant memory. It's been such a relief not having to worry about whether the car will start properly anymore. Trust me, once you get this sorted, you'll notice the difference straight away. My mechanic did a great job with it, and it's really put my mind at ease. The whole electrical system is working exactly as it should now. I know it might seem like a bit of cash to shell out, but considering what could happen if you leave a dodgy battery sensor unfixed, it's definitely the smart move to get it sorted sooner rather than later. Beats having to deal with bigger problems down the line!

Thanks a ton for breaking down the costs and sharing your experience! You wouldn't believe it, but I actually just got back from a mechanic who fixed the exact same issue. Funny enough, my repair bill came in pretty close to what you paid. The mechanic found some nasty corrosion around the sensor too, but theyaged to sort everything out in about two hours. The best part? My Defender's running like new now! Started right up this morning, no flickering lights, and the electrical system's working perfectly. Really grateful for your advice, it gave me the confidence to get it checked out properly. Definitely the right call to fix it now rather than wait for bigger problems. Feels great to have a reliable ride again! Maybe we should start a support group for Land Rover electrical issues, haha! Thanks again for all your help!