Mine ran perfectly - until it didn't

2007 & mid 70k's when it went.

No warning at all - the car seemed fine - got home - my wife went to go out an hour later & it was completely dead & I mean completely - needed the key to open it.

RAC came out & as soon as the guy lifted the bonnet you could smell the burned alternator.

Fortunately it happened at home & we have several cars.

I had to disconnect the battery - charge it, then briefly connect it just to get it out of Park !

Well - I've just changed the alternator to a brand new (not exchange ) unit from Dan for £204 quid + 24 quid for a new belt.

You don't have to remove the rads but it s a pig of a job to get to the terminals and agin to put them back.

Mine has done just over 86K.

My red light came on and also had the error message "charging system fault" - I have not replaced the battery as it seems fine.

I have an L322 TDV8, alternator failed at 33000 miles, not a cheap unit to replace. According to my local independent specialist it's not a particularly easy job, hence high labour cost.