Having replaced the front drop links and n/s turbo actuator linkage, I think it only prudent to take it for a test drive.
All seemed well with the work done but what sounded like the alternator started making a loud humming noise as I was sitting at traffic lights, so decided it was best to get home ASAP.

Got into the drive only to find smoke coming from the front grill and an awful plasticky, burning electrical smell. Opened the bonnet and I could see smoke emanating from said alternator. I genuinely thought the car was going to catch fire, so left the bonnet open and kept an eye on it for a few minutes but still the smoke continued, albeit slightly less of it by this time.

I decided to lock the car and just revisit it every few minutes. Then I went out and found nothing was working, couldn’t unlock the doors, can’t turn the ignition on etc. Put my meter on the battery - 2v, so it looks very much like the alternator has also killed the battery.

To say I’m gutted is a huge understatement. In Scotland we’d called it “scunnered”

I’ll revisit it in the morning but I doubt anything will have changed. Got - 2017 SDV8 Autobiography in Loire Blue
Had- 2008 TDV8 Vogue SE in Java black
Had - 2007 S/C in Stornoway Grey

Jeezo, not good mate. Time for a new one perhaps?

I suspect so, I just need to see what lasting damage has been done to any other bits excepted the battery and alternator.

I’m going to get on to ECP today, who supplied both parts (and still under warranty) to discuss what they’re going to be liable for. Got - 2017 SDV8 Autobiography in Loire Blue
Had- 2008 TDV8 Vogue SE in Java black
Had - 2007 S/C in Stornoway Grey

Not a good situation at all.

The only advice I can offer you is to document everything (including a timetable regarding what happened as per your post).

Whatever suppliers say get it in writing and start an "audit trail" with them via e-mail. Documentation is everything.

Hopefully, it's a "simple" case of alternator failure which in turn flattened the battery (which I would want replaced in any event) & not damaged any wiring or indeed any other of the sensitive RR electronics. 2003 Range Rover Vogue TD6

Thanks Brian, I've already started that.

What I can say that, having put my C-Tek charger onto the battery, it immediately comes up with an error, so I reckon the battery is fried. Got - 2017 SDV8 Autobiography in Loire Blue
Had- 2008 TDV8 Vogue SE in Java black
Had - 2007 S/C in Stornoway Grey

Quick update on progress so far.

Still awaiting a response from ECP but decided to get a closer look at the state of the alternator, so having removed the usual bits and taking off the belt, the alternator is completely seized, so I rather suspect the bearing has gone, hence the humming noise I heard. I plan to take out the remaining bolts from underneath the car and take a trip to ECP with the alternator, as I have the receipt to hand and get that replaced at least.

As to the battery, I disconnected it from the car, both positive and negative, then put the C-Tek charger onto it and rather then going straight to an error condition, it seemed to start charging, albeit slower than I would expect - anyone familiar with the 4 stages on the C-Tek, it’s only gotten as far as stage 3 overnight, so I’m not sure if there’s any permanent damage to it but time will tell. Got - 2017 SDV8 Autobiography in Loire Blue
Had- 2008 TDV8 Vogue SE in Java black
Had - 2007 S/C in Stornoway Grey

Sounds similar to my old one - it was a common issue on the 2007 cars - alternator diodes fail, so the alternator tries to turn itself into a motor and burns out. Then takes the battery with it.

Whilst not great news - a new alternator and battery should fix it.

I’m not sure how it would be related to the other parts you replaced though

I don’t see a connection either Alistair, I was just giving some context to my drive out.

Sadly, both of these items were replaced in February this year, so it’s disappointing to be in this position again, I thought I would only have to go through the pain of replacing an alternator once during my ownership  Got - 2017 SDV8 Autobiography in Loire Blue
Had- 2008 TDV8 Vogue SE in Java black
Had - 2007 S/C in Stornoway Grey

What brand of alternator was fitted?

Not being the greatest fan of ECP, I too was going to ask who's alternator is it?
There's an awful lot of rubbish out there, warranted or not. Unfortunately 'China' seems to rear its ugly head again, but perhaps I'm doing an injustice to ECP.
Hope you get it sorted, that's the main thing. 2012 Orkney Grey Westminster 4.4TDV8 with Ivory interior.........nice!
Alfa Romeo Giulietta
Just one Montesa now, 349 White Wonder
Austin A40 Farina MK2
1975 Morris Marina 1.8TC

The alternator is their RTX brand.
I managed to get it out today and it’s clearly been very hot. Funny thing is, the belt is ok, so I rather suspect that it seized after I’d got home and stopped the car.
I reconnected the battery today and the electrics seems ok. Got - 2017 SDV8 Autobiography in Loire Blue
Had- 2008 TDV8 Vogue SE in Java black
Had - 2007 S/C in Stornoway Grey

Got a warranty replacement on the alternator and the battery tested, which showed it was ok.
Fitted the new alternator and found that the belt was squealing like a pig, as it leeks to have stretched, so replaced that, refilled the coolant and all seems well, so another bullet dodged.  Got - 2017 SDV8 Autobiography in Loire Blue
Had- 2008 TDV8 Vogue SE in Java black
Had - 2007 S/C in Stornoway Grey

That’s good news then..... onwards......

 2011 Range Rover Vogue SE 4.4 TDV8

Previous cars :
2003 Range Rover Vogue TD6
1999 Discovery Td5 ES
1995 BMW M5 3.8 6 speed
1992 Range Rover 3.9 Efi Vogue
1992 BMW M5 3.8
1988 BMW 735i SE
1989 Ford Sierra XR4x4 2.9i
1981 Ford Fiesta Supersport

alanm_3 wrote:

The alternator is their RTX brand.

Cheap, nasty things made by RTX

For the very reason you have discovered, we only fit Denso units. Not a job you really want to do twice, especially as a warranty claim