HDC INACTIVE

[BRUMMY]

Hello All.
The HDC INACTIVE has come up twice, both times after first start up in the morning.
I don't use the the hill decent control.
Any ideas, anyone out there ?
Paul.

[harlie]

that is the first sign of the battery getting weak, coming up for replacement. The system is VERY sensitive to voltage.

Good news is, it will usually go for several months in this state, unless the battery dies fast.

[BRUMMY]

I did leave the lights on last week and completely drained the battery.
It just about started today, after being at Sydney airport for two days.

[spudboy]

That's interesting! Mine has been giving me that message for the last year or two. I just assumed it was a normal startup message....

Battery is quite old and was let go flat for a month a couple of years ago, so maybe it has passed its prime (6 year old). Starts first time with no hesitation though.

[Declan]

Lads on the UK RR site there is a tread on this its the ECU that's 2 sensitive especially on cold mornings it is no problem, Landrover did change over the unit if you went in for 500 pounds UK but it was a upgraded unit it does no harm as it.

Deco.

[Homestar]

That's interesting! Mine has been giving me that message for the last year or two. I just assumed it was a normal startup message....

Battery is quite old and was let go flat for a month a couple of years ago, so maybe it has passed its prime (6 year old). Starts first time with no hesitation though.

6 years out of a battery in one of these is very good going. I would think it is on borrowed time myself.

Oh, and I had the HDC inactive for about 6 months on start up before the battery died - it gave me no warning. Started fine one evening, then the next morning, cranked slowly - started, but threw every error message known to man...:D. It drove down the street, then had wouldn't start and had to be towed...

If your battery is getting on a bit, I would replace it before it leaves you stranded somewhere.

[Maxintosh]

Low voltage at the battery, failing alternator, and cold mornings are one of the best ways to send to the HDC/ABS/DSC/EBA/ and the air-suspension systems offline. Happens frequently.

One other problem I have come across is after the replacement of the two front air-suspension bags, the front wheel speed sensor was not correctly installed, allowing it rub against the revolving rim, so the first hard right hand turn would sent the HDC/ABS/DSC/EBA systems off, followed very shortly there after by the air-suspension.

First check your voltages, rangerovers.net has a good proceedure for checking that will help others here diagnose the issue...

Electrical Issues - Basic Troubleshooting Guide (http://www.rangerovers.net/forum/6-range-rover-mark-iii-l322/20369-electrical-issues-basic-troubleshooting-guide.html)

[CBH25]

A battery trickle charger is a good investment for any RR owner.

I bought mine from SCA for $120, but you get lower power units from $60 and they maintain your battery as well as charge.

Keep it in your garage and whack it on overnight as often add you think about it, it will reset/Repair the battery cells and help it lifespan.
I leave mine connected in the car, so its no trouble to do.

Use it on all cars in the house.

[Maxintosh]

CBH, do you disconnect your l322 battery ground lead first, or are you charging with the battery connected?

[BigJon]

With a smart charger it is fine to leave the battery connected. In fact to do any diagnostics on late model Land Rovers a connected battery charger is mandatory.

[BRUMMY]

How many amps should the battery be.

[harlie]

Charger size:
depends, do you want to;
Trickle? 6amp
Cover voltage while diagnostic or ECU programming? 10-12amp
As mentioned if you get a quality smart charger it can stay connected, the cheaper chargers will damage a battery (boil dry) with voltages too high. If you use a cheap charger, one trick is to fit a timer so the charger runs for 1-3 hrs/day.

I have a Powertech 7 amp charger fitted to the camper(130ah) which is plugged in 24/7 when at home. I think battery world has them cheaper.

12/24V Switchmode 7A Battery Charger - Jaycar Electronics (http://www.jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=MB3606)

Battery size - see your other thread

[tassiedisco]

OK... I went to disconnect the battery today and found....the +ive terminal was very loose. In fact, I'm surprised that the car started at all! I disconnected the battery; waited 2 hrs; and reconnected it. I went through the "lock-to-lock" procedure twice and although the ABS etc icons disappeared, the "Air susp inactive" message didn't. Needless to say, the suspension stayed where it's at. So... next I try the instrument cluster trick.

[BigJon]

Have you checked the air compressor exhaust muffler for blockage? I had to clean mine out and I have a rebuild kit for the dryer (new dessicant and filters).

[tassiedisco]

Yes, BJ... I've checked the compressor thoroughly. It's had a kit put through it very recently and the filters/mufflers are brand new.

[Range Lover]

I have had the same problem since I bought the car four years ago.
Have had the computer re set after each service and the problem goes away for a while, then it comes back sporadically - but usually at first crank/start of the day. Have tried the HDC out a few times off road and it works fine.
At the moment, having just had a 300.000k service, no problems - yet!

[Maxintosh]

BigJon, tassiedisco, & co, what is the rebuild kit for the air compressor and dryer you are referring to, and where do you get it?