Darwin Land Rover service - who to use?

[dukemasterpro]

Hi everyone,

Bit stuck here in Darwin due to a potential technical issue with my D4 which the LR dealer is finding difficult to diagnose ( and they are also very expensive at $225ph ). Was just about to head into Kakadu then south to Sydney in a week or 2 when the gearbox fault light came on.

Can anyone recommend or point me in the direction of someone independent or otherwise with expertise in D4's that will be a bit cheaper as I also have another less critical repair pending.

Cheers.

[jonesy63]

The closest competent dealer service would be Sutton Motors in Alice Springs.

Is your D4 still under warranty? I know there is also a decent independent in Darwin, but if you need warranty work it limits you to dealers.

[dukemasterpro]

Hi jonesy63 I'm out of warranty so not tied to LR. Agree with Suttons Terry there seemed to know his stuff when we quizzed him on another issue a few weeks ago. They are $132ph which is more reasonable but I'm undecided which is worse - getting stuck 1/2 in limp mode or paying the LR garage in Darwin an extortionate rate to systematically rule out which module is causing the power train module fault code.

[jonesy63]

Hi Rich,
Take a look at this one:
http://www.aulro.com/afvb/90-110-130-defender-county/128055-fitting-starter-motor-darwin.html#post1473712

Cheers,
Rob

[Ean Austral]

If you have no joy in Darwin, you may be worth contacting someone like Gilberts transport or ABC transport, they run road trains back to Adelaide empty, so may get a cheap freight rate to Alice, and fly down to meet the car.


South bound freight out of Darwin is mostly back loading so could be worth a couple of phone calls and price up the real cost of sending to suttons, compared to the real cost of keeping it in Darwin.


Cheers Ean

[lewy]

its possibly down to who has the diagnostic equiptment.perhaps when ringing around ask if they have the correct gear.some repco repairers may have up to date stuff.

[Graeme]

Do you have the fault codes?

What are the symptoms?

[dukemasterpro]

Do you have the fault codes?

What are the symptoms?


Dropped in for an oil change and to get an intermittent suspension fault message checked on the computer. This fault code turned out to be a TSB from 2012 due to the compressor filling slowly - a known problem with version 1 of 3 types of D4 compressor. All the hoses and struts were checked and ok.
There wasn't much we could have done to repair and parts to Darwin not available for a week and $400 plus fitting. ( I have priced from the UK at $150 shipped and quicker than the road freight used for the spares here! )
The issue which has now had 2 hours of technician time and is still unresolved happened after leaving the dealer the evening and morning after is the usual yellow Suspension Fault warning on startup or soon after followed by several red 50km/ restricted message the Gearbox Fault & Restricted performance cut the throttle back.

I don't have the codes yet as I have not paid or seen the invoice. The LR tech here said the two fault codes are not related, he's checked that all power train module software is up to date, road tested with no issue but still getting the fault code. At that point as we were on the clock decided to call it a day.

Something he has not been able to rule out is the hi-line audio, sat-nav & Bluetooth is not working and hasn't been for 8 weeks. We removed the fuse in the glove box for this to stop the sat-nav screen lighting up. Whilst in Alice a few weeks back Terry at Suttons did do a quick test on the battery and fuses as at that time we had had 2 flat battery's, the radio was off from start of the trip and trailer park lamps were either working or blowing the fuse ( yep there's been a lot of fun on this trip! ). I think Terry mentioned re the Hi-line it was maybe body control module related bit without taking the dash apart hard to day and the battery voltage was fine, higher amps than spec but fine ( not sure if Traxide kit contributes to that )

Been a long day - have to decide to give the same tech at LR here another crack and spend 3.5 hours total investigating or cut losses and head to Alice - just concerned about the restriction in performance issue popping up. Driving back from the garage this evening was fine, just one suspension message and restart fixed that. 1400kms world be slow going like that.

Apart from all of the above everything else seems normal.

[dukemasterpro]

its possibly down to who has the diagnostic equiptment.perhaps when ringing around ask if they have the correct gear.some repco repairers may have up to date stuff.


Hard to find, I know Kununrra is a smaller town, the Repco 4x4 place guy had a look ( no charge ) but his computer ( $7k odd ) wouldn't recognise the car, other mobile mechanic guy his computer was out at a mine. Also was told that a wheel alignment was required but the only place in town the Tyreplus wouldn't go near air suspension / LR!

Sometimes I think easier to fly in parts from the UK and fly in your independent LR tech from
Sydney. The LR tech here reckons they have the right computer for the job but it will take time to isolate each part of the system with the computer to check and also inspect the relevant parts of the loom - can't be that complex can it?!

[dukemasterpro]

Hi Rich,
Take a look at this one:
http://www.aulro.com/afvb/90-110-130-defender-county/128055-fitting-starter-motor-darwin.html#post1473712

Cheers,
Rob


Cheers Rob will give them a buzz in the morning, staying at a campsite in Holtze so not too far away. Traffic noise from the Stuart asides it's the most deserted campsite I have been too, lots of vans / 4wds but all empty or at work!

[BigJon]

I will assume it was Neil at Sutton Motors working on your car, Terry doesn't do that, but he would sell you a new one!

[dukemasterpro]

I will assume it was Neil at Suttom Motors working on your car, Terry doesn't do that, but he would sell you a new one!


Might have the names mixed up, he was a decent guy though must have spent 45 mins for nixt - well have just bought a 2nd hand rim at $600 odd.

[Camp Oven]

Hi you could try Mick Taylor Automatics 35 yrs experience. Think he is a member of the Automotive and Mechanical Engineers etc.
89831231 4618 Mckenzie Pl Yarrawonga. You can see his shed from Highway, out Palmerston way.
Havn`t used him yet ??


Cheers

[Graeme]

The issue which has now had 2 hours of technician time and is still unresolved happened after leaving the dealer the evening and morning after is the usual yellow Suspension Fault warning on startup or soon after followed by several red 50km/ restricted message the Gearbox Fault & Restricted performance cut the throttle back.
Low battery voltage is a common denominator here and when combined with your earlier flat batteries I wonder if the starting battery is the cause. Has the battery been replaced yet? Many earlier D4s including mine have had their battery replaced and the Traxide system can mask a dying starting battery.

[dukemasterpro]

Low battery voltage is a common denominator here and when combined with your earlier flat batteries I wonder if the starting battery is the cause. Has the battery been replaced yet? Many earlier D4s including mine have had their battery replaced and the Traxide system can mask a dying starting battery.

Had the battery checked pre- trip and also 3 weeks later to resolve why we had to start using the Traxide jump mode. May have been leaving the doors open at camp, interior lights etc. No further flat battery starts in the past 6 weeks. Car is a aug 09 build but the battery was replaced Aug 12 under warranty. Don't think they fitted a genuine one then.
Graeme would a low battery create warning messages only when starting the engine or would it happen whilst driving??

Also re: hi-line and nav screen you can hear a small clicking noise intermittently, causes the display screen with logo in the centre to show the LR logo briefly, it was distracting whilst driving so we left the fuse out ( new one made no difference to the hi-line anyhow )
Again is this likely to be battery related?

[dukemasterpro]

Had the battery checked pre- trip and also 3 weeks later to resolve why we had to start using the Traxide jump mode. May have been leaving the doors open at camp, interior lights etc. No further flat battery starts in the past 6 weeks. Car is a aug 09 build but the battery was replaced Aug 12 under warranty. Don't think they fitted a genuine one then.
Graeme would a low battery create warning messages only when starting the engine or would it happen whilst driving??

Also re: hi-line and nav screen you can hear a small clicking noise intermittently, causes the display screen with logo in the centre to show the LR logo briefly, it was distracting whilst driving so we left the fuse out ( new one made no difference to the hi-line anyhow )
Again is this likely to be battery related?


Checked the battery at rest and ignition running so both fine. Will chase up Rob's suggestion now, don't want to have to detour home via Alice as the Gulf is much warmer!

[jonesy63]

Many earlier D4s including mine have had their battery replaced and the Traxide system can mask a dying starting battery.

I had this situation a few months ago. I disconnected the Traxide system overnight and the main battery could not turn over my D4, let alone start it.

[dukemasterpro]

I had this situation a few months ago. I disconnected the Traxide system overnight and the main battery could not turn over my D4, let alone start it.


Checked voltage on both battery separate and resting all what you'd expect them to be. Have a pic below with the fault codes for the experts on here to have a look. Most costly diagnosis on a vehicle I've had ( $330 ) but at least have the history on paper and a clean engine bay!
78823
We are going to stay on Tarmac next few days in Kakadu and decide in Katherine whether to go Suttons.

[Graeme]

Engine not behaving could trigger the gearbox fault due to limited gearbox operation but I can't fathom why there should be suspension faults.

Did you identify the cause for the repeated blown tail-light fuse?

Below is copied from a thread on the fault code from Disco3.co.uk

From the LR Workshop manual - might help, then again, .....

P229000 Injector Control Pressure Too Low

Fuel pressure control valve (FPCV) maximum limit reached
Fuel injector control pressure too low
Fuel line leak
Fuel filter/system restriction
FPCV circuit fault
FPCV failure
Fuel pump module circuit short circuit to ground
Fuel pump module failure
Fuel injection pump failure

Check the fuel pressure. Check the fuel lines for leaks/damage. Check for a blocked/restricted fuel filter. Check the fuel pump module circuits. Refer to the electrical guides. Check the FPCV circuits. Check the fuel injection pump.

[dukemasterpro]

Engine not behaving could trigger the gearbox fault due to limited gearbox operation but I can't fathom why there should be suspension faults.

Did you identify the cause for the repeated blown tail-light fuse?

Below is copied from a thread on the fault code from Disco3.co.uk

From the LR Workshop manual - might help, then again, .....

P229000 Injector Control Pressure Too Low

Fuel pressure control valve (FPCV) maximum limit reached
Fuel injector control pressure too low
Fuel line leak
Fuel filter/system restriction
FPCV circuit fault
FPCV failure
Fuel pump module circuit short circuit to ground
Fuel pump module failure
Fuel injection pump failure

Check the fuel pressure. Check the fuel lines for leaks/damage. Check for a blocked/restricted fuel filter. Check the fuel pump module circuits. Refer to the electrical guides. Check the FPCV circuits. Check the fuel injection pump.


Thanks Graeme interesting to see if that's what the issue is - quick update we have altered our plans to return via the Gulf and down to chilly Alice booked in for the compressor work Tuesday. The EAS fault message comes on straightaway so can't lower or raise now, disappointing but better than getting stuck in Hells Gate or similar!
Apparently they have a RRS in with similar issue. Sounds like we will be in better hands than Darwin. They also corrected me on my understanding of LR parts delivery - not a week via road as had been stated by Darwin but overnight air freight. Only limited by the one qantas flight a day in their.

[dukemasterpro]

Engine not behaving could trigger the gearbox fault due to limited gearbox operation but I can't fathom why there should be suspension faults.

Did you identify the cause for the repeated blown tail-light fuse?

Below is copied from a thread on the fault code from Disco3.co.uk

From the LR Workshop manual - might help, then again, .....

P229000 Injector Control Pressure Too Low

Fuel pressure control valve (FPCV) maximum limit reached
Fuel injector control pressure too low
Fuel line leak
Fuel filter/system restriction
FPCV circuit fault
FPCV failure
Fuel pump module circuit short circuit to ground
Fuel pump module failure
Fuel injection pump failure

Check the fuel pressure. Check the fuel lines for leaks/damage. Check for a blocked/restricted fuel filter. Check the fuel pump module circuits. Refer to the electrical guides. Check the FPCV circuits. Check the fuel injection pump.


Oops didn't mention in last post - Darwin the LR tech said the gearbox fault message and EAS were unrelated - the gearbox one coincendentally happened evening after they had done the other diagnostics, oil change and wheel alignment.
Re: blown fuse for the trailer we have not sorted that. It worked for a bit on/ off then started blowing fuses but finding an auto-elec out here with free time has been tough and we have mainly driving during the day. Brakes hazard and indicators work alright on the trailer.

[Graeme]

Has the fuel filter been changed recently? If not then worth doing to be sure its not the cause of the low injector pressure.

I've had gearbox fault messages triggered by the suspension ecu when trying out changes during Llams development but I didn't check to see if the message originated from the TCM (gearbox ecu) or the suspension ecu.

Finding the reason for the hard-on suspension fault should be easy and may point to the reasons for the other faults.

[dukemasterpro]

Has the fuel filter been changed recently? If not then worth doing to be sure its not the cause of the low injector pressure.
.

We changed all filters including fuel before the trip, transmission was inspected but didn't need servicing etc. Will see what they can find tomorrow in Alice then back onto the dirt! Stuart Highway is fairly boring!

[dukemasterpro]

Think our luck with Land Rover servicing in the Outback has ran out! Just had a call from Suttons and their diagnostic computer is down since the upgrade last Wednesday. Means they can't do any work my car or anyone else's eg to do the compressor upgrade install they need the computer and again to verify if the parts are actually the correct ones which they said we'd need in Darwin. They can't check the gearbox fault message out either of course but that only came on once in 2000 odd kms from the trip down from Darwin. Earliest they will have the computer back from Sydney is Monday / Tuesday and all LR loan computers are in use elsewhere.
Have 11 days left till the end of our trip now so running out of time and options to get the compressor fixed and the other error diagnosed. What is one to do?? Take a chance & continue on towards Boulia or head to Adelaide??

[Graeme]

I would change the fuel filter again in case a load of rubbish has been picked-up. However unless I was sure the performance fault was cured, I would avoid unnecessarily driving into remote places. I assume the gearbox fault was triggerred by the reduced engine performance and therefore can be ignored.

With the suspension up to normal height I would remove the 20A engine bay suspension system fuse to stop the suspension from lowering and the 5A passenger compartment suspension system fuse to stop the frequent annoying 50 kph messages then drive it anywhere where off-road height wasn't a necessity.

[Cobber]

Think our luck with Land Rover servicing in the Outback has ran out! Just had a call from Suttons and their diagnostic computer is down since the upgrade last Wednesday. Means they can't do any work my car or anyone else's eg to do the compressor upgrade install they need the computer and again to verify if the parts are actually the correct ones which they said we'd need in Darwin. They can't check the gearbox fault message out either of course but that only came on once in 2000 odd kms from the trip down from Darwin. Earliest they will have the computer back from Sydney is Monday / Tuesday and all LR loan computers are in use elsewhere.
Have 11 days left till the end of our trip now so running out of time and options to get the compressor fixed and the other error diagnosed. What is one to do?? Take a chance & continue on towards Boulia or head to Adelaide??it's nice in Alice this time of year :D

You've had a bad run! :o I'm sure it will turn around for you before long. Good luck with the remainder of your trip :BigThumb:

[evs darwin]

Hi everyone, if you find yourselves in the darwin area and are in need of help......
European vehicle servicing in Winnellie,darwin may be able to assist you.
We are a small business of 5 years now and enjoy servicing and repairs of all european makes and models. We have a fully equipped workshop with up to date diagnostic equipment.
Also owning our own disco3, we like to think we know what we're doing when it comes to your land rover.....

Find us on google or call 08 89843590
many thanks,
Neil.

[Mungus]

A welcome relief knowing there is another option for us up in Darwin.
Might pop in next week and say hi!
Get the new MY14D4 in about 10 days.
Cheers,
Mungus