Disco 3 has died on me

[DonDownunder]

Hello I am new to site, I Bought a disco 3 2nd hand a week ago, all is great except today it died on me after giving it a wash. I don't have a clue what has happened. can't see any codes. :mad:
First sign was the hand brake warning light was on momentarily last night. Today I topped up battery and gave the area a wash down afterwards, Read somewhere can get moisture in wires and plugs around battery so pulled that out all dry & clean.
I am retired and cannot keep putting the hand in pocket to buy things
need help please and where can I get a decent code reader for the disco 3 here in Australia. I have run engine for some time and all works well but I am getting several error messages as per pics and also the getting transmission errors. Hand brake works some time. both high and low range lights flashing. no power in drive or reverse cannot raise or lower..stuck and locked in lower access mode. have to turn off engine to put in park as gears clashing
please have a look at pics and help is needed for sure

[matti4556]

Don't fret Don. I pressure washed mine underneath and got similar faults. Have another look in the morning when she dries out a bit. I'm sure this post will be moved to the D3 section of the forum and you will get more replies there . Matti

[Graeme]

It sounds as though water has got into the transfer case ecu that is located near the battery on the D3. This ecu is not sealed. It may be OK when its dried if you're lucky.

[sniegy]

Lesson Learnt for next time. Never wash the area around the battery box as it is NOT waterproof. What has happened is water has run down the the back of the battery straight onto the transfer case ECU & shorted out the unit.
You may be lucky & it may dry out. If not disconnect the ECU from the plugs & clean with CO2 contact cleaner & hopefully all will be well.
If you remove plugs & can see a build up of mould in the connector then you may have a damaged ECU & it will need to be replaced & reprogrammed to the vehicle.

Good Luck.

Cheers

[sctsprin]

So is it worth wrapping self annealing tape around the ecu and connectors to make it waterproof, or just some CRC or other waterproofing spray?

[HarryO]

So is it worth wrapping self annealing tape around the ecu and connectors to make it waterproof, or just some CRC or other waterproofing spray?

Have not done it to mine and have done many water crossings with no ECU problems. If I was going to do it I would not wrap the entire thing - just the connectors. The ambient temp is high enough as it is and I would not wrap the ECU in a nice cozy blanket of tape.

[Nomad9]

Hi Sctsprin,
Sneigy came to the rescue when exactly the same thing happened to me, I found all the terminals corroded, some even broken, the engine bay wash was the last straw. I bought a new tranny module and it fixed everything. I had to reset all my gearbox settings with a faultmate MSV 2 from Blackbox. It isn't simply a plug and play deal. later models I believe they move the tranny module to the other side of the engine bay so it can't get wet.
I got a spare one from TRS in Adelaide. On assembly I used an electrical silicon sealant to stop it happening again. Wrapping tape around might not do the trick.

[Graeme]

I bought a new tranny module ... later models I believe they move the tranny module to the other side of the engine bayTo be clear to the OP, it is the transfer case module, not the transmission (gearbox) module which is located inside the gearbox.

[Nomad9]

Hi Graeme,
Thank you for pointing out the finer detail.

[DonDownunder]

Floated the D3 Rig to "KLR" http://www.klrautomotive.com.au/who-are-we/ at Windsor via the NRMA, after testing it was found the Transmission Module is U/S and a replacement is on order. $$ :confused:
No more hosing etc. The idea of better waterproofing is a good one thanks,
cheers Don

[jonesy63]

It always amazes me how mechanics can be so knowledgeable about electronic circuits. :-\ I wonder if they dismantled the TC ecu to inspect or just hit it with a hammer? :mad:

[Dagilmo]

Bugger!
Gordon's (Green Oval Experience) book has a good section on what and how to waterproof stuff on the D3/4.

[DonDownunder]

It always amazes me how mechanics can be so knowledgeable about electronic circuits. :-\ I wonder if they dismantled the TC ecu to inspect or just hit it with a hammer? :mad:
I have always had the up-most respect for Electronics and previously owned a range of Turbo Diesel 4wd vehicles. This is my 1st Landrover and was surprised to find critical modules in vulnerable locations. Every thing else I have owned has had such components well elevated under the dash. Steep learning curve with the Disco3

[DonDownunder]

All fixed thanks to all :D cheers Don

[DonDownunder]

Now I can get on with the adventure before Dementia

[Plane Fixer]

Some might say that the dementia has set in because you bought a Landrover:wasntme: