D3 suspension

[Jamo]

I'd be interested to know if any other D3 owners have had trouble with the air suspension.

I was out on the beach yesterday (very soft), when the HDC and Suspension warnings came on, the terrain response shut down and the car lowered to normal driving height.

I rang the dealer and he said that it seems that there was a bad batch of compressors that worked intermittently and that they needed to change the compressor.

The car was still totally driveable, although the loss of height and diff locks made it difficult to get off the beach and over some rocky sections that were between me and the bitumen.

I got the air suspension back after a while, but the terrain response didn't start working again until I pulled into my driveway.
:? James

[abaddonxi]

Umm, don't know much about D3s, but is the suspension thing the one that lowers itself automatically once you go over 40kms?

Cheers
Simon

[Jamo]

Yeah,

But it lowered itself at 0kph and then wouldn't respond for about an hour.

I wouldn't have been so worried, except that it was on a boggy section of beach with an incoming tide.

It has four settings:

Access (on bump stops)
Normal
Off Road
Extended Mode (Not controllable by the driver. The car enters this if it bellys out).

Incidently, I was in extended mode when it decided to lower itself!

Caused a little bit of sweat to start accumulating on my brow!!

Landrover is going to hear all about it next week.

[Owen]

let us know how you go with Landrover. I am still a little nervy about the build quality and back up....but most likely will wait for the update model....

[Jamo]

Owen,

The build quality is very good. Probably as good as my Suby.

As to the compressor problems that I am having, I'm not perturbed that something went wrong. There are a significant number of parts in a modern motor car and the laws of probability suggest that as the number of parts increases, the likelihood of one of the failing also increases.

It should be noted that, contrary to the expectations of the anti-landrover brigade, I am not having problems with electronics (which are solid state and very unlikey to break - unless one is stupid enough to attach a non-regulated item of after-market accessory that spikes the system). My problem is with a mechanical part.

I will admit, however, that I'm a little peeved with LR after the dealer informed me over the phone that there appeared to be a batch of compressors that were faulty. Why didn't they check numbers and do a recall?

Over the past few days, however, I have heard from others with different cars, who have experienced similar problems with being advised of known faulty parts, A bloke here in Esperance had a similar experience with a faulty towbar on his new Mercedes. MB knew about the problems, but failed to take action. I think it's a cost thing. They know most won't be driven off road, so most people won't find out.

As to waiting for the next-build. If one kept on waiting for all glitches to be ironed out, then one would never buy anything!!

Look at Toyota, the 100 series has developed a reputation for breaking cross members and for cracking the front diff at around 70,000km. And if Cruisers are so capable, then why do most owners who want to regularly go off road, change the entire suspension as soon as they get the car!

The 4wd magazines all parrot phrases such as 'wait and see if the build quality is improved' and 'we just don't trust all those electronics' simply because they don't want to believe that anything is better than a cruiser or a patrol. :wink:

[101RRS]

Jamo,

I see you have a HSE. I am just interested on your thoughts on these vs a TDV6 RR Sport which on paper are a few $$ cheaper than your HSE.

Did you consider the RRS and if so what made you choose the D3 over the RRS?

I appreciate the cars are aimed at different markets but in reality both will spend most of their time on the road.

Thanks

Garry

[Jamo]

Hello Garry,

I did consider the RRS, but chose the D3 because:

The D3 is bigger than the RRS. The RRS has no third row seats and has a smaller cargo area volume. This was a major factor for me.

The base RRS is also very slightly less well appointed with only a single CD and less airbags.

I took the RRS for a drive and it was very nice. IT feels smaller than the D3 and more sporty. It's aimed more at the X5 market and, whilst very capable, will probably see most of it's life on well heeled streets rather than the CSR.

As to the price, the D3 HSE TDV6 starts at $83,650 and the RRS starts at $85,000 (ignoring any specials currently being offerred). So on paper, the RRS is actually a tad more expensive.


Another factor for me was the likelihood of aftermarket accessroies being available, such as proper bullbars etc. As the D3 is likely to sell in higher volumes and more likely to be used off road, I reasoned that accessories would more readily be available. My car will spend approximately 40% of its life on currgated gravel roads and tracks and farms.

Mostly, however, I wanted the extra seats and the bigger load capacity.

Incidently, some on this forum have expressed displeasure at the D3's looks. All I can say is that some of the blokes here have expressed similar sentiments, but all of the women have loved it!. One friend even told her accountant husband that their newish Pajero was to be replaced by a D3 before the end of the FY because she wanted a sexier car!

Hope this helps. James https://www.aulro.com/afvb/ https://www.aulro.com/afvb/ https://www.aulro.com/afvb/ https://www.aulro.com/afvb/

[101RRS]

Thanks James

So to summarise - you bought it for its looks and to pick up the ladies - where the extra space has its advantages https://www.aulro.com/afvb/

Any offroad capability was a secondary issue.

Cheers

Garry

[Jamo]

Alas! (or two) I don't think my wife would let them in!

[PCH]

Jamo,

Touch wood I've been lucky and had no suspension problems (had an error or two) with lost height.

Faulty compressors were a problem for some owners but as far as I know this was rectified once new stock became available. I've not read any posts on forums from Australian deliverd D3's with compressor faults, most appeared in the US which had the LR3 back in Nov/Oct 04 but this doesn't mean noone in Oz had a copressor replaced due tothe faulty batch.

Tell us what is the verdict to fix the fault unless it is explained to be a feature https://www.aulro.com/afvb/

Chris

[Jamo]

Chris,

I'm going up to Perth next week and have the car booked into Southern Landrover on Friday 13th!!!!!!!!!!

Once they've plugged it in, they should be able to tell me whats up. Southern LR said that they've personally replaced about six compressors so far. I'm also going to hit them for four new mudflaps as I tore the others when she went down onto the sand.

There has to be somehting wrong somewhere.

I'm also going to ARB on Mon 16th to get the bullbar and winch fitted so when I get back to Esperance I'll post some pics. https://www.aulro.com/afvb/ https://www.aulro.com/afvb/

[PCH]

Originally posted by Jamo
Chris,

I'm going up to Perth next week and have the car booked into Southern Landrover on Friday 13th!!!!!!!!!!

Once they've plugged it in, they should be able to tell me whats up. Southern LR said that they've personally replaced about six compressors so far. I'm also going to hit them for four new mudflaps as I tore the others when she went down onto the sand.

There has to be somehting wrong somewhere.

I'm also going to ARB on Mon 16th to get the bullbar and winch fitted so when I get back to Esperance I'll post some pics. https://www.aulro.com/afvb/ https://www.aulro.com/afvb/

Good luck on Friday 13th. I'll be 4 wheeling that day so hope my compressor is up to it.

I tried to get my mudflaps replaced under warranty but the Service Dept reckon that they were damaged by off-roading. I said yeh so doesn't that mean they aren't up to the task. They wouldn't replace them for free. I bought a set. The rears cost about $25 ea and the fronts come as a pair and cost $130????? Figure that out!! I just put the LHR on because it was about to fall off the rest are busted but not ready to fall off. You should get them for free due to the suspension fault.

A couple of other Aussies on the D3 UK forum have had the ARB bar and winch fitted and have been very pleased with it. Are you getting it colour coded or black?

Chris

[Jamo]

Black.

I thought about colour coding, but personally I've never really liked white bullbars.

I'm also having the Warn 9.5xp winch fitted.

The LR nudge bar that I've got on now is black and it looks pretty good.

The ARB bloke said I could take the bar back at any stage and colour code it later anyway if I wanted.

[discomaniac]

Hi Jamo,
I have had my suspension compress replaced this week. Local dealer has had 5 in for replacement this week.

They tell me that there was a problem batch. Work OK normally, but can't handle the summer heat.

Mine working OK now, but no real test for it yet. Might get to test it this weekend.

Discomaniac

[retiredbob]

A couple of TDV6 HSE appear to be having trouble now.

Brought to the top for info.

[MT]

I was at the Dealer workshop in South Sydney a few weeks ago getting an extended warranty job repaired after the mob in Canberra stuffed it up. Whilst I was there I spoke with one of the workers about the seemingly large number of D3 awaiting work. He said that the air suspension had proven to be a bit of a problem in 'Australian 'conditions. The implication was that it had not been an issue in the UK or USA. Of course, it might also reflect that Aussie Discos actually have some bush to play in.

[stevo68]

Hey all,

Just came across this thread. Will be taking my D3 more off road in the next cuppla weeks so will keep posted with any probs. So far havent had any with the suspension or the terrain response. Will not be happy camper if I do, though so far have found it an absolute dream,

REgards

Stevo

[retiredbob]

I am booked in to have the suspension looked at next Wednesday.

Going to be interesting, they informed me that they have a mod to do to the compressor but my symptons do not relate to that!!!!

We wait and see

[PCH]

I know of a D3 TDV6 HSE owner who has his D3 booked in for a new s/w related to the compressor. The new compressors apparently work with the new s/w version available to the Dealers which was only recently released.

The Dealer I use and so does this owner use emailed him the following:

"Suspension Fault

Hi Bob, We have been given some updated software to down load into your vehicle, we will need to do this and then report any findings back to Land Rover..." Dated 18 Jan 06.

Chris

[Jamo]

I heard about the software and compressor upgrade from the UK site. I think I'm going to hit them for the latest compressor when I get my new Steering Angle Sensor fitted.

I had a TR System fault today that wouldn't let me use the TR system. I re-booted (turned the car off and on agin) and that fixed it!! This, I understand is a software issue. :? :? :?

[norto]

g/day this is my first time on i joined a few minutes ago
i bought a new disco 3 tdv6 s on tuesday and im fairly alarmed to read about all the problems theve been having in the U.K.
there is adiagnostic upgrade over there that adds 35kw and 120 nm of torque. does any body know if its available in OZ

[Jamo]

I wouldn't worry too much norto!

Any car can have some problems. A lot of the D3 problems seem to stem from software glitches. When it comes to programming, you never really know if it's going to work until it's out there being used in the real world.

[CraigE]

Jamo,
It sucks when these car companies have a known fault but do not issue a recall or limit their recalls. The TD5 has faced a similar problem with the injector harnesses and oil ingress. I have no record of this being replaced on mine but if it does happen I will be expecting LR to fix it at their cost even though the Fender is out of warranty as it was a known problem.
The same thought occurs to me with the problems that have occured with oil pump bolts, LR should have recalled all problem vehicles and had it fixed.

[Jamo]

Originally posted by CraigE
Jamo,
It sucks when these car companies have a known fault but do not issue a recall or limit their recalls. The TD5 has faced a similar problem with the injector harnesses and oil ingress. I have no record of this being replaced on mine but if it does happen I will be expecting LR to fix it at their cost even though the Fender is out of warranty as it was a known problem.
The same thought occurs to me with the problems that have occured with oil pump bolts, LR should have recalled all problem vehicles and had it fixed.

Couldn't agree more!! There's an updated ECU for the Park Distance Control and I had to quote my dealer the LR Technical note number before they'd admit it and agree to replace.

I think that they don't recall because some owners won't find out about some of these faults as they only drive to the shops/school and back; and recalls cost money! But at least they could admit things when confronted and do the right thing and offer the latest replacement part! :x

[CraigE]

Jamo,
At least the problems we have all had are nothing like Micks, what a joke that is. Would devastate anyone.
:cry: :cry:

[norto]

hello jamo
thanks for the reply. have you had any troubles with your D3, what sort of fuel economy are you getting

[Jamo]

Yeah, I've documented it eslewhere in this forum, but the bottom line is I has a suspension and TR shutdown when on very soft sand and almost lost the car to the incoming tide. The diagnosed fault was a faulty steering sensor. There's some pics of my car in the gallery or if you look a couple of pages back in the General Chat forum.

[retiredbob]

Jamo

Not hijacking the thread but noticed in your pics the location of the CB. I am currently going through the drama of where to put mine. Full details of your installation and type of CB would be appreciated. ( I might have to change mine). Response to my email will be OK

Regards

[Jamo]

Originally posted by retiredbob
Jamo

Not hijacking the thread but noticed in your pics the location of the CB. I am currently going through the drama of where to put mine. Full details of your installation and type of CB would be appreciated. ( I might have to change mine). Response to my email will be OK

Regards
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/

I've got a GME TX3400 UHF with a remote head. I've mounted the remote head on top of the steering column using strong double sided tape and velcro ( I didn't use the bracket that came with the radio) (see above pic). The main unit is ontop of the plastic cover over the drivers footwell. I'll take a photo if that doesn't make sense.

Below is a photo of where I mounted my satphone if anyones interested.
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/

If you need any other info let me know.
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/ https://www.aulro.com/afvb/ https://www.aulro.com/afvb/ https://www.aulro.com/afvb/ https://www.aulro.com/afvb/ https://www.aulro.com/afvb/

[retiredbob]

Originally posted by Jamo+--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Jamo)</div><div class='quotemain'><!--QuoteBegin-retiredbob
Jamo

Not hijacking the thread but noticed in your pics the location of the CB. I am currently going through the drama of where to put mine. Full details of your installation and type of CB would be appreciated. ( I might have to change mine). Response to my email will be OK

Regards
http://www.aulro.com/albums/Jamo/D3_interior_2_Jan_2006.thumb.jpg

I've got a GME TX3400 UHF with a remote head. I've mounted the remote head on top of the steering column using strong double sided tape and velcro ( I didn't use the bracket that came with the radio) (see above pic). The main unit is ontop of the plastic cover over the drivers footwell. I'll take a photo if that doesn't make sense.

Below is a photo of where I mounted my satphone if anyones interested.
http://www.aulro.com/albums/Jamo/D3_interior_Jan_2006.thumb.jpg

If you need any other info let me know.
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/ https://www.aulro.com/afvb/ https://www.aulro.com/afvb/ https://www.aulro.com/afvb/ https://www.aulro.com/afvb/ https://www.aulro.com/afvb/[/b][/quote]

Thanks very much Jamo. I currently have a GME TX4400 that was ideal in my old Disco TD5. Reckon I will now have to change to the TX3400 for the space saving.

A pic of the location of the main unit would be appreciated

Many thanks

Bob

[norto]

Jamo
Where did you get your bullbar and how much do you know of any aftermarket roof racks

[Jamo]

Originally posted by retiredbob

Thanks very much Jamo. I currently have a GME TX4400 that was ideal in my old Disco TD5. Reckon I will now have to change to the TX3400 for the space saving.

A pic of the location of the main unit would be appreciated

Many thanks

Bob

Here is a pic of the main unit loc. it's to the left of that larger hole in the footwell cover. You can see the heads of the four screws holding it down. 8)
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/

[Jamo]

Originally posted by norto
Jamo
Where did you get your bullbar and how much do you know of any aftermarket roof racks

The bar is from ARB.

LR makes a roofrack, but I'm not sure of it's integrity.

I'll be shortly purchasing a rack from Opposite Lock called a 'rackmaster'. You can see it on their website www.oppositelock.com.au

It suits me because I'll want to put a rooftop tent and a second spare on it.

I don't know if anyone else is doing racks for the D3 at this stage, but one of the others who reads this might know and will no doubt post a reply. https://www.aulro.com/afvb/

[PCH]

Originally posted by Jamo+--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Jamo)</div><div class='quotemain'><!--QuoteBegin-norto
Jamo
Where did you get your bullbar and how much do you know of any aftermarket roof racks

The bar is from ARB.

LR makes a roofrack, but I'm not sure of it's integrity.

I'll be shortly purchasing a rack from Opposite Lock called a 'rackmaster'. You can see it on their website www.oppositelock.com.au

It suits me because I'll want to put a rooftop tent and a second spare on it.

I don't know if anyone else is doing racks for the D3 at this stage, but one of the others who reads this might know and will no doubt post a reply. https://www.aulro.com/afvb/[/b][/quote]

Tradesman Engineering (Melbourne - Bayswater) is doing their Oval roof rack for the D3. Available in full, 3/4, half, with top rail complete or just on part for a rooftop tent.

See mine below.

Chris

http://www.aulro.com/albums/album260/DSCN1474a.jpg

http://www.aulro.com/albums/album260/DSCN1489_800x600.sized.jpg

[Jamo]

That looks pretty good Chris https://www.aulro.com/afvb/ https://www.aulro.com/afvb/

What is the price??

How much can it carry, ignoring LR's 75kg roof load limit?? :?: :?:

[retiredbob]

Originally posted by Jamo+--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Jamo)</div><div class='quotemain'><!--QuoteBegin-retiredbob

Thanks very much Jamo. I currently have a GME TX4400 that was ideal in my old Disco TD5. Reckon I will now have to change to the TX3400 for the space saving.

A pic of the location of the main unit would be appreciated

Many thanks

Bob

Here is a pic of the main unit loc. it's to the left of that larger hole in the footwell cover. You can see the heads of the four screws holding it down. 8)
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/[/b][/quote]

Thanks a lot Jamo - I now know what to do

[retiredbob]

Originally posted by discomaniac
Hi Jamo,
I have had my suspension compress replaced this week. Local dealer has had 5 in for replacement this week.

They tell me that there was a problem batch. Work OK normally, but can't handle the summer heat.

Mine working OK now, but no real test for it yet. Might get to test it this weekend.

Discomaniac

Had my RDV6 HSE to the local dealers today to have it checked out. They have confirmed that the compressor has to be replaced. Have to wait unit next week now as they have to order one in.

Also interesting that there was a recall notice as well. The Gearbox Parking Pawl has to be replaced. Apparently the current pawls are too weak for the job. Again replacement parts have to be brought in. Will be fixed next week with the compressor.

[Jamo]

What recall notice??

[retiredbob]

Originally posted by Jamo
What recall notice??

Don't know the number Jamo. The service bloke briefly showed me the note they had received and all the accompanying details of what to do.

As I stated it is to do with the Automatic Gearbox Parking Pawl. - Do not understand the full tech info

[retiredbob]

Jamo - found this on a US Consumer site:

<span style="color:darkblue">'06 BMW, Land Rover, Jaguar, and Aston Martin models
Canadian Recall

Guide plate for transmission parking-lock pawl could fail, allowing vehicle to roll while in Park.

Models:
32 BMW 5- ,6- , and 7-Series; 56 Land Rover LR3, Range Rover, and Range Rover Sport; 1 Jaguar XJ Series; and 1 Aston Martin DB9 vehicles.

What to do:
Have dealer replace parking-lock pawl guide plate. </span>

[Jamo]

Thanks retiredbob,

I went to the UK site.

My car is outside the VIN range for the recall, but I'll check with the dealer anyway.

[retiredbob]

[quote=retiredbob]Jamo - found this on a US Consumer site:

<span style="color:darkblue">'06 BMW, Land Rover, Jaguar, and Aston Martin models
Canadian Recall

Guide plate for transmission parking-lock pawl could fail, allowing vehicle to roll while in Park.

Models:
32 BMW 5- ,6- , and 7-Series; 56 Land Rover LR3, Range Rover, and Range Rover Sport; 1 Jaguar XJ Series; and 1 Aston Martin DB9 vehicles.

What to do:
Have dealer replace parking-lock pawl guide plate. </span>


Also found this on a UK site:

<span style="color:darkblue">Recall Notice R/2005/156

Land Rover Discovery 3, Range Rover, & Range Rover Sport built between
16/08/2005 to 15/09/2005

THE PARKING FUNCTION OF THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION MAY NOT OPERATE CORRECTLY
Due to the presence of an out of specification component within the automatic gearbox parking brake interlock system. The parking function may not fully engage when the operating lever is moved to park, despite all indicators showing that park has been achieved. If the parking brake is not applied, the vehicle may roll away.

Remedial Action
Recalled vehicles will have the out of specification component replaced with a quality assured item.

Vehicle Id
SALLSAA136A916990 to SALLSAA536A920909
SALLAAA136A354407 to SALLAAA536A358237
SALLMAM336A212296 to SALLMAM536A212008</span>

[retiredbob]

Originally posted by Jamo+--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Jamo)</div><div class='quotemain'><!--QuoteBegin-retiredbob

Thanks very much Jamo. I currently have a GME TX4400 that was ideal in my old Disco TD5. Reckon I will now have to change to the TX3400 for the space saving.

A pic of the location of the main unit would be appreciated

Many thanks

Bob

Here is a pic of the main unit loc. it's to the left of that larger hole in the footwell cover. You can see the heads of the four screws holding it down. 8)
http://www.aulro.com/albums/Jamo/TX3400_main_unit.thumb.jpg[/b][/quote]

Me again Jamo - Is the main unit mounted in its case or did you fit it some other way?

[Jamo]

It's in it's case.

[retiredbob]

Originally posted by retiredbob+--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(retiredbob)</div><div class='quotemain'><!--QuoteBegin-discomaniac
Hi Jamo,
I have had my suspension compress replaced this week. Local dealer has had 5 in for replacement this week.

They tell me that there was a problem batch. Work OK normally, but can't handle the summer heat.

Mine working OK now, but no real test for it yet. Might get to test it this weekend.

Discomaniac

Had my RDV6 HSE to the local dealers today to have it checked out. They have confirmed that the compressor has to be replaced. Have to wait unit next week now as they have to order one in.


Also interesting that there was a recall notice as well. The Gearbox Parking Pawl has to be replaced. Apparently the current pawls are too weak for the job. Again replacement parts have to be brought in. Will be fixed next week with the compressor.[/b][/quote]


Had the compressor replaced today and lo and behold on the way home the suspension amber warning light did <span style="color:darkred"><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:100%">NOT </span></span>come on at all and I was able to lower the suspension height as soon as I got home. That was a pleasant surprise as I was used to it coming on every time after I travelled about 10 km and when I stopped being unable to lower the suspension to access height unless I turned the igniton off and then on again.. The ride even appeared to be smoother - but it could have been my imagination. Will do a lot more kms in the next few days over varying terrain and will let you know the results.

They also replaced the pawl in the transmission as per the recall notice

[Jamo]

I hope they replace mine when I go to Kal next week.

The car is stuck about 1" above access height.

[PCH]

Originally posted by Jamo
That looks pretty good Chris https://www.aulro.com/afvb/ https://www.aulro.com/afvb/

What is the price??

How much can it carry, ignoring LR's 75kg roof load limit?? :?: :?:

Jamo,

The rack is rated to carry 150kg. My wife, kid, myself and tent would easily exceed 150kg.

The rack was purchased with the tent. I guess it would cost about a grand on it's own.

The top rail has come in handy to mount the kaymar shovel holder and also to hold 20 water jerries so far.

Chris.