First drive

[33chinacars]

Hi Guys just had my first drive in a 96 HSE 4.6 P38 Range rover as I'm in the market for one even with all its faults. Have another one , a 99 HSE, to test drive in a few days time, when dealer fixes bottomed out suspension. The 96 appeared to float and wallow along even in a straight line. Is this normal as the owner said "They all wallow" , He has owned 6 or 7. Or is just the nature of the beast. Your input appreciated. Hopefully a new covert to P38's

[PaulP38a]

A stock P38A does not wallow but it does float. ;)
The ride in a P38A is like riding on a cushion of air (which it is) so bumps are absorbed better than coils. If dips and wanes cause discomfort or affect steering then chances are the shocks are on the way out or the air suspension is set too high.
Check the 5 (nope, there are only 4) air suspension indicator lights on the dash...


If the bottom light is on, the car is in "access" mode and sitting on is bump stops. You will feel every bump on the road. You can't/shouldn't drive in this mode.
If the second light is on, the car is in "low" mode. The ride should be quite firm with little body roll around coners. In EAS auto mode, this height is automatically selected above 80Km/h (after 30secs).
If the third light is on, the car is in "normal" mode. The ride should be comfortable but with a bit more body roll around corners. Automatically selected below 55Km/h (after 30secs), but can be used above if the EAS inhibit switch is depressed.
If the fourth/top light is on, the car is in "high" mode. It will wallow a fair bit as ride is soft due to the air bags being quite extended. Should always revert to "normal" mode when speed goes above 55Km/h.
If the top light is on, the car is in "extended" mode. This is bad as it is not manually selectable and indicates there is an obstruction under the car. (there is no top/fifth light to indicate extended mode - my mistake):angel:

You should also notice a fair amount of difference in power/handling/safety/comfort between the '96 and '99 models. The '99 model uses the updated "Thor" engine management system, 4 wheel traction control, side airbags and nicer interior trim.

Cheers, Paul.

[33chinacars]

Thanks Paul. All very helpful although 99 model I'm looking at is 01/99 from what I have read changes didn't happen till 5th month. Is this correct
Regards Gary

[big guy]

When I was in the market for a P38, I drove 5, they all were different.
The 4l was actually pretty quick, it was the base model and motor was very good, interior did let it down, 98 model, the 96 HSE I drove scared the pants off me.
Car was loose, switches hung off the dash, strange noises and I had no confidence in car at all.
The 01 Hse was totally different, had very low K's, some exhaust work and the guy changed the cam and did some aftermarket injection system from the states that rocked.

There was a premium on that vehicle at over $30k but I would say it be worth it.

Which ever way you go, get it checked out by a Landy mech that really knows these cars as they are very tricky.
I chose another RRC only because of its simplicity.
The ride was tremendous in the Barge(P38).
Go for as late a car as you can afford, I suggest a '99 onwards.

[PaulP38a]

Thanks Paul. All very helpful although 99 model I'm looking at is 01/99 from what I have read changes didn't happen till 5th month. Is this correct
Regards Gary

I'm not sure Gary... Mine is a 03/99 and it has the updates.

Please see the changes to my previous post - I gave you misinformation about the 5th light for the EAS.

Cheers, Paul.

[33chinacars]

Thanks for the update Paul
Also thanks to Big Guy, very useful info
Anyone know of a good Rangie Mechanic in South West Victoria , prefered, or even Mt Gambier area's

Gary:)

[33chinacars]

Hi Guys

Finally got to drive the second P38 I was looking at . A 1999 4.6 HSE, full service history with 192000kms. Unfortunatly the dealer did a very quick repair on EAS and only put in 2 air valves instead of 4. They looped 2 together. Stupid they were told how to plumb. So EAS still doesn't work but at least it was drivable with EAS Fault slow to 50 on dash

My only concern may have been the auto. Harsh shifts in low range, a bit like a stage 3 or 4 shift kit would be. No problems with high range shifts just low range. Is this normal or is there a problem. Any suggestions

Thanks for advice in anticipation:)

[M.Allison]

hrmm in low range mine does it...i was always under the impression a "strong" gear change was good as there is no "slip" as apposed to a smooth one?

but yeah low range on mine is fairly hard...doesnt make a clunk sound just incase yours does. :confused:

mike

[PaulP38a]

similar in mine... low range shifts (by hand or auto) are much harsher than high range, especially downshifts. 2 to 1 is an absolute doosey going down a steep slope.

BTW: that EAS setup has to be illegal. They need to fix it or give you another $1500 off the asking price.

cheers, Paul.

[33chinacars]

Thanks Mike and Paul.
From what you say all seems normal.
And yes Paul they have knocked $1500 off price. Will probably buy & fix it myself. PROPERLY

Gary :)

[Hoges]

Thanks Paul. All very helpful although 99 model I'm looking at is 01/99 from what I have read changes didn't happen till 5th month. Is this correct
Regards Gary

look for a model with a VIN later than XA410482...that's when the changes were introduced as a mid term update
good luck

[PaulP38a]

And yes Paul they have knocked $1500 off price. Will probably buy & fix it myself. PROPERLY

Cool, that seems fair. If it is the valve block, you'll probably be looking at $1k+. If it is the compressor as well, allow another $500+. Shop around, here and O/s.

Not hard to do it yourself. There are plenty of folks here who have done it and will be willing to help you. remember, the "search" menu on this page is your friend :)

Cheers, Paul.

[33chinacars]

Thanks again Paul

Have already used forum for heaps of info. Thats before I had even driven one. Think the forum is FANTASTIC [bigsmile1] Will be bothering you guys lots more when I finally take deliverey.

Also Hoges Vin is WA404607 so I take it that its before updates took place, but car is within my budget. So thats what I get for my money.

[Hoges]

No worries!:D enjoy!

If you haven't already done so, check out Range Rovers (http://www.rangerovers.net) ...usual suspects lurk there also:D


Scroll down to "additions and Updates" lots of uptodate info there and then to Common Problems and fixes...part of which is dedicated to the "4.0/4.6" which is code for P38A...there's a mountain of specialist stuff with inputs from all over the globe.

Then go to RangeRovers.net • Index page (http://www.rangerovers.net/forum)

Specifically the P38A and "Diagnostic" ...will keep you entertained for hours:cool: ...by which stage you will start to develop the symptoms of the P38A mania virus...too late:eek:

[parasnoop67]

Both the valve block and the compressor are easy enough to recondition. All necessary bits eg. Ö rings and compressor piston seal are available from Rover Renovations for not a lot of cash as are the rubber mounts for the compressor.
My sugestion is to unbolt the whole eas box and attack on a nice clean surface.
Only takes 2-3 hours from start to finish. Fixed mine.:cool:

[33chinacars]

Yes Hoges

Have already been checking other pages at Range Rovers etc.

Think I've already got p38 mania & I dont even own one YET!!! Ha Ha

Thanks for advice tho

Gary

[33chinacars]

Well I did it .I've got the sickness. I'm now the proud ?? owner of a 1999 P38 HSE 4.6.[ Here after known as the " TYRENDARRA TRACTOR"] It's white which is something I'll have to get use to as the majority of my cars have been Bright Red. Got toooo :) good of a deal on our old Santa Fe as a trade in to knock back.

Now the fun begins fixing all the fidley little things that were wrong with it. But I knew what had to be fixed before purchase. The only major item is the EAS . The dealer has put in 4 valves now but completely bypassed compressor & air block . But at least now with the forums help I think I know where I'm going with this problem.

Have ordered an EAS Kicker with upgrades & leads to suit P38 only from Black Box Solutions. Should be here possibly end of the week. My home location is Tyrendarra which is about 30 km out of Portland ( South West Victoria). So if any members to use an EAS kicker I'm sure something can be worked out.

Thanks to everyone for all your advice. So far it has been invaluable. I'm sure there will be more Questions as time goes by.

Gary

[Grumbles]

Well now you've gone and done it. Life as you know it is over as you now own a Range Rover. And a P38 HSE to boot. Congrats on your purchase. Welcome to the real [only?] world of four wheel drives. Lots to smile about.

[Hoges]

x2 ;):p:twisted:

[PaulP38a]

Nice one Gary. Now you just need to post some pics of it so we can see it too... it is a mandatory requirement here :D

Cheers, Paul.

[LavisLane]

Awesome - well done Gary. The smile lines will be permanent from here on in :D

[33chinacars]

Thanks to all for your encouragment ??? and well wishes Now the fun begins
Ride " Tyrendarra Tractor " Ride. I can say that cause I own a Farm as well Ha Ha

Gary