Thread: TD5 Kick Down/steering question

Originally Posted by Cambeaner

Hi All,

I'm the new owner of a 2000 Discovery 2 TD5 Automatic, I've tried searching for the answer to this question and have found a lot of info regarding tdi300's but can't seem to find a TD5 specific answer, so forgive me if it's here somewhere;

I know TD5's are no race car but mine seems to have an intermittent problem with the transmission, occasionally it seems to go into limp mode when taking off from a standstill, virtually no power then it gets going eventually, I've also noticed (particularly up hills) that the tranny seems to rev excessively high before shifting, is this just a disco thing or can I adjust this somehow?

also the steering seems to wander a fair bit for a 'modern' car, non LR owners say it's just a LR thing but surely this can be tightened up?,

much appreciated,
cam.

Bit hard to answer this, but here's my two bob. Limp home mode will lock you in third, hence no power. Get it to a transmission specialist, and do it soon, they don't do this for no reason. How many Ks has it done, and what history do you have? The transmissions are good, but don't last forever. You may be lucky, and it will be fine, but get it checked by a specialist. When they go wrong they aren't cheap. Ask me how I know.

The steering will depend on what you are used to. I reckon mine steers fine. It's no MX5, but it's a whole lot better than my son's HiLux. If you think it's worse than that, check it too. Do you have a warranty?

I'm not trying to frighten you. A TD5 D2 can be a great car. However, if you have no history, and no backup as in a warranty, they can surprise. Stick with it, you'll probably wind up like all of us here, loving it. But get it to a trans guy. Now.

thanks John!, my last car was a 1969 hillman hunter so the steering really doesn't worry me, but I think it can be improved on, I will get the transmission looked at asap.

Where you live might be your biggest problem, can you work on the car yourself?, if not ask on here for your closest LR savvy mechanic and transmission specialist.
Like you i'm on my first Disco it is a 2003 with 270ks on it and i was delighted how well it drove without any apparent suspension work from new.

Read through this forum on how the transmission is SUPPOSED to operate,, (some great posts by Fluids and others)
then read up on servicing schedules, then on companies known for their LR ZF work,
then come back and ask more questions,,
but as johntins said, the longer you leave it, the more $$$ it will cost to fix

I've found the Disco really sensitive to tyre pressure, run about 3-4 psi more in the back even when empty, it transforms the car. It should steer straight and respond nicely and predictably to steering inputs.
Basically what the tyre placard recommends !

If you think a D2 steers badly , don't try a D1 or RRC!! LOL

I reckon my D2 is so relaxing compared to the RRC as the neutral scrub steering with the ball joints inside the wheels was introduced for that purpose. I find the D2 to be much more stable and need far less correction than an RRC when driving on highway.

Of course your ball joints may be dead. If there is a clunk when turning corners then they are probably dead.

Or the Watts linkage may need new bushes.
Regard sPhilip A

the steering on mine is tight as a drum, always has been, doesn't wonder at all.
If u are in limp mode u have a problem somewhere, not necessarily with the auto either. u will probably need the faults read with a scan tool

It sounds like you may have just bought yourself a "lemon" unfortunately.
Get the truck checked out by a landrover specialist so that you will Know exactly what sorts of repairs/costs you are up for.
I too am new to Discoveries as I first bought mine just over 2 years ago and have had work done on the following;
Rear suspension, rear diff, brakes, transfer case, thermostat, and I changed out the crappy road tyres that came with it.
Other that those problems it is a very capable and comfortable unit.
The steering is very precise and the little 4l V8 and auto box in it hums along nicely and is nice and responsive if I need to give it a bit of Right Foot when needed.
Mine is a 2004 model so that makes it 13 years old, yours is 3 years older, They are both getting a bit long in the tooth and in need of a bit of "Love" due to their age but if you get the repairs done now you will end up with a very enjoyable ride for many years to come.