Thread: Loss of Power Disco3 when Towing

Just returned from 1500klms down around Charters Towers and back with a 3tonne van on the tail.
On a long hill in 4th (normally in 5th) 2500revs. with cruise control on then without, had quite a bit of surging with the power supply, D3 MY07, 158K.
First time have had this, still held speed, but no response at all, had the same on several hills when returning, but they were much steeper, and a lot of them 2nd gear.
Felt like it was starving for fuel a bit, strange as I change the fuel filter every service. Don't think it was protecting itself as it has done all those hills before and never faltered, no lights no codes etc. Will talk to the service guy next Tuesday.
By the way the Temperature was 38/40 for most of the trip.

I had just been skiting about how easily the D3 made towing compared to anything I had used before --- That will teach me.

DD

When its done those hills in the past has it been as hot weather wise.
Also,how long since you have cleaned the intercooler and radiator fins????
Could be bugs/dirt reducing the effeciency.
Andrew

Probably not as hot, and the air flow is fine.
This "surging" is of quite short duration, I would have thought that if the unit was turning itself down it would be more of a longer term.
It normally bolts up hills but just went "flat" did not actually lose speed but just felt flat, 1 or 2 seconds and away she went again, normal responsive self.
I guess it would have lost speed but was not of a long enough duration to tell, and once started continued 5 or 10 seconds apart until the high load came off.

DD

could the surging be a torque converter issue ?

If I had a wish for future design of the disco's it would be to install an additional switchable option on the transmission, engine and suspension/ ride modules specifically designed and optimised for towing.

haeyou cleaned your MAF & MAP sensors lately? Every time mine has become sluggish in the past I have cleaned these and noticed a big improvement.


Just a throught so don't shoot me for posting.

As far as I know (bought with 80K on it) neither have ever been cleaned

Might have to look into it.

DD

Andrew, Is there any scope to gain from installing an additional or alternative free-standing Transmission Oil Cooler. Has this been done before? as a kit maybe?? I would imagine any additional cooling capacity would be a bonus.

Originally Posted by LandyAndy

The engine will de-rate to protect itself in dangerously hot operating conditions.Were you using sport or auto,also were you using cruise control???
Andrew