QuestionHi, I just got a 2003 range rover and have a few questions...maybe I am just over paranoid because I have always heard "don't ever buy a used range rover!" Anyway, first thing, just started happening. There is a low high pitched noise almost like a ringing noise (which is kind of hard to hear)coming from what seems like the glove box...at first I was thinking it was from the 6 cd changer which is in the glove box, but when you pop the hood you can hear it a little better in that same area still not a super loud noise...it stays on for about 20 minutes after the car is turned off and while you're driving and then it stops. 2nd question...sometimes while going up a small hill It almost seems like I lose power..let me try to explain. I can hear the engine loudly while going up which is normal but then all of a sudden it gets quiet and I press on the accl and it won't speed up...but then if I press it all the way, the RPM's go way up and then it moves! My husband said it could just be from it being a heavy car..I am not sure..don't think it's the transmission because it will go when I press the accl all the way.. 3rd question (sorry) it seems like when I am sitting at a light and can hear the engine I hear it kind of make noises...like on off on off...almost like it's just overworking itself and then it calms then overworks..Not sure how to explain it (this is my biggest concern it worries me that there is something wierd going on, please tell me this is normal for an older car??)..And one more little question, this has happened twice, I will be sitting at a red light for a while and all of a sudden the car will start like lifting itself either from the front or the back...not sure why. Anyway I would love some insight I am hoping I am just over-reacting..I have never bought a used car so i'm just paranoid of every noise I hear...Thank you for your help!
AnswerSome of your noises could be normal, or they could indicate problems. For example . . . the noise when stopped at a light.
You might be hearing the brake pump, or the electric cooling fans, or the suspension air pump. All can get noiser as they get old, with no particular indication of a problem.
But you could be hearing something else; somethign that's really a problem.
That scenario is true for everything you asked, so I suggest you find a real, capable Land Rover specialist and have them drive your vehicle and evaluate it. We see a lot of that at Robison Service - checking older rovers for problems.
I'd also guess that the loss of power and the suspension changing height issues do point directly to service problems that you should address.
How to find a shop? If you have a good feeiling about the local dealer, you can try them. If you want an independent shop, try looking at www.rangerovers.net at their list of independent shops.
Good Rover specialists are sort of rare - I am in New England and regularly see trucks from as far as Virginia for peculiar problems.
good luck with it
John Robison
http://robisonservice.blogspot.com
