Land Rover Repair: Drivers side door lock seems to slip, land rover discovery, veritable wealth

Question
I have a very temperamental 1995 Land Rover Discovery 7 seater. It is a veritable wealth of entertainment and frustration, and though a recent acquisition I am rather attached to it, I must admit. Most recently it seems that the lock on the drivers side is loose. The key turns in the lock, and appears to open it, however it doesn’t always look like its open (though the pin is up) and sometimes requires a few tries to get the door to open, however on occasion now, once the door is open it doesn’t recognise the door to have been unlocked and sets off the alarm system. That, in itself, is annoying, but then so is being locked in my own car. I would love to know what you feel needs replacing, and also the process to do so.  I have no manual, but am handy with the tools.

A solution for this particular situation would be great as I am still undecided about replacing the things which apparently should be looked at in this truck as its looking to be about $4500 (fuel injectors, shocks, power steering, god knows what else)  and I’ve been told it’s not necessarily the best option when I can get a newer Rover for not much more! Any advice and/or instruction for this first time LR owner is greatly appreciated! Thanks, Tracy


Answer
Hi Tracy,

the door lock problem is very common for LR owners.  The locks eventually seize up and eventually have to be replaced.  The door locks can be adjusted but it may not be the final solution as the internal latch is the root cause.

Send me an email and I'll respond with a techsheet on how to adjust the door lock on you '95 Disco.

As for the other repairs, if the repairs amount to more than $5000, yes, sell your '95 and buy a newer model.  HOWEVER, even the newer models will have expensive problems (headgaskets, door latches, window motors, SLS air bag leaks, ABS modulator replacement, ..)

If you keep your current model, you may be able to save money by buying salvaged parts and having a local independent LR mechanic perform the labour.  IF you have to use the dealer, use them wisely.

I'll include some independent mechanics if you tell me which city to search for.

Best of luck,

JohnMc