Land Rover Repair: 97 disco dies while driving in rain, ford dealer, hi bob

Question
Dear John:
'97 disco II, gas, 4.0.
Bought used with 50K miles.  Had CE light and ABS light on when bought in '06.  Brought to dealer, they diagnosed the CE light and ABS light as to be a faulty left front ABS sensor or ECU.  I replaced the sensor myself and the ABS works now with the fuses back in...but the ABS light is still on.
After driving to a football game, then returning to the parked vehicle after the game, nothing would happen when the key was turned in the ignition.  Only a very faint clicking from the passenger side.  I replaced the battery.  It worked, and I thought it solved the problem.  A few weeks later, driving with the lights on and the wipers on, in the rain, I turned a corner and the engine died.  I coasted to a stop, and had the exact same symptoms as described at the football game.  Battery was fine this time.

The vehicle was towed to a Ford dealer.  The following day they had to depress the gas to the floor in order to get it to start, but at least it turned over.  Black smoke poured out, and it misfired.  The code they brought up was P1371.  I drove it to the LR dealer without any problems, 50 miles away.  They could not find any codes, and offer no hope or suggestions.

Any ideas as to the problem(s)?  I am concerned about my family's safety if this were to happen again while driving.

Thank you very much for your advice.

Regards,

Rob  (Charlotte, NC)

Answer
Hi Bob,

could be your solenoid or solenoid cable that is shorting out.  Could also be the park neutral switch on the transmission.  I've read that if this gets wet it can cause problems - perhaps even cut out the engine.  Not sure about this but I think there was a recall on this for series II Disco's.  A LR Dealership could tell you if this is true AND if your Disco is affected by the recall.

SO, I think it's an electrical problem, perhaps a short, that is triggered by moisture.

Best of luck,

JohnMc