QuestionHello Mr. McInnis. My name is Michael. Recently I just bought my first RANGE ROVER here in smoggy Los Angeles, CA. Its a 1999 Discovery II SE with 53,000 miles. I just bought it on 9/13/2005 for $11,000.00. I absolutly love it.
However -
There is a catching noise under the car when I am accelerating or de-cellerating. Its not that bad - YET - but it is noticable. When I test drove and bought the car the little gear stick was alwaysin H. I didnt think twice about it and after I brough the car home - I couldnt figure out how to put it back into " L " (I thought it might save gas becuase it is a GAS HOG - $100 just this week !). Eventually I figured it out and after I put it into " L " the car was totally diferent ! The tranmission would not shift past 3rd and it really gave a jerk inbetween shifts - not to menetion it made a really whiny noise. Now I'm really freaking out becuase the mechanic down the road (who does not work on Range Rovers) said its "probably" the transmission and I would be looking at an after tax total of $4000 ! I absolutly cannot afford this and I'm very worried.
Do you think this might be the Tranny ?
Can you please let me know when you get some spare time ? I know NOTHING about Range Rovers. not even how to change the oil.
Please let me know when you get a chance. Thanks,
Michael
AnswerHi Michael,
call me John. I'm too young to be a grandfather.
First, you bought a Land Rover Discovery. It's a Disco to most owners. Range Rover is to Land Rover like Cadillac is to Buick.
In fact, like Cadillac's and Buicks, some parts can be found on both vehicles AND older Rangie systems often move to new Disco's. Case in point, the air suspension system. The difference being this: GM would test out new systems on the Buick and if proven, move them to the Cadillac. That's not done with LandRover (LR).
Enough History 101. I'm glad you enjoy your Disco. LR tradition has it that you give your Disco a name. One fellow I know calls his Disco 'Spot' since it leaves oil wherever it goes (marking its territory?).
Do you have an owner's manual? If you live in LA and drive only on paved roads, always keep the shifter in H (high). L (low) is for off-roading and you should never take your Disco above 30 mph while in low gear.
At this point, I suspect you are just driving your Disco around in Low gear and hearing the tranny whine. Stop the vehicle. Turn off the engine. Shift and keep in H HIGH for all in-city and highway driving.
I don't know how long you've been driving in low so I would suggest you do your Disco a big favour and change the transmission fluid. Hopefully, all you've done is overheat the tranny a bit. If you do this work yourself, you'd smell burnt fluid. If a garage does this, don't tell them what you've done. Depending on where you go, they'll immediately say "ahhh...your tranny's shot! That'll be $4000 thankyou."
Get a Haynes Repair book #3016 for LR Disco. There are not many repair manuals for your Disco and this one covers most of what your Disco is equiped with. You have a Series II Disco and this book covers Series I Disco's. The difference is significant BUT most parts are installed and maintained in the same manner. So spend the $30 and get peace of mind.
About third-party garage mechanics. Be careful. Not many know about Land Rovers and they can save you big buck$ or cause you all sorts of grief. Find a reputable Land Rover dealership. Eventually, you'll need the services of a LR testbook to diagnose problems on your Disco II. At $10,000, most general mechanics don't have this device but dealerships do. For your Series II, very little is adjusted without the testbook.
Some work can be done by specialty shops. Tranny, alternators, starters, radiators, radios.
There are common problems to all LR models. Your 1999 Disco is by far one of the better models. A THOR engine with a BOSCH engine management system...sweet. BMW designed. Envyed by most series I owners.
So, switch back into H gear (unlocked) and have the tranny fluid replaced. Use only 91 or higher octane fuel and bite down on a small piece of leather each time you fill your tank. ($110 each time for my Disco...ouch!)
IF (BIG IF) you do have to replace your tranny, you can buy a salvaged one for a fraction of a rebuilt or OEM original. www.car-part.com
Best of luck,
JohnMc
NB: if you did not buy your Disco from a LR dealer, find one in your area and speak to the service manager. They will make sure your name is registered for the vehicle. This will ensure that all service and recall info is brought to your attention.
You can also inquire as to what recalls and service work was performed on your Disco. For a small fee, LR will do a thorough inspection of your Disco and highlight any problem areas that will need attention. I can't stress enough the importance of finding a dealership that treats you right.
