QuestionI have 2, well 3 problems. First, my car is stuck in park. Second, the alarm that is from the factory, is there any way to disable it? Third, I have just had some ants move into my vents and I don't know if I can like spray raid or something or if it will kill me when I use the AC again. I am stationed in Guam, we have a dealer, but they are very limited on what they do and it is very expensive. I know very little about cars, so anything that you could tell me I would appreciate very much. Thank you in advance.
Answer################### Follow up 2 ############
Hi Jackie,
I've heard of door sensors acting up but its never happened to me. As far as I know, the only door that can be opened with a key is the drivers door. If the alarm ever activates, the only way to disable it is by inserting the key in the drivers door and locking and unlocking the door a couple of times.
If you did all this and you were still locked out...you'll have to have the alarm serviced.
As for the radio code, you can either contact the Guam LR dealership and provide both the Disco Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and proof of ownership OR you can contact Land Rover Head Office and again provide both VIN and proof of ownership. With the VIN, LandRover can give you the radio security code. The code is unique to that radio and LR records this for each vehicle.
If the dealer did not give you the right code, I'd contact LRNA (Land Rover North America) and have them give you the code. Explain to them what Guam has (or hasn't) done for you thus far.
LRNA:
Land Rover Owners, contact Land Rover by phone at 1-800-637-6837
or write:
Land Rover North America
Attn: Customer Relationship Center
555 MacArthur Blvd.
Mahwah, NJ 07430
Jackie, I hope this helps. I doubt you can disable the alarm without spending more than what it would cost to repair it. The alarm touches more than I am aware of and that includes your GEMS (engine management system).
If I knew how to by-pass the alarm, I would never post it on this or any website. Yes, it would help all those who are having security trouble but it would also provide information to those who would abuse this info. Betweeen you and I , I don't want to know how to by-pass the system...it would make me feel even less secure (head in the sand).
Write me if you ever need more advice...
Best of luck,
JohnMc
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****************FOLLOW UP***************
Hi Jackie,
thanks for the kind comments.
The LandRover dealership may be able to disable the alarm system thru the "Testbook" device used to analyze/diagnose your Discovery's engine management system. Note that the security system has little to do with the 'stuck in park' problem and more to do with control of hood, doors and windows.
Many, many years ago, I had a Boomerang (Lojack-like) security system installed in my Disco. My car insurance forced me to do this. The technicians installed this GPS security device and when they connected to the battery, the LR alarm detected a voltage drop (sort of like someone trying a hot-wiring attempt) and the LR alarm was activated. These technicians had no idea how to disable the alarm except by disconnecting the battery.
Long story short: Boomerang security (GPS locating device) is good but the LR alarm system is even better. Here in Montreal Quebec, most stolen luxury cars are shipped overseas within a few days. LR alarms do very well in preventing break-ins and drive offs. I guess this is not a big problem on the island of Guam.
Regards,
JohnMc
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Hi Jackie,
I'm glad to help out...
The problem of being stuck in park is common to both Disco's and Range Rovers.
First, determine if your brake lights are working:
IF YOUR BRAKE LIGHTS ARE NOT WORKING...examine fuse F1 in the fascia fuse box. If the fuse is blown, check the brake lights to see if any bulbs are blown, examine the sockets for any corrosion (common problem) and lastly, check the terminals on the back window defrost grid to ensure that they are not shorting each other out.
Next, check the brake light switch on the brake pedal. You can jump the green/purple wire and the green/orange wire and your brake lights should come on and you should be able to shift out of park. Please note that your brake lights will remain ON and this is only a way to get you to a dealer for service.
IF YOUR BRAKE LIGHTS ARE WORKING...you'll have to remove the top of your shifter lever and determine if the clip on the button is intact. A common problem is that the clip can come off and thus you can't lift the rod in the handle.
It is also possible that the park/neutral switch on the transfer gearbox could be faulty. Its rare but possible. Unfortunately, you'll have to have it towed to a dealer to fix this.
Jackie, to disable the alarm is no easy chore. On your '99 Disco, its an integral part of your Disco computer system. If this has anything to do with your first problem, it could be that one of your door sensors is faulting out and not allowing you to start your engine. This is known to happen on your model.
As for ants in the vents, what you can use is a liquid ant syrup instead of an aerosol. RAID is available in liquid form. The ants take the poison syrup back to the colony and it is suppose to kill the queen. How's that for a coup d'état!
Lastly, I do agree that servicing our Disco at the dealership is expensive and that's why I do most of the work myself. I know my limitations though. I only trust the dealership for those jobs that I have no experience with or need specialty tools for.
I've been to general mechanics before and, in the long run, its cost me more than if I had gone to the dealer. So, be careful using regular mechanics. Its important to have a dealership service department that you can trust and rely upon. I'm fortunate in that my dealership has skilled mechanics and is fully equiped for my Disco. I can only hope that you find a dealership like mine.
Don't dispair and keep looking for reliable service.
Best of luck,
JohnMc
NB: the only Guam dealership I found was
Guava International Ltd
Astolat Business Park
Phone: +44 1483 543700
Fax: +44 1483 543719
I tried to find other LandRover specialists but was unable. I've never been to Guam but I'm told its very humid...
