Land Rover Repair: moving to maui/ tail lights stopped working., oil light works, land rover discovery

Question
I am moving to Maui Hawaii, and am concerned with taking my 1996 Land Rover Discovery SD with 120,000 miles on it. My dad just bought it for me$3500, 3 weeks ago and already had to put in a used engine ($4500) from 2 rods breaking loose and spliting it in 2. The used engine has 80,000 miles on it. Many electrical problems, rear windows stopped working day of purchase, no dashboard lights,(but oil light works), and as of yesterday no taillights. Brought it to the mechanic and changed a fuse under the hood which was blown #2-lights, and they came on and then blew the fuse again. We repeated our steps, and it repeated its. We noticed that the previous owner had someone install a 6-24volt unit for trailer lights under the back end of vehicle near hitch. So he suggested removing that because of possible splicing issues with non-land rover wires. If that is not the issue, what do you think the problem could be? Also Maui has no land rover dealership, but the neighboring island Oahu does. Does this seem like a potential nightmare or something to be worked with? I am torn about shipping it over there-$1000. Any advive would be greatly appreciated at this point. I never have had a vehicle like this, I always had a ford car-Much different. Thank you very much for your time, Much Aloha, HC


Answer
Aloha Heather,

ooh boy....sounds like you could be in for some problems if your dealership is on another island.  Imagine the costs if you need to have it towed (and shipped) to Oahu?  I'd consider leaving it on the mainland and getting something much smaller.  I'm sure the fuel costs are higher over there too!

The electrical problems you mention are common.  Check the rear defrost wires and window for any electrical shortages...this can cause Fuse #1 to fail and you'll see dash and tail lights failing too.  Also, you should inspect the taillight connectors for corrosion, especially those within the bumper and exposed to exterior conditions.  Its been my experience that lightbulb connectors get blasted with dirt and rainwater which leads to rust and corrosion.  I've had several light harnesses replaced due to corrosion.  very common in older Disco's like ours.

I wish you luck with your problem and bon voyage on your move to Maui.

Regards,

JohnMc

NB:  I've never been to Hawaii but someday....I'm envious!