Land Rover Repair: check engine 96 Discovery, detective work, abs light

Question
John,
You've helped me before so I'm hoping you can help again.  We have a '96 Discovery.  Our check engine light and ABS lights have been on. We took it to the dealership to fix the problems.  After 10 days the mechanics can not figure out what is setting off the lights. The check engine light was off for a day and now it's back on.  The ABS light just won't go off.  We live in Germany (military) and so there's a bit of a communication problem with our mechanic.  He trys to explain what he's done and what he's looking for but we don't always understand his English.  He said he fixed a small problem with the ABS.  He's run numerous tests on both problems but can't find anything wrong with the vehicle.  He even brought a "specialist" in to look at the car.  Do you have any ideas as to what the problem might be and what we can do to fix it?  We're trying to sell the vehicle so that we can get a smaller car.  But, we'd like to fix everything before we try to sell it.  We'd appreciate any suggestions.

Thanks,
Tara Owens

Answer
Hi Tara,

I'll do my best to help.

Is this a LandRover dealership you are talking about?  Normally, a LR dealership would replace the ABS modulator and sensors to fix the problem.  If they can't find a simple fault, they usually don't bother tracking down the details and just swap the whole thing out.  At least that's what my dealer does and most of the dealers I know about.  They're concern is to pass the vehicle 'in and out' in as less time as possible.  That usually means detective work (like solving the ABS, TC and HDC problems) are passed over and entire components are swapped.  

The ABS problem is a mercurial one.  Sometimes its the sensors, sometimes the ABS pump, sometimes the lines, sometimes the modulator.  These problems are found in almost all series I Disco's and series II Disco's too.  I've come to live with the ABS light, much like a neighbour you recognize but don't want to know.

I'll have to tell you that swapping out the ABS system can be very expensive.  If your intention is to sell this Disco, you may have to shell out $1500 just to repair the ABS.  I'm sure you've already dropped a 'pretty penny' - with 10 days at the dealership.

As for the check engine light, that is most likely a separate issue from the ABS problem.  Under your passenger seat is a OBDII (on board diagnostic) display.  Insert your key into the ignition and turn it to the final position JUST BEFORE the engine turns over.  All the lights on your dashboard should be lit.   

Leaving the key in this position, look under the passenger seat and see what code is being issued that was triggerd by the Check Engine light.  You can either go to website http://www.iequus.com and see the cryptic translation or you can send me a followup and I'll do my best to locate the problem from here.

Usually on older Disco's, its the sensors that start to fail.  The most common is the coolant temperature sensor, O2 sensors and the intake air temperature sensor.  Have your mechanic test these out.

I hope this helps.  Let me know what OBDII codes you see.

Regards,

JohnMc