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Followup To
John - get your fuel tank replaced. The diagnostics say my fuel pressure isn't correct - new fuel pump needed - zero labor after I told them that it would be the same charge to LR to put in a new one rather than the old one, you need to be on top of these rogues! - Let's see if this finally fixes the problem ;-) Experience dictates that I shouldn't be convinced (I'm parting with the $$$ for the parts!)
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Question - 1997 Discovery SE7. The check engine light just keeps coming back. After a major service it appeared within 2 days. Back to the dealership, and $500 later, replaced spark plug leads and found thermostat damaged. Check engine light reappeared in a couple of days. Then it went off and now it is back on again. I tried your 5-second battery disconnection, but this didn't work.
The only problem that I appear to have is occasionally after the 3rd or 4th warm start in a day of many small trips there is trouble starting - it is as if the fuel mixture is incorrect – it splutters and the idle is way off. Eventually the problem sorts itself out after a couple of presses on the gas pedal. I've cleaned the air in take and sprayed carburetor cleaning fluid everywhere and also on the linkages. The problem is also not consistent.
It is back to the dealership tomorrow for a recall on the gas tank. If I tell them about the check engine light, they'll find something to fix for $500, but I'm sure that the light will reappear in a couple of days!
Thanks for any and all suggestions.
Answer -
Hi Kevin,
I've been in your position before. I had to return to the dealer several times too! My first bill was for close to $3000. Imagine my horror when I drove the Disco off the lot and 2 blocks later I had the check engine light flash on and the same problem surfaced! I was so $%#^$ angry!
I went back to the dealer and, like you, had another service visit and, no surprise, new parts were found to be defective. I felt like someone was jerking my chain! No matter how much I argued that the $3000 never fixed the problem I came in for, the dealer refused to cut some sort of deal. I escalated the problem to LR head office.
LRNR did very little for me on this one. The argument was that the parts replaced were needed and that it was too difficult to determine if they had an impact on the original problem.
As far as I was concerned, the very last service call, which cost me just over $500, was the actual service that fixed the problem. Cause: TPS failure (Throttle position sensor).
Could be the same problem that you are having. The dealership is swapping parts in hopes to solve the problem.
According to the consumer protection agency in my country/province, I could have taken the dealer to court over the billing process BUT I decided that it was more trouble than it was worth.
In fact, that was the reason I started volunteering to help other Land Rover owners, like you!
SO...when you take your Disco in for the gas tank recall, mention that the last service work did not resolve the problem. Make sure that they agree to look at the problem for free (you've paid for the work already) and that they must contact you FIRST before doing any repairs that will cost you!
By the way, I was told that for this gas tank recall, if there are any replacement parts needed that are associated with the fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel lines, brackets,etc., LR must pay for this. IF they drop the fuel tank and find that your fuel lines are all rusted...too bad! LR has to repair this at their cost not yours.
Best of luck,
JohnMc
NB: I have a '95 Disco and I wonder what work will be generated when my tank is replaced. :) I have a big grin at the moment!
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Hi Kevin,
thanks and good luck with this last(?) service call. In your case. Glad there will be no 'added' labour charge for the fuel pump. Perhaps the fuel pump WAS the root of your problems and you'll be ok for the next 8 years or more!
Good luck,
JohnMc
I just recieved a 2nd letter from LRNA and they now ask me to call my dealer and setup an appointment for the tank replacement. Although I have it on good authority that LR picks up the bill, I've had this dark thought that I may be witnessing the opening of Pandora's box.
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