Land Rover Repair: Land Rover ABS/TC and Hill Descent lights, land rover discovery, land rover north

Question
John-
     I have been experiencing the same "3 evil eyes" in my 2001 Land Rover Discovery.  The continuous failure of the ABS, TC and Hill Descent lights is grating at best.  Unfortunately, this is the 9th time my truck has been back in for repairs in the last 6 months.  I think I made it 4 days without the lights going on this last time.  Land Rover's response everytime has been "try it again" when questioned by the Dealer.  Are you aware if the recall #148 that you spoke of was ever done in the US?  The truck is still under warranty, and extended warranty so this is not cost prohibitive, but at the same time an incredible waste of time.  Also, without the proper brake functions is it safe to be driving this truck?  I find it hard to believe that I should live with Disc Brakes when half the reason I bought the truck was for its performace in rough terrains.

Thanks much

Dan

Answer
Hi Dan,

I like your term "3 evil eyes".  I know the UK had a recall but I could find no such recall in the US.  You can contact the NHTSA on their SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236) and they might help you out.  Meanwhile, keep after the dealer.  Once your warranty runs out, you'll be running to the bank every time you take your Disco in for repairs.

I have been told that the features (ABS, TC, HDC) will not interfer with normal braking.  Those are sensors that are being triggered by a fault (whatever that may be).  I would escalate your complaints up the food chain and start calling LRNR (Land Rover North America).  Your dealer may be waiting for the warranty clock to run out.  Mention this to LRNA and have them do something BEFORE this happens.

Best of luck,

JohnMc

NB:

Dan, in Canada, a recall notice was sent out about the ACE system and I wonder if this is the same problem:

the ACE (Active Cornering Enhancement) pump banjo bolt looses torque and allows fluid to leak past the joint. When the fluid supply is exhausted, a diagnostic warning light will be illuminated and the ACE system will go into a fail-safe mode. The leak of fluid from the pump joint can ignite resulting in an underhood fire. Correction: Dealer will inspect for leakage of fluid or wetness around the joint area. If no leakage or wetness is evident, banjo bolt will be re-torqued. If a leakage of fluid or wetness is evident, the banjo bolt and Dowty washer will be replaced.

Ask your dealer about this.  It affects 2000 to 2003 Disco's.  The Canadians recognized this problem but Yanks don't seem to know about it.  hmmm...I wonder why?

RECALLS US AND CANADA:

http://www.autos.canada.com/montreal/info/recalls.html

JohnMc