Land Rover Repair: ABS, TC, Hill Descent Warning Lights, brake failure, disc brakes

Question
I didn't know where to respond to this question about "ABS, TC, Hill Descent Warning Lights" asked of you by Dan back on Feb-5th.  But here is a little more info on this little issue.  My dealer (LR Baton Rouge, LA) claims this is a valve malfuntion in the ABS modulator and the unit needs to be replaced.  He does say this will only keep the these features from working and the disc brakes will remain operational.  Here's the catch, this modulator cost $2500 for the unit, plus whatever labor is required to install. On a 1999 Disco II this particular repair is way,way cost prohibitive.

Due this extreme cost I thought I would research a bit (that's how I found you);  as it turns out there is a recall (Land Rover Recall #148) which speaks of a failure of the support for the ABS modulator, which it claims could cause complete brake failure.  Details of the recall have yet to be released in the US, but already in the UK.  The National Transportation Highway Safety Board #04V005000 has some details.  My dealer said he never heard of it, but then he called LR and said the recall only covered supports of the modulator, not the unit.  This is obviously to be continued.  I thought I would pass this along.

Travis

Answer
Hi Travis:

thank you for the information.  So many other Disco owners have complained about the "three evil eyes" (ABS,ETC,HDC).  

Is is possible to find a used ABS mod?  When I had ECU problems, my LR service manager found a used ECU and saved me 60%.  Still ended up at over $1200...but it could have been worse.

I have made a note of your info and will pass this along.  I know that my older Disco is not affected by this problem and that it affects only the newer models.  

You have my sympathy...Way back in 2000, I was complaining that the dashboard was starting to curl up.  I knew that LR UK was replacing the dashboards in Disco I's.  I approached my dealer and they refused.  They said it was only for Disco's under warranty.  HUH?  At the time, how many 5 year old Disco's would still be under warranty?  Long story, short:  they did not have to repair the dashboard.  I had to purchase a LR 'fix' simply because my dash did not curl while under warranty.  Thousands of others were replaced...mine was too late!

I hope your dealer can do something for you.  I have known some owners who have removed the ABS light.  Seems a shame that such a fine auto has such nagging problems.

Thanks again,

JohnMc