QuestionI have a 2000 Discovery Series II with just over 50K miles. Over the last several months, the ABS warning light came on while I was driving under normal conditions. It would go back off within 24 hours. This happened 2 or 3 times. Last week, the ABS, Traction Control, and Hill Descent warning lights came on while driving under normal conditions and have not gone off. The manual says this might happen and to have it checked. I'm concerned this might be something big ($$$). Any advice you have for me would be appreciated before I take it in for a diagnostic check of the fault codes. Thank you! Dan
AnswerHello Dan,
don't worry too much. The ABS light problem you 1st describe is quite common. As the vehicle gets older or more mileage is accummulated, parts wear out. It is quite possible that the ABS sensor is finding a fault due to a worn part. After 50K, if you have not done so already, you may be in need of some brake work. There is a special part that is used by the ABS system that can wear out after many, many years. Very normal. If you do the work yourself, you can save 70% of the bill! Are you familiar with disc brake work? Could you change a rotor? ABS ring?
As for your Traction Control and Hill Descent warning indicators...it could really be normal wear of your suspension system.
Both brakes and suspension wear depend on driving habits and terrain. For example, I live in the mountains of Quebec Canada. I put alot of miles on my '95 Disco, 150K of mostly highway. Our roads are gravel washboard-like in winter and pot-holed in summer. Last summer was the 3 set of brakes since new. I know I have to change the shocks this summer and perhaps the springs too!
As mentioned above, if you do the work yourself, you can save a substantial amount of money. You can also take your Disco to a reputable brake shop for service, thus saving even more money. The only advantage to going to the dealer is that OEM parts will be installed and if any hidden problems surface, they are equipped to repair it quickly.
Get a written estimate from your dealer then try a few 3rd party shops. If the difference is not to your liking, go with the dealer. I can tell you that my dealer was going to charge me about $2000 for all 4 wheels (brakes) and about $1500 for all the shocks. I did the brake work for about $600 (had to buy some tools) and I plan to do the shocks using Old Man EMU aftermarket products for about $500.
To determine if you have a serious problem with your warning lights, you could reset your error codes. Disconnect the negative battery cable for about 3 seconds. Reattach, reprogram your CD/Radio security code (clock too). Run your Disco and see if the codes reappear. If they show up soon after your reset the code buffer, it could indicate that work is required sooner rather than later.
The worst case would be a new air suspension compressor, about $1000. I've seen one on sale (eBay) for about $500. Sensors can also fail, with prices around $100 to $150. Shop around, if you do the work yourself. Vacuum problems are common for our Disco. So is fluid leaks.
Lastly, ask your dealer to locate the best price available for any part they install. Often times, they can find rebuild parts with a better price than OEM. Don't be afraid to ask...if you don't - you pay full price. If the dealer won't do this, ask why? My dealer won't do this for some parts...but on others they are willing. I saved $800 on a rebuilt master cylinder.
Best of luck, Dan.
JohnMc
