Land Rover Repair: ABS - TC and Hill Decent Lights On, intake manifold gasket, speedy reply


Question
QUESTION: I have a 2003 Disco II SE7 with the 4.6 Engine. A few months ago the ABS/TC/
Hill Decent lights came on occasionally. Now they come on either immediately
after starting or withing 15 minutes of driving. Is there an affordable way to fix
this without replacing the entire ABS system? Thanks.

ANSWER: Hi Matthew,

it all depends on what component is at fault. Sometimes its the wiring to the ABS sensors, sometime the sensors themselves.  These are relatively inexpensive to replace.  

Note:  LR has loads of trouble with electrics - harness connectors and seem to a common problem and corrode over time.  Much more than the N.American models I've owned.

Diagnosing where the problem is is key to saving money with this problem.  It gets very expensive when you start to swap out parts to solve a problem.  Some dealers will do this - hit or miss - and you pay the bill!

My answer would be to find yourself a good independent LR mechanic who has the right test equipment to diagnose ABS problems.  Someone who has experience with LR's can save you a -load of money.

IF your dealer is honest, they too can work to save you money.  nuff said.

Best of luck,

JohnMc




---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for your speedy reply. Just a few simple follow ups.
1. Could it be that my brake pads are worn down and effecting the sensors?
2. Are the ABS sensors easy enough to replace? Are they easily visible once you take the wheel off?
3. Could it be that my ABS module (machined aluminum thing next to my master cylinder) has failed somehow?

I will probably take this project on myself (and not deal with the dealer) as it seems to pale in comparison to the intake manifold gasket I replaced on this same Rover about 3 months ago:)

Thanks in advance.

Matthew

Answer
Hi Matthew,

this is a real 'can o worms' you are going to tackle - and without a code reader, you could be replacing perfectly good parts.  cha-ching! $

Do you have a RAVE CD?

Send me an email and I'll help you out with what I have.

Regards,

JohnMc