QuestionMy husband and I just bought a 97 Range Rover 4.6 HSE and we live the the South Pacific so garages and Pep Boys are hard to come by. I have noticed some complicated issues in which the manual doesn't even touch on. We replaced the battery when we got it and of course the radio does not come on and all I get is 4 dashes on the screen. I have a 4 digit code on a little white card but left the car turned on with radio on for 3 hours and nothing was displayed but ----. Everything was good for a couple of days then when I tryed the remote to unlock, nothing, I used the key and tryed to start and NOTHING not even turning over. Checked the Battery and it was dead. Replaced the battery again and again it is being drained by something. Altenator is good and when it is running, never stalls and never looses power. Suspension lowers overnight, but programming the seats was a piece of cake. A/C not working and it is getting hot here. I can hear it working but no cold air. New to the Land Rover world, but had an old CJ-7 (like the Defender) and had simular problems so at night I would just disconnect the neg. from the bat. and all was well in the morning. Am I going to have to do this again? Let me know some insight to this.
PEGGY
AnswerHi Peggy,
I understand your anxiety with this Rangie...being so far from a LR dealer and having so many problems with your used vehicle.
With a new battery installed, turn on the radio and enter the code (white card) using the preset program (numbered) buttons off the radio. Once the code is successfully entered, the radio security should be complete. IF you fail to enter the correct code after the 3rd effort, leave the radio on for 1 hour then try again.
If could have been a weak battery that gave you the trouble. Let's hope so. Rare to have an electrical short that drains the battery unless its within the ignition (starter solenoid, ignition switch are usual suspects).
As for the suspension, you could have a leak within one of the four air bags that may cause your air compressor to work harder (may even be the cause of your battery draining). With warm-soapy water in a spray bottle, shake and spray the contents lightly over the air bag to see if an air leak is present. You'll see bubbles created if you have a leak.
As for the AC, sounds like your compressor is not working. You could save big by buying salvaged parts and having them shipped (www.car-part.com). I've had good success with salvaged parts so far. Other option is to order from LR and pay full price for 'peace of mind' new parts. Most general mechanics can solve AC problems on LR's - not much difference in repairing this.
Disconnecting and re-connecting your neg.cable on the battery each night is such a nuisance. Try to resolve the problems that make you do this. IF you are still having trouble with remote keyfob, radio code after installing the new battery, send me an email and I'll see what techsheets I can find for you. Make sure to use "South Pacific Rangie woes" in the subject title. I might have something that can help you out.
Best of luck,
JohnMc
