Supercharged16v Posted December 30, 2013 Share Posted December 30, 2013 Hi gents, I was looking for a good Land Rover forum to help me out on some issues I have, was told that this is the place to be. Last year I bought a Discovery 300 Tdi which was about to be scrapped after it wouldn't start one morning and was pretty much abandoned. The car had difficulties starting up in the morning, so the previous owner sprayed brake cleaner in the inlet manifold every time, till a morning back in 2005 it just didn't start at all. The car was left there, as the owner had other cars to move about, and then he replaced it with a Hyundai Santa Fe and just left the Disco there with the drivers window mechanism broken and the window rolled down about 5 inches. Time had passed, the Disco was in the way, so it was moved about around his yard with a digger, ending up on the side of the mountain, exposed to rain and snow and sun. It looked like this : Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Supercharged16v Posted December 30, 2013 Author Share Posted December 30, 2013 Thanks for the approval So to go on with this story, I trailered the car to my place, and immediately started working on it. The car had missing fuses, it would not inject diesel, it would not connect to the diagnostics computer. Turned out that the last time they tried to start the car , they jump started it (or rather tried to) with the jumper cables on reverse polarity.... I was able to repair my own ECU and while I was at it, changed the oil, timing belts, fan belts, water pump, glow plugs, injectors, and water temp switch. Then I replaced the front wings, and bonnet, front bumper, replaced both front window mechs, rear tail light, side mirrors and fitted a genuine tow bar at the back. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Supercharged16v Posted December 30, 2013 Author Share Posted December 30, 2013 Finally, I put 4 new BF Goodrich All terrain tyres on it, a new exhaust back box, put fresh leather on the front seats, bought a set of sunroof mechanisms which didn't work (although I haven't changed those yet) , replaced the broken airbag crash sensor next to the battery which was snapped out of place with the battery when they hit it on the front wing with the digger, replaced the filler tank hose which was cracked and leaking, the snapped handbrake cable, the cracked propshaft rubber coupling, the de-coiled steering wheel airbag tape, the radio, brake pads and discs all round, and the rear suspension arms and bushes..... .... if I'm not forgetting something.... These are the latest pictures I have before the final touches, next post is about the problems I cant seem to solve I should mention that the car is with Automatic transmission, leather electric seats and electric sunroofs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Supercharged16v Posted December 30, 2013 Author Share Posted December 30, 2013 So here are my problems with it.... Things that will not work - buttons appear to be dead - cant hear any relays opening up : - Cruise Control buttons - Heater Circulation button - A/C button - Rear windows never worked - I changed the Window ECU and still nothing - cant hear the relays working either - Rear wiper and water jet - Rear Fog Lights Warnings that wont go off : - SRS - airbag light is on, although the airbags of the car have never deployed. The fuse on the fusebox gets blown as soon as you touch the pins. Followed the yellow cables as far as I could, cant find anything wrong with them - ABS - paperclip tests gave me the equivalent code of the rear right sensor, however, this is the odd part .... Some times, especially when the car is cold, the brake pedal will grab on from a higher point and spastically clutter its way down , maybe even below the middle. As I mentioned, all pads and discs are new, and the calipers were checked and work fine. Biggest issue I cant live with: - Check Engine light comes on and off whenever and however it wants to !!! Its driving me mad !!! When I first put the car back on the road, that light would never come on. This is something it developed the past couple of months. The car doesn't even have to be turned on for that light to start playing on and off. When its on though, I can feel the car not pulling so well, especially when driving away from traffic lights. If I hit the highway, about 20 mins in , it might go off, and then it might stay off, or it might start going on and off every 3 seconds - NOT in a rhythmical way... So there it is Any help will be greatly appreciated !!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
disco_al Posted December 30, 2013 Share Posted December 30, 2013 First, welcome to the forum.....Second, your problems. - Cruise Control buttons - Not sure but bear with me.... - Heater Circulation button - Possibly related to a fault i had with mine, where the buttons didn't work, and the blower had been fed from a live feed (keep with me here) - A/C button - As above - Rear windows never worked - I changed the Window ECU and still nothing - cant hear the relays working either - Switches, or motors. Easy way is to strip the door card off, find the connector and apply a 12v feed to the pins - if motor is good then it's the switches (or another dodgy ecu, there is a repair guide in the tech archive) - Rear wiper and water jet - possibly related to below.... - Rear Fog Lights - ....these are controlled by the multi function unit on the back of the fuse box. Also controls heated rear screen as well if memory serves. It could be the buttons. I thought mine were playing up recently, until i realised you have to push and hold the fog light button for them to come on. Now, first thing to do is download a copy of Rave, the technical bible. Makes a Haynes manual look like the instructions for Lego As it is invaluable for the correct wiring diagrams and procedures. Next would be to check all the relays behind the A pillar kick trims. I had similar electrical gremlins and it turned out to be several corroded relays causing the issues, mainly due to water ingress through the rusty A panels (that's a different tale). There are also a couple of earth points behind there as well which could cause issues. I think there is a link to the Rave manuals listed in the tech archive Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Supercharged16v Posted December 31, 2013 Author Share Posted December 31, 2013 Thank you so much for the reply I've downloaded RAVE, will have a look through it later on today. What do you mean about heater circulation and a/c been fed by a live feed ? Regarding the rear window motors, I've already changed the buttons and still nothing. The fact that I dont hear any relays opening up when pressing them, makes me think that you have a point on dodgy relays - although my A pilars have no rust on them. The window was open a bit for several years, so its wouldnt surprise me if its related to that, although the car was tilted a bit on the drivers side as you can see from the first picture. Yesterday I took it to a specialist because I had a failing water pump and I didnt have time to fix it myself, so he put it on the diagnostics computer to see about the check engine as well. Error was - "Fuel Cut Off Solenoid" which makes no sense at all... If it was the solenoid on the pump, the car would either not start or not turn off ... In any case, he tried some tests via the diagnostics - Forced the solenoid working for 30 secs etc - and it clicked like it should and it worked fine. He removed the injector brown plug and cleaned it and then refitted it, made no difference. He told me that I need an electrician probably.... Any ideas on this ? On other news, I'm quite pleased with the fuel consumption. This morning I have 670 khms and the reserve light hasnt come on yet I thought this car would burn diesel like crazy ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nigelw Posted December 31, 2013 Share Posted December 31, 2013 Which cruise control buttons? The ones on the steering wheel or the master button on the dash panel by your leftt knee? If it is the steering wheel buttons then you need to A) be very careful and B) remove the steering wheel as it could be a related problem with the wiring from column to the wheel as it does seem odd that the SRS light is on as well, failing that you have to follow the vacuum pipes from the throttle linkage diaphragms to the small electric vacuum pump that normally lives in the bottom of the drivers side battery tray, the CC is inactive at anything less than 30mph(not sure of definitive but mine wouldn't come on at anything less than 30) so it is difficult to diagnose as you actually need to be in motion to see it working, but the pipes normally perish at the couplings and it is worth replacing it all as it is cheap enough, also remove the small vac pump and bench test it and clean out the exhaust too as if it is unused for a long time it gets dirty and bunged up. Check engine light can be any sensor related problem but should have been diagnosed by the garage that tested it, so not sure there. As far as relays go you can also try swapping them out with known good ones to see what difference is made, as it is not unknown for them to corrode internally if left redundant for a few years. Where abouts are you? Maybe there is another forum mamber close by who might be able to help in person as electricals can be difficult to diagnose over the net Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
auf_wiedersehen_pet Posted December 31, 2013 Share Posted December 31, 2013 Where abouts are you? Maybe there is another forum mamber close by who might be able to help in person as electricals can be difficult to diagnose over the net Judging by the signs in the background, I'd say Cyprus Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nigelw Posted December 31, 2013 Share Posted December 31, 2013 Judging by the signs in the background, I'd say Cyprus You can read them Cheater, knew I'd seen it somewhere else before Come on Rob, you got a solution or three for him? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
disco_al Posted January 1, 2014 Share Posted January 1, 2014 My heater blower had been fed from a live feed from behind the dash, straight into the switch as it wouldn't work - caused by the accessory relay being corroded. The good news is that they are standard 4 pin relays, and there are some behind both the RH and LH kick trims (and under the seat as well on electric seat models) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Supercharged16v Posted January 2, 2014 Author Share Posted January 2, 2014 Hi I have removed the steering wheel and I replaced the airbag coil which came apart. I did check everything under there and seemed fine. Cruise control, neither the steering buttons work , nor the dashboard "ON" button. This morning on my way to work , the left front window mechanism collapsed as well ! Never ending story this car... but I will keep trying to make it work as it should. Yes, I live in Cyprus Where all parts are expensive and all specialists are not really... specialists.... So anyway, I will start with the relays and see if those fix any problems. If I can sort out at least ONE problem thats related to relays, I will be more than happy Will keep you updated Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nigelw Posted January 2, 2014 Share Posted January 2, 2014 Withe the window collapse that seems very reminiscent of the toothed plate popping off the spot welds in the mechanism, simple, drill out and weld with high amps with either mig or stick. If you need I have a cruise control ECU in my spare room??? But you need to find it and be sure it has power supply and a good earth, I am guessing with open elements for a couple years the earthing contacts will be a tad corroded!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Supercharged16v Posted January 2, 2014 Author Share Posted January 2, 2014 I will mate, I will also check the relays one by one. Window mechanism, its the white plastic roller that's broken in 2. I'll have to get another one to swap it I will let you know about the cruise control ECU as well, thanks ..... what else do you have in that spare room ? hahaha Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Supercharged16v Posted January 8, 2014 Author Share Posted January 8, 2014 Nearly had a small stroke this morning ... well not literally... but close ! Last night I parked the car outside my house, everything was normal (apart from the usual amusement park lights in my dashboard). This morning, started the car, tried shifting in Drive, and the lever wouldnt go back !!! I thought GREAT ! Just what I needed.... With a little persuasion it finally engaged gears, but it would jump to N and it wouldnt go below D either, as if something was jammed in there. Went to a mate's garage, who lifted it up, and said... Its probably the gearbox. Something must be broken inside I suggested we remove the cable selector from the gearbox to make sure if the gear selector went back by hand, and so we did. After some careful examination, and a good torch , we discovered a little ...souvenir , probably left behind by the previous owners kids... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JB750 Posted January 8, 2014 Share Posted January 8, 2014 Bl**dy 'ell! Thought it was a thumb or finger at first! lol! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Supercharged16v Posted January 9, 2014 Author Share Posted January 9, 2014 Right... I've spent most of the day at an auto electrician friend of mine regarding the heater circulation and a/c buttons, as well as the rear windows and the check engine lights.... We established that the relays are all fine We also established that the REAR windows, dont pass through the window ECU !!!! Given that, we also established that the reason the rear windows werent working, was because someone had disconnected them because BOTH window mechs were broken, so as nobody would make them go down !!! Then, regarding the A/C and circulation buttons (and all the rest) we tried finding the Multifunction ECU control ( 1280 ) ??? and we couldnt find it. Instead, I think I dont have that box and I have the green box which is for the alarm and immobilizer ? That we opened up and found that its got a fried transistor inside - which makes no sense as the imobilizer and fob were working perfectly ! If I'm nowhere near what I'm looking for, can someone please point me to the right direction ? I've got everything on the floor now, the car is a mess, I need both rear window mechs as well as the front passenger one ! Jesus Christ, how did they treat this car ??? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nigelw Posted January 9, 2014 Share Posted January 9, 2014 I had an issue with the post mistress this afternoon so could be an even luckier day for you, will open up the box and chuck in the central locking thing and spare fob I have for it and send along too Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Supercharged16v Posted January 10, 2014 Author Share Posted January 10, 2014 Nigel, I dont know what to say !!! THANK YOU !!!! Please let me know how much shipping would be and at least something for all your trouble ! Again , a BIG Thank you !!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nigelw Posted January 11, 2014 Share Posted January 11, 2014 Can you do me a favor and look up under the dash at the back of the main fuse board, now on the back of that there is a thing called a Multi Function Unit "MFU", find that and tell me what color yours is please. Google images will help or try this linky Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Supercharged16v Posted January 13, 2014 Author Share Posted January 13, 2014 Funny you should mention that, I've been looking allover for it, and I finally found it over the weekend. Swapped it with another one which I got from a friend (he had a Disco for spares) and now my rear defrost, wiper, fog lights etc all work ! However, the a/c and circulation buttons still dont work, even though I found the corresponding relay to it and swapped it with another one just to be sure. The buttons were changed as well, and no power is going to either the circulation motor or the A/C compressor to kick it in. The Green Alarm ECU though which had the burned transistor, I think I made it worst :/ I've tried welding on a new transistor but it just melted off from the heat and now my hazard lights dont go off ! I need to remove the plug of the ecu every time I park and I ride with the hazard lights all the time :/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Supercharged16v Posted January 15, 2014 Author Share Posted January 15, 2014 Just a quick update... My car now looks like this : I'll get there... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Supercharged16v Posted January 24, 2014 Author Share Posted January 24, 2014 Havent done anything on the car for the past couple of weeks, still driving about with all the ecu's and electrics just hanging there, still havent sorted all my window roller mechs (got the left side front and back to change as well now), but I've noticed some things which I wanted to ask you guys about: 1 - when the car is running, it smells really bad. Really intense smell of burned diesel, however no smoke. At first I just thought that its how it smells, but a few people have noticed as well, and it makes me wonder. Does it smell like that by default ? :/ 2 - when I leave the ignition on, for more than 60 seconds before starting, the car wont start ! Why is that ? Any ideas ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Supercharged16v Posted February 7, 2014 Author Share Posted February 7, 2014 HUGE THANKS to Nigel for sending me a power window/alarm ecu with fob and a cruise control ecu !!! I'll get busy the next few days, swap them and see if I'm done with all the issues I've had Thanks again Nigel I own you one mate Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nigelw Posted February 7, 2014 Share Posted February 7, 2014 HUGE THANKS to Nigel for sending me a power window/alarm ecu with fob and a cruise control ecu !!! I'll get busy the next few days, swap them and see if I'm done with all the issues I've had Thanks again Nigel I own you one mate Glad they got there safe, but did I drop my car keys in the box too Only joking, hope it helps. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boydie Posted February 7, 2014 Share Posted February 7, 2014 yeppers from what I've read of your problems it all comes down to a defective MFU (Multi F****ed Unit) for example, the rear wipers will nor work unless all the doors are closed, 60% of the controlls pass througfh this little gizmo and if it plays up, lord help you 'cos LR wont, replace it first and then you might find all your problems solved, I down graded my Disco 300TDI to less that the the basic 200TDI loom - a total of 14 circuits in all - and got rid of the little sucker. you will find it plugged at the rear of the main fuse panel st teh drivers right knee, good luck with the bottom screw by the way, all my fuses and relays are now mounted where the read passenger side rear seat used to be. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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