2003 se7 just got it what do i need to no
#1
01-03-2014, 10:36 PM
#2
01-03-2014, 11:54 PM
Pro Wrench
As a start, it would help us if you could supply more information about your vehicle
e.g., mileage? stock or modified? type of use such as regular commuting, some offroading, etc? are engine service lights? your level of mechanical knowledge? can you do some repairs/maintenance yourself? ......
e.g., mileage? stock or modified? type of use such as regular commuting, some offroading, etc? are engine service lights? your level of mechanical knowledge? can you do some repairs/maintenance yourself? ......
#3
01-04-2014, 08:34 AM
#4
01-05-2014, 02:12 AM
Greetings and welcome to the forum. The first thing you should do is download the free PDF Land Rover Service Manual commonly referred to as "The Rave". All veteran members on this forum use the Rave as it contains a wealth of useful information and diagrams on most all mechanical servicing. Next dedicate some time to reading up on this forum and getting familiar with your truck. Below Ive included very useful links that will help steer you along.
Download the Rave here, its free and safe: land rover service factory manual RAVE download land rover resource, service manual, workshop factory manual, download, rave, vehicles including discovery, series, defender, range rover, freelander, LR3, Handbooks, Catalog, Catalogue, Land Rover Inte
General write ups and how to's: https://landroverforums.com/forum/di...t-reads-26352/
Recommended 100,000k+ Service guide: https://landroverforums.com/forum/di...service-29020/
A overview and some cautionary statements:
The 2003 Discovery 2 had a incident with the oil pump which lead to complete engine failure. Land Rover acknowledged this and offered a recall program but that has since expired. Not all 03's were effected by the recall but a quick google search will help you determine if your vehicle VIN number is in the danger range or not. Most effected vehicles failed around 90k so I think you will be fine nevertheless.
- Understand that the engine engine used in your vehicle was originally developed in or around 1961 by Buick and formally known as the Buick V8. The Rover company bought rights to the engine, tweaked it over the years and added German fuel injection and it now sits in your engine bay. These engines are often referred to as a aluminum block engine. Over time after many cycles the head gaskets begin to fail and the sleeves or liners can come lose and a engine tick will resonate from somewhere inside the engine. Your at 100k so put aside a headgasket replacement fund. Will cost a couple grand give or take depending where you get it done, if you do it yourself it will be under a grand. Start off with a nice oil and filter change. Do a full tuneup while your at it. Treat the engine right and it may endure for a long time before ever needing new head gaskets. Some members on here reports their vehicle reaching 200K with stock headgaskets! Keep your fingers crossed and change your engine oil often maybe every 3,000 or so miles to be on the safe side.
- The stock cooling system has a problem due to a inaccurate thermostat which does not operate to the optimal level it should. From what I gather, the thermostat does not open up until the engine gets to hot and by then its to late and the engine has already begun overheating. Overheating on a aluminum block engine is bad news. The trick is to prevent the engine from ever overheating. If it does happen though, do not drive the vehicle any further whatsoever or you will surely destroy the engine. The solution is to purchase a different model Thermostat known as the TD5 version. This Thermostat was designed for the UK Diesel engine Land Rovers but it it compatible with our petrol engines thank god. Basically it opens up quicker and keeps the engine running at cooler tempatures than the stock thermostat. Highly recommended and easy to install by yourself. You can order it here: THERMOSTAT ASSY DII & FREELANDER 180 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT, PEL500110, RNQ028 - Rovers North - Classic Land Rover Parts
- Ultra Gauge: The next most important addition to your vehicle is the Ultra Gauge scan and code tool. This device is primary used by us to keep tabs on the engine temps at all times. Acceptable engine temps average between 189-205. 112 is "okay" but still a little to high for comfort. This device also monitors mileage, how many miles to empty, battery voltage etc. But it gets better because this device also reads pending and check engine codes and even allows you to clear them! That means you dont have to stop buy Autozone every time you get a check engine code. Just read the code, come back to this forum and use the search function to look up the code to help you pin point the problem and hopfully fix it. Again this device is highly recommended. You can purchase it here: UltraGauge OBDII Scan tool & Information Center
- Front Prop Shaft: The stock front prop shaft has a serious flaw. One end of it is NOT serviceable. This means it cannot be greased. It gets worse because the front prop shaft is position next to one of the catalytic converters which itself produces so much heat. Over time the heat from the cat breaks down the grease that was added during assembly and eventually your shaft will break and flop around dangerously and finally putting a hole in your transmission. The solution is an aftermarket serviceable front prop shaft which can be fully greased on both ends thus solving the problem completely. This shaft can be purchased here: PROP SHAFT FRONT V8 DISCOVERY II 99-04 HEAVY DUTY, RND665HD, DISCOVERY 2 FRONT PROP SHAFT, DRIVE SHAFT - Rovers North - Classic Land Rover Parts
- SLS Rear Air Suspension: The Discovery 2 model has an optional rear self leveling air suspension system. Notably fitted to HSE7, SE7, S7 and specially fitted vehicles. There are a couple advantages to having SLS on board. Ride comfort being the most noticeable as it will be better quality over coil spring suspension. Even more so if you are running 16" wheels on your truck. Another advantage is towing. You may notice how a pickup truck hangs down in the rear while its towing a load? The SLS is designed to address that problem and give you maximum control of your vehicle while towing. While towing you can raise the air suspension in the rear to level out your truck during travel. And finally the SLS proves amazing in off road use. At the flick of a button you can raise the rear end to give you extra clearance to help you get over an obstacle. But If your Discovery 2 does have the SLS rear air suspension then you will need to consider that the original air bladder shocks in the rear are getting worn and could fail in the near future. This is normal for older vehicles especially when the vehicle has 100k or more on it. To verify weather you truck has SLS or not simply examine the rear shocks. If air bladders are fitted than you have SLS, if coil springs than no SLS. Genuine replacement bladders are super expensive and not the most reliable, so again the solution is aftermarket air shocks that come with a lifetime warranty. You should always replace in pairs and if fitted to your truck then you will need 2. You can order them here: https://www.arnottindustries.com/par...48_gid159.html
Alternatively if you wish to convert your SLS to coil springs than you can order a air to coil conversion kit here: Discovery II Suspension Kits and - Rovers North - Classic Land Rover Parts
3 Amigos: Your truck has many computers on board which monitor many different aspects of your vehicles operation and performance. This is a mixed blessing especially as the vehicles ages. The 3 amigos is a slang we use in the Rover community and it occurs when 3 lights illuminate in your on your dash display: traction control, hill descent control and ABS. If one of your abs lines comes lose, breaks or corrodes over time than this can trigger the 3 amigos. Unfortunately these amigos can come on for a whole list of different reasons and it is difficult to pin point the fault without a special diagnostic system which has the capabilities of reading live data. They will stay on and will not go away until the issue is resolved as all 3 systems are closely linked. Note that most independent Land Rover mechanic shops probably have the tool needed to read the live data and can quickly pin point the problem. Alternatively you can purchase your own diagnostic system but expect to pay several hundred dollars for it. Best to let the pros deal with it.
Understand that you now own a very very capable vehicle with some of the most unique styling cues and creature comforts. These vehicles were once state of the art in regards to the innovations they have on board. These vehicles are also very easy to work on with rare exceptions being some of the computer components, but there are enough aftermarket shops and businesses that specialize in selling premium Land Rover parts for affordable prices that always best Genuine prices offered by dealerships. When properly serviced on time and regularly these vehicles will last and last and last. They can take you almost anywhere with minimum modifications and they are comfortable and fun to drive. Advantages that make the Discovery 2 stand out against its competitors are as follows:
- Stock ground clearance is exceptional and most of the mechanical components underneath the truck are tucked up in the chassis so to protect the vitals and offer maximum ground clearance for your vehicle.
- Permanent all wheel drive never stops working for you. No need to stop the vehicle to engage part time 4x4.
- Electronic Traction Control is always working for you, always sensing road conditions and doing its best to prevent wheel spin. Its not perfect but its still very effective, especially when combined with everything else this model has to offer you.
- Center Differential Locker (note not installed on all vehicles) if fitted to your truck you will have the power to lock the center diff to further prevent wheel spin and add maximum traction to your vehicle.
- High/Low Range enables you to change how the vehicle operates while towing, while off roading or just going down a steep slippery hill. Just engage the low range and take your foot off the brake pedal and let the truck do all the work of slowing your speed down safetly without loseing traction.
- Hill Desent Control: Is a push to active function that further improves your vehicles ability to dramatically slow down while going down steep hills. To use, first shift primary automatic shifter to Neutral, then engage the low range then press the yellow HDC button and proceed down the hill with your foot off the brake pedal. Your vehicle will maintain a safe speed of 5mph or less going down a slippery hill without the need for you to use your brakes.
- ACE: Again not fitted to all vehicles. ACE stands for active cornering enhancement system and basically its a system of computer sensors and hydraulics that monitor the position of the vehicle, and if needed try to correct the vehicle to make it level again. Very useful while you are going around a corner or h\need to make a very sudden unexpected maneuver at high speeds (to avoid hitting an obstacle). Also works well while off-roading and combined with the SLS and Diff lock this makes your truck perform wonders off road. The system is automatic and is always on. Not many trucks in the US have this system on board and the best way for you to determine weather your truck has it or not is to open the bonnet and examine the power steering reservoir. If there are 2 black caps on it then you have ACE, if only 1 than no ACE.
- Large cargo space complete with storage bins
- Optional 7 seater to fit the family
- Tall roof line grants excellent head room throughout the vehicle.
- Command seating: The seats in your vehicle are especially elevated while the dashboard is flat and the windshields are flat and large. This allows for excellent visibility all around the vehicle. This proves especially critical while off roading as you can easily see over the hood and have less blind spots than your typical Jeep Wrangler or Pickup Truck.
Below is a list of the most common aftermarket Land Rover shops we buy from:
Atlantic British: Land Rover Parts & Rover Accessories From Atlantic British | Discovery, Range Rover, LR3, LR2, Defender, Freelander and Land Rover Series Parts & Accessories
Rovers North: Land Rover Series, Defender, Discovery, Range Rover, LR2, LR3 & Accessory Lines - Rovers North - Classic Land Rover Parts
Lucky 8 llc: Lucky8 LLC
British 4x4 Outfitters: British 4x4 Outfitters | Land Rover 4x4 Parts and Accessories
For used parts:
Rover Land Parts: Discovery Parts
I also recommend you search for Land Rover enthusiast clubs and independent shops in your area for any mechanical workings you need done. These are unique vehicles inside and out and not just any o mechanic has what it takes to properly perform work on these vehicles. Dont be discouraged, these are great vehicles and there is plenty of resources readily available to help you along with your new to you Discovery 2. This forum is very active especially in the Discovery 1 and Discovery 2 sections so dont hesitate to log on say hello and ask good questions. We are here to have fun, enjoy, cry and help eachother out. Owning a Land Rover is a love hate relationship and as times goes on you will see what I mean. Some of the members here are very passionate about Land Rovers in general so... Good luck and again I welcome you to the forums.
Download the Rave here, its free and safe: land rover service factory manual RAVE download land rover resource, service manual, workshop factory manual, download, rave, vehicles including discovery, series, defender, range rover, freelander, LR3, Handbooks, Catalog, Catalogue, Land Rover Inte
General write ups and how to's: https://landroverforums.com/forum/di...t-reads-26352/
Recommended 100,000k+ Service guide: https://landroverforums.com/forum/di...service-29020/
A overview and some cautionary statements:
The 2003 Discovery 2 had a incident with the oil pump which lead to complete engine failure. Land Rover acknowledged this and offered a recall program but that has since expired. Not all 03's were effected by the recall but a quick google search will help you determine if your vehicle VIN number is in the danger range or not. Most effected vehicles failed around 90k so I think you will be fine nevertheless.
- Understand that the engine engine used in your vehicle was originally developed in or around 1961 by Buick and formally known as the Buick V8. The Rover company bought rights to the engine, tweaked it over the years and added German fuel injection and it now sits in your engine bay. These engines are often referred to as a aluminum block engine. Over time after many cycles the head gaskets begin to fail and the sleeves or liners can come lose and a engine tick will resonate from somewhere inside the engine. Your at 100k so put aside a headgasket replacement fund. Will cost a couple grand give or take depending where you get it done, if you do it yourself it will be under a grand. Start off with a nice oil and filter change. Do a full tuneup while your at it. Treat the engine right and it may endure for a long time before ever needing new head gaskets. Some members on here reports their vehicle reaching 200K with stock headgaskets! Keep your fingers crossed and change your engine oil often maybe every 3,000 or so miles to be on the safe side.
- The stock cooling system has a problem due to a inaccurate thermostat which does not operate to the optimal level it should. From what I gather, the thermostat does not open up until the engine gets to hot and by then its to late and the engine has already begun overheating. Overheating on a aluminum block engine is bad news. The trick is to prevent the engine from ever overheating. If it does happen though, do not drive the vehicle any further whatsoever or you will surely destroy the engine. The solution is to purchase a different model Thermostat known as the TD5 version. This Thermostat was designed for the UK Diesel engine Land Rovers but it it compatible with our petrol engines thank god. Basically it opens up quicker and keeps the engine running at cooler tempatures than the stock thermostat. Highly recommended and easy to install by yourself. You can order it here: THERMOSTAT ASSY DII & FREELANDER 180 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT, PEL500110, RNQ028 - Rovers North - Classic Land Rover Parts
- Ultra Gauge: The next most important addition to your vehicle is the Ultra Gauge scan and code tool. This device is primary used by us to keep tabs on the engine temps at all times. Acceptable engine temps average between 189-205. 112 is "okay" but still a little to high for comfort. This device also monitors mileage, how many miles to empty, battery voltage etc. But it gets better because this device also reads pending and check engine codes and even allows you to clear them! That means you dont have to stop buy Autozone every time you get a check engine code. Just read the code, come back to this forum and use the search function to look up the code to help you pin point the problem and hopfully fix it. Again this device is highly recommended. You can purchase it here: UltraGauge OBDII Scan tool & Information Center
- Front Prop Shaft: The stock front prop shaft has a serious flaw. One end of it is NOT serviceable. This means it cannot be greased. It gets worse because the front prop shaft is position next to one of the catalytic converters which itself produces so much heat. Over time the heat from the cat breaks down the grease that was added during assembly and eventually your shaft will break and flop around dangerously and finally putting a hole in your transmission. The solution is an aftermarket serviceable front prop shaft which can be fully greased on both ends thus solving the problem completely. This shaft can be purchased here: PROP SHAFT FRONT V8 DISCOVERY II 99-04 HEAVY DUTY, RND665HD, DISCOVERY 2 FRONT PROP SHAFT, DRIVE SHAFT - Rovers North - Classic Land Rover Parts
- SLS Rear Air Suspension: The Discovery 2 model has an optional rear self leveling air suspension system. Notably fitted to HSE7, SE7, S7 and specially fitted vehicles. There are a couple advantages to having SLS on board. Ride comfort being the most noticeable as it will be better quality over coil spring suspension. Even more so if you are running 16" wheels on your truck. Another advantage is towing. You may notice how a pickup truck hangs down in the rear while its towing a load? The SLS is designed to address that problem and give you maximum control of your vehicle while towing. While towing you can raise the air suspension in the rear to level out your truck during travel. And finally the SLS proves amazing in off road use. At the flick of a button you can raise the rear end to give you extra clearance to help you get over an obstacle. But If your Discovery 2 does have the SLS rear air suspension then you will need to consider that the original air bladder shocks in the rear are getting worn and could fail in the near future. This is normal for older vehicles especially when the vehicle has 100k or more on it. To verify weather you truck has SLS or not simply examine the rear shocks. If air bladders are fitted than you have SLS, if coil springs than no SLS. Genuine replacement bladders are super expensive and not the most reliable, so again the solution is aftermarket air shocks that come with a lifetime warranty. You should always replace in pairs and if fitted to your truck then you will need 2. You can order them here: https://www.arnottindustries.com/par...48_gid159.html
Alternatively if you wish to convert your SLS to coil springs than you can order a air to coil conversion kit here: Discovery II Suspension Kits and - Rovers North - Classic Land Rover Parts
3 Amigos: Your truck has many computers on board which monitor many different aspects of your vehicles operation and performance. This is a mixed blessing especially as the vehicles ages. The 3 amigos is a slang we use in the Rover community and it occurs when 3 lights illuminate in your on your dash display: traction control, hill descent control and ABS. If one of your abs lines comes lose, breaks or corrodes over time than this can trigger the 3 amigos. Unfortunately these amigos can come on for a whole list of different reasons and it is difficult to pin point the fault without a special diagnostic system which has the capabilities of reading live data. They will stay on and will not go away until the issue is resolved as all 3 systems are closely linked. Note that most independent Land Rover mechanic shops probably have the tool needed to read the live data and can quickly pin point the problem. Alternatively you can purchase your own diagnostic system but expect to pay several hundred dollars for it. Best to let the pros deal with it.
Understand that you now own a very very capable vehicle with some of the most unique styling cues and creature comforts. These vehicles were once state of the art in regards to the innovations they have on board. These vehicles are also very easy to work on with rare exceptions being some of the computer components, but there are enough aftermarket shops and businesses that specialize in selling premium Land Rover parts for affordable prices that always best Genuine prices offered by dealerships. When properly serviced on time and regularly these vehicles will last and last and last. They can take you almost anywhere with minimum modifications and they are comfortable and fun to drive. Advantages that make the Discovery 2 stand out against its competitors are as follows:
- Stock ground clearance is exceptional and most of the mechanical components underneath the truck are tucked up in the chassis so to protect the vitals and offer maximum ground clearance for your vehicle.
- Permanent all wheel drive never stops working for you. No need to stop the vehicle to engage part time 4x4.
- Electronic Traction Control is always working for you, always sensing road conditions and doing its best to prevent wheel spin. Its not perfect but its still very effective, especially when combined with everything else this model has to offer you.
- Center Differential Locker (note not installed on all vehicles) if fitted to your truck you will have the power to lock the center diff to further prevent wheel spin and add maximum traction to your vehicle.
- High/Low Range enables you to change how the vehicle operates while towing, while off roading or just going down a steep slippery hill. Just engage the low range and take your foot off the brake pedal and let the truck do all the work of slowing your speed down safetly without loseing traction.
- Hill Desent Control: Is a push to active function that further improves your vehicles ability to dramatically slow down while going down steep hills. To use, first shift primary automatic shifter to Neutral, then engage the low range then press the yellow HDC button and proceed down the hill with your foot off the brake pedal. Your vehicle will maintain a safe speed of 5mph or less going down a slippery hill without the need for you to use your brakes.
- ACE: Again not fitted to all vehicles. ACE stands for active cornering enhancement system and basically its a system of computer sensors and hydraulics that monitor the position of the vehicle, and if needed try to correct the vehicle to make it level again. Very useful while you are going around a corner or h\need to make a very sudden unexpected maneuver at high speeds (to avoid hitting an obstacle). Also works well while off-roading and combined with the SLS and Diff lock this makes your truck perform wonders off road. The system is automatic and is always on. Not many trucks in the US have this system on board and the best way for you to determine weather your truck has it or not is to open the bonnet and examine the power steering reservoir. If there are 2 black caps on it then you have ACE, if only 1 than no ACE.
- Large cargo space complete with storage bins
- Optional 7 seater to fit the family
- Tall roof line grants excellent head room throughout the vehicle.
- Command seating: The seats in your vehicle are especially elevated while the dashboard is flat and the windshields are flat and large. This allows for excellent visibility all around the vehicle. This proves especially critical while off roading as you can easily see over the hood and have less blind spots than your typical Jeep Wrangler or Pickup Truck.
Below is a list of the most common aftermarket Land Rover shops we buy from:
Atlantic British: Land Rover Parts & Rover Accessories From Atlantic British | Discovery, Range Rover, LR3, LR2, Defender, Freelander and Land Rover Series Parts & Accessories
Rovers North: Land Rover Series, Defender, Discovery, Range Rover, LR2, LR3 & Accessory Lines - Rovers North - Classic Land Rover Parts
Lucky 8 llc: Lucky8 LLC
British 4x4 Outfitters: British 4x4 Outfitters | Land Rover 4x4 Parts and Accessories
For used parts:
Rover Land Parts: Discovery Parts
I also recommend you search for Land Rover enthusiast clubs and independent shops in your area for any mechanical workings you need done. These are unique vehicles inside and out and not just any o mechanic has what it takes to properly perform work on these vehicles. Dont be discouraged, these are great vehicles and there is plenty of resources readily available to help you along with your new to you Discovery 2. This forum is very active especially in the Discovery 1 and Discovery 2 sections so dont hesitate to log on say hello and ask good questions. We are here to have fun, enjoy, cry and help eachother out. Owning a Land Rover is a love hate relationship and as times goes on you will see what I mean. Some of the members here are very passionate about Land Rovers in general so... Good luck and again I welcome you to the forums.
#5
01-05-2014, 02:39 AM
Here are a couple introduction videos provided by Land Rover regarding the Discovery 2. They explain the new features of the vehicle. Discovery 2 started in 1999 and went until the end of 2004. In 2003 the Disco 2 got a modern facelift.
Ace Explained and compared to compeditor SUV's:
Crash Test:
Ace Explained and compared to compeditor SUV's:
Crash Test:
Last edited by TRIARII; 01-05-2014 at 02:42 AM.
#7
01-05-2014, 10:35 AM
#8
01-05-2014, 01:24 PM
Pro Wrench
Atlantic British has a number of useful technical videos on Youtube on the Disco 2:
atlanticbritish - YouTube
atlanticbritish - YouTube
