Hello, just as the subject reads, I need some quick feedback. I'm trying to find a D2 and have a possible candidate (2002). The owner knows that it has had engine with prior to his purchase, but does not have any paperwork. How can I be sure it's had its head gaskets done? Also, the brake light kept coming on the dash and the brake fluid reservoir looked full, is there something I should be weary of? Finally, the hill descnt control made quite a bit of noise when engaged, is this normal?

thanks!

 

No proof of the work being done means it didn't happen.

Brake lights coming on can be a bad thing.

HDC can be a bit noisy when it is working but not terribly so.

 

The key to this is to take along an OBDII code reader, and take a thorough test drive, starting and stopping the engine at least three times.

There are smartphone apps for this with cheap dongles, many people use the Ultragauge, and then there are higher end units too.

A pre purchase inspection by a reputable independent Land Rover only mechanic is worth the money too if you don't have the documentation on the vehicle.

Don't use a "foreign car shop" as they don't usually have much Rover experience. You want it looked at by someone who works on these regularly. If the PO has been using a non LR specialist, I'd be wary.

 

One way to check if the head gaskets were done is to look at the bolts and see if they were marked

 

Not a single LR I've bought has come with receipts for HG's being done or serious maintenance. You can normally always tell if HG's have been done on a LR. There can sometimes be a bit of the bulkhead hammered in so gaining access to the lower rear head bolt isn't so hard on the drivers side, and most people mark the HG bolts when done properly to make sure they get the 90 turns correct.

If you aren't mechanically inclined I'd honestly pass on a LR unless you have a good shop that works specifically on LR's in your area.

If just the Red Brake light is flashing on/off could be the sensor in the cap, or the switch for the E-Brake. If it's the famous 3 Amigo's it's probably the internal connector inside the Wabco unit, the Shuttle Valve switches, or a faulty ABS sensor/hub. Option B Mod is an excellent solution and it bypasses the weak link inside the Wabco unit.

Bring a code reader that can read LR specific codes. A normal OBD2 scanner can see generic codes, but it will not see the LR specific ABS or other module codes. I take a ScanGauge II to monitor engine temps & battery voltage. Then for code reading/module checking I have my iCarsoft LR2 scanner (LR/Jag Specific and generic OBD2).

If HDC is working then you probably don't have any 3 Amigo issues and it's just the cap, the plug to the cap, the E-Brake Switch or the plug to it. HDC makes noise because valves move inside the Wabco ABS unit to keep your D2 going slow down a hill. That is perfectly normal operation of the HDC.

 

The red brake light will only illuminate for 2 conditions as per the rave:

1: sensor one cap is reading low fluid or the sensor/wiring for sensor is no good

2: parking brake is engaged or sensor is no good

it flashing on and off makes me think it's the plug to the cap that's loose. Mine did the same when I bought it