When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Gifted 2000 Disco and Now Have a Transmission Fluid Leak
Gifted a 2000 Discovery from my Dad's friend. The owner was his dad that passed worked on the car himself the last few years (so no real documented history for the last few years). Odometer says 198,304 miles. I'm told the engine was rebuilt in 2013 from another Disco they had. Drove home 13 hours straight and a for another week before M & S lights came on and limp mode. Transmission fluid was low, added a quart plus third of another bottle with some UV additive.
Now it only seems to start if hold the key fully on, move into neutral and hear click as I slowly release the key. Getting Codes P0734, P0741, P1590, P0141, & P0161 and three amigos/check engine light.
Wondering if the transmission leak can be stopped by an additive? If its just the solenoid for the codes or do i need a cleaned/new neutral safety (xyz) switch? Is any of this wroth dealing with? Really enjoy the car but not sure if it's going to be a headache. There is a 2002 in pretty good shape at the Pull-a-Part that was in a wreck with a busted front axle I can get parts from.
Pic below of where the leak glowing green from UV, seems to be above the transfer case.
Last edited by DiscoDennis2000; Nov 22, 2024 at 11:40 PM.
Transmissions almost never leak, however it is common for transfer case to leak. Suggest you clean the area off with some heavy duty oven cleaner (it will cut the oil, but be careful it will burn you) and then inspect the oil coming out. Is it red or brown? Does it smell like transmission fluid or gear oil? Thick or thin? Very common for the center shaft o-ring to leak on the tcase. Not really worth fixing, just keep it topped up. This will help: https://extinctmotorsports.com/land-...l-sight-glass/
Just out of curiosity, did you check the level per the recommended procedure? Dumb question but it is your first post. M&S lights are often the result of a weak battery/charging system, however you may have an issue with your XYZ switch by the way you described how to start it. Best approach is check and clean you battery terminals and put a meter on it while running to ensure you've got a good 14V. The rest of the stuff is covered in the RAVE manual, there are a bunch of links to it here. You can also search "option B" to get some insight on the three amigos.
Had the battery checked and it is putting out 14v. I put the UV additive in the transmission fluid when I topped up. The leak seems to be glowing with the UV light on it. Trans Fluid was normal red when I checked it before topping up. I'm going to get a used XYZ from a 2002 Disco at the Pull-a-Part. Thanks for the advice!