LR D2 is a 2003 Discovery SD7 with a little over 73k miles.



The Good


Well it's a Land Rover. I'm a petrol head and I've owned a lot of vehicles over the years and always wanted an to be part of this iconic fraternity. Based on a combination of looks, practicality, budget, and availability, I forwent the Range Rover and chose to pursue a Discovery. As fate would have it I came across this one online as my wife was visiting family in the area. Long story short, it finally arrived on-island a week ago. The ride did not disappoint. I expected it to be a little light on power but it does just fine. The visibility is excellent. You just can't describe the feeling of driving the discovery - you just need to experience it for yourself. There is a certain feeling you get as an owner just by climbing inside - you know you are part of the legacy. LR D2 is in very clean condition. My objective was really an 04 as I liked the look of the thicker roof rails, and I would have preferred sunroofs, but I'm in no way disappointed. For color I preferred either grey for looks, or white or light green based on climate here in the Caribbean, so I was fortunate finding the latter. Very clean underneath with no serious leaks visible. Vin is outside of oil pump issue range. I got the service history and it had head gaskets done at about 58k along with other work over the years. Still has the red coolant and standard thermostat. I had purchased an ultraguage in advance so I could monitor temps and the highest I've seen is 204. In a fluke, the previous owner had added sat radio (somehow connected to the stereo) and while the control unit had been removed, the mounting bracket located just above the transfer case shifter was perfect for the ultragauge. LR D2 arrived with two codes that I was aware of in advance P1412 & P1415. By researching the forum I learnt all I could in advance about the SAI system and was prepared to diagnose this and repair/replace components as necessary. In the end it turned out to be a disconnected vacuum line. An easy fix, codes cleared, and this particular problem has not reappeared. If only it was all this easy.


The Bad


When I picked LR D2 up at the port the gas light was on. This was a surprise as it left the mainland with 1/4 tank, however had sat on the docks in Puerto Rico for a week along the way. Suffice to say at some point in the journey the tank was drained and gas cap tossed. Fortunately being a standard cap I could find one locally.



The bumper is cracked and missing a chunk of plastic which I knew about from pics. I haven't figured out how I'm going to mount my front plate yet, but given the condition of the bumper I might just screw it on (maybe over the missing piece!). I did not expect that both of the A pillar covers were cracked near the top. I'll get some new clips and remove/glue these to prevent rattles and keep an eye out for a used pair. I also found upon opening the hood that the plastic cover at the base of the windshield was also cracked. There is nothing stopping you from raising the hood high enough to break this piece, which had obviously happened in the past. At some point I'll remove and glue that up too, to reduce possible rattles. While on minor things I'll add that after inserting CD's in the changer, I switched the radio to CD but all I see is CD0. I figure this is because the previous owner had the sat radio hooked in, probably in place of the cd connector - so I'll need to 'find' some of the release tools necessary to pull the stereo to remove this. The other minor thing is the seat position. I'm 6'2" and it doesn't seem to go quite as far back as I would like. I'm experimenting with various heights/inclinations and steering wheel tilt to try to find the most comfortable compromise. Also minor issues to mention are the key position and auto door locks. It might again be my tall stature but it seems as if inserting the key is kind of weird. You have to hold it at just the right positing to get it in at what feels to be a weird angle. I know a minor thing but something I've noted. Just like the auto door locks. I'm used to getting somewhere, removing my seat belt, and opening the door before I remove the key. It feels a bit stupid to do this and realized the door is still locked. I know, just a minor quirk to adjust too.


On day 2 I took LR D2 to the BMV to get inspected/licensed. The inspector told me the reverse lights were not working, but let me off with an unofficial warning. I removed one and the bulb looked fine, so I'll put this on the 'to get to list'. Then the ultragague started beeping at me from time to time with a 'low voltage' code P0562. Also LR D2 didn't seem to want to start first time. Just nothing but this was a onetime occurrence. I reconfigured the ultraguage to show voltage and while running was seeing about 13.65. Right next to the battery there are three ground studs. The inner one grounds the battery to the frame (plus something else). Upon inspection this seemed a wee bit loose as I could twist the battery ground inline connector. I took this apart, sanded the connectors and sprayed with cleaner and tightened the nut. No repeat codes since.



Friday it literally pissed down here all day. We got 7 inches or more in places. Lots of localized flooding and at one point I thought I saw a guy with a boat gathering animals together. This led to the next discoveries. I've got a leak as water was dripping from the overhead from the headliner in the middle of the windscreen. I think this is because the wire from the magnetic receiver runs under the windshield trim at the driver's side corner. When I pull the a-pillar trim I'll get rid of that and reseal the area. But the big issue was two new codes popping up - A P0305 and a pending P0134 - bugger. I thought this might be related to some moisture in the fuel (from missing a cap for a time) so I poured a full can of seafoam in the 1/3rd tank of premium. On Saturday I pulled out the tools and was going to check the passenger's side upstream O2 sensor. I could see where there was some buildup on the connector from a slight oil leak at the back corner of the valve cover. This is when I discovered that LR D2 was obviously designed to be maintained by dainty little Pommy engineer hands and certainly not manly sized Kiwi hands. I was prevented in my quest to remove/disconnect and clean the connector. So after much time, many attempted contortions with some minor bleeding I just aimed a can of connector cleaner at it and sprayed away. The positive outcome is that after the seafoam and clearing the codes they also have not returned - for now, mission accomplished.


The rain also did a number washing out parts of the lower gravel driveway - which is 4wd recommended even in better conditions due to the grade. My other vehicles, an 05 Nismo Frontier and the Beast 97 Explorer (that LR D2 is supposed to be replacing) both have shift on the fly 4WD. The whole purpose of having a land rover is off road ability. I have to say that I'm a bit disappointed in the AWD system with Traction Control. If I crawl up the driveway no worries, but give it a little beans and a wheel is bound to break loose further tearing up my gravel drive. Sure, I got the one freaking year without the CDL option, so I guess that's my bad, but I had expected a little better. Don't get me wrong - LR D2 will make it up, I just would prefer for it to tread lightly.


The Ugly

I shouldn't have been surprised. I guess part of the 'excitement' of owning a Land Rover I've read about is the uncertainty of will it start or not. But again I expected better. Last night after getting home from work I had to run out. I jump in, turn the key, dash lights up, but no-start. WTF. Check the ultraguage and no codes, no issues. Try again but no-start. I had no time to diagnose so I jumped in the trusty Beast and went off. Upon returning I checked, thinking it may be the battery. But I turned on the lights, hit the key and they stayed full on (did not dim) so the starter wasn't even trying to start. Voltage was 12.2 which shouldn't be too low to start. Yes my foot is on the brake. I tried putting in neutral, no go. Back in park, no go. Under the hood, with the key turned to the on position, all I could tell was a vibration from the IACV (idle air control valve). Not sure if that is normal or not. Nothing I tried worked. I gave up, drove the Beast to work this morning, and figured I'd start researching the forum when I had time.



New batteries are big bucks here on-island but if a new optima will solve it then so be it. Just seems doubtful this is the problem. Obviously more to come, but for now I just wanted to get this diatribe out there for others to enjoy...


Ain't it fun to own a Land Rover

 

I was expecting much worse.....you have gotten off easy so far. Talk to me after week 3...

 

Yoops must have had a different experience than me. The only problem with mine was that the head gaskets were leaking just a hair and it needed a new thermostat. I drove it for 12 months with the leaky HG just topping off fluid once a week. I had to replace a purge valve and the O2 sensors in that time, and one wheel bearing. The lifters ticked a hair too, so I knew those and the cam would be worn and just replaced them when I did my head gaskets. No real problems cause by the truck itself other than that, other than ball joints and a tie rod, both of which I consider wear and tear items at 130k.

Sounded to me like you are having it pretty rough.

 

Well I guess LR D2 just needed a rest day. Got home tonight and it fired right up. I hate intermittent faults of indeterminate origin. Let's see if she starts tomorrow!

 

"so I'll need to 'find' some of the release tools necessary to pull the stereo to remove this."

Find a hanging file folder and remove the thin metal hanger. Cut in half and there is your stereo removal tool. Be sure to wear gloves or tape the heck out of the ends. I sliced up my hand trying to remove my stereo. It did take me a few tries to get the hooks to lock in place, and pretty much destroyed the tool, but it got the stereo out unharmed.

 

AB sells the stereo remove tools, They work good and have lasted at least 10 removals so far and going.

 

Does stxscott refer to St. Croix? If so you are on the same island as one of the most renowned LRF members ever! But you probably know that already.

 

My truck did that when the starter went. Next time it won't start try crawling under it and hitting the starter with a hammer while someone turns the key. If it starts, you know you need a starter.

 

Wish I had your Disco!! I only had to buy a new engine ($4,000) 6 months into owning mine. Had to take down the transmission and fix 2 years later, and all sorts of other fun stuff along the way!! I'm beginning to think my old '83 CJ-7 was less of a pain in the ***.. but who can judge, they are both awesome fun to drive!!

Get a snorkel and go driving in the floods to show it off!!!

 

LOL Hey!! You are in Charlotte with me!
Do you ever go up to Uwharrie Nat'l with your rig??

I just moved back from Charleston, S.C. and haven't been trail riding since I moved back..