I'm a first time Land Rover owner and although I attempted to do as much research here as possible before purchasing, I think I still missed a few things. I purchased a 2003 Disco II SE with 137,000 miles for $4,750 from a private dealer. It was advertised as mechanically sound without any cel's or warning lights and only needing a bit of TLC and general maintenance. I just noticed this morning upon startup that all of the indicator lights are not coming on when the ignition is turned to the on position. I fear that the 3 Amigos are shot and the dash was tampered with to hide it. I'm not familiar enough with the vehicle to know if the ABS is actually functioning, so researching it now. I will head out to get the codes read this afternoon for confirmation. The main indicators that I know are missing are ABS & TC.

Other than squaring away this nuisance; I will be following the headliner tutorial as it is sagging, verifying if the u-joint has the updated version, drain and refill all fluids, install new tires/brakes/rotors, fix rear door that doesn't open smoothly and most importantly - provide some much needed TLC.

A pic of my dash as well as Disco are below. I would appreciate any comments as far as what indicators are missing and ways I may be able to test to see if they are working properly. Thanks in advance for any tips or help.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/x149znyt16b2zq2/IMAG0698.jpg
https://www.dropbox.com/s/dlvfrybkg36aaf5/IMAG0697.jpg

 

I fear you are correct you are missing a few lights there, I dont have my truck or i would post a pic of all the lights you should have on start-up.

 

Id say you still probably got a decent-ok deal! I just paid 5k with 121k and cel for maf

 

I wasn't able to get the codes read but I did take it out and do some heavy braking and of course no reaction from the ABS. I also found some other tidbits; will need to replace both valve cover gaskets and 3 out of 4 wheel wells measured to the center are approximately 32" high off the ground, while the 4th is 33" high (Front Pass). Is this something I should be concerned with? It does not have ACE or SLS.

 

Leaking valve covers is a simple $3 fix, 12point 8mm socket.

As for the warning lights, dealer prob didnt know any better.
You will need a "new" instrument cluster as they used LED's and as far as I know they cannot be replaced.
Alot of owners break them (simple job, takes like 10min) because they are sick and tired of not being able to fix the problem and the lights staring them in the face.
You can get a used instrument cluster off of e-bay for cheap, install it and then have the dealer program it for you.

 

Many thanks for the insight. Can't wait to get started.