OK.

Taking one thing at a time: The noise. I listened to your 2 videos above. It seems to be intermittently going on/off at idle which to me would rule out something drive train (axles, driveshafts, differentials, wheel bearings, hubs). To me, this sounds like an exhaust rattle or heat shield rattle. This sounds exactly like what mine has sounded like after particularly hard off-roading trips when I've bashed the bottom on rocks or whatever and bent up the exhaust. The noise sounds more like it's hitting the frame or a cross member than a flimsy tin heat shield, which would be more tinny sounding. If you get around the back, and sway the tailpipe left and right, does the noise change or go away? (use a thick glove or towel so you don't burn yourself please)

I do have one other idea related to your noise. Rather unlikely, but since you're having trouble figuring out the noise I wanted to mention it: There is the possibility that your flex plate has cracked or come apart inside the transmission / torque converter which would be rather annoying, but it certainly does happen on higher mileage D2's. It usually presents itself initially as more of a tapping or clinking noise though esp in park or neutral --> . I did find this video too though on a P38 . I only mention this because you described an odd transmission issue recently...

 

This afternoon, I will go look under my ACE/SLS 2000 Discovery 2 which is parked in my offsite garage this afternoon to see if I have that mystery plug and if anything is plugged into it. I have to go grab something out of the garage so it is no trouble at all. And I do love a good mystery.

 

Hello and thank you again for your extensive help. I will check the exhaust and test tomorrow. I had a ticking sound am hoping it could be the metal manifold seal also because I was getting a tick coming from other the front engine before this louder tick.

Will check to see let you know. I will have to pop the circle cover. I need to check those bolts also. The flexplate repair is a nightmare. From what I have always been told in person and read online the transmission on Land Rovers is strong long lasting and durable. It is one of the few parts that can outlives the vehicle. I have always changed the trans fluid and filter with the mobile one sythn and it always comes out clean and I feel I wasted time and money changing it.

Is it possible to open the circle cover and stab the flex plate, or set it up fail? Or can you just do that with hard off-roading?

After these experiences I'm trying to focus on, what would someone do here to make the car fail. Something ... unsophisticated ,easy and simple . sort of the lazy mans guide to get more car repairs. They only want to know what I do for money. Same as everyone else. People that come up to me, don't even want to know my name, only what I do for a job. 5 or 6 guys in their 20s in the village want me to get them a green card to America. Because I'm here to make it rain with cash and green cards. Why else would I be overlanding here. The other guy told me it was his dream to come to America and be a hotel doorman for $200,000,00 /yr salary lolool.

I will check this tomorrow but am trying to focus on what could have been done and how do I stop it. Car was repaired by IMHO one of the top Land Rover mechanics in SoCal,

Another shop I visited the owners driving a $65,0000 Tesla. He is selling cars outside his shop. I show up he opens the hood says it has big problems and asks me to sell him the car. Huge red flag. Next! Other guy was a gypsy trying to run a repair business . He had a dirty pig pen shop but I respected that for some reason...He did not want to help. Only saying I know friend I sell car we share money. Nope! That is not why I'm at your shop.

Will test tomorrow and hopefully that's the reason. I did hear the guy say they had to charge more money to to fix the nipple on the air spring. It was brand new but he said it was broke and had to fix it. Now the pump is coming on too much.

 

You're welcome. Good luck!

Send us all some pics of your travels. It certainly sounds like you get yourself into some interesting situations in parts of the world that I'd love to have a crack at in my Land Rover !

 

I did 2 tests when the car rattles. I sounded like it muffled the sound a bit each time. But I could not 100% confirm. It's an odd noise when your sitting on the cabin. Almost like a fuel pump vibration. But sounds like the Transmission area. Going to trailer it to the Land Rover dealership soon. I will take some photos when I can.

Do you know anyone that could tell me what this plug is? There is a guy who lives in Arad Romania who is very strong on electronics with these vehicles. I am trying to find him he had a skeleton logo and lives nearby.

 

Sadly I have had a b*tch of a week at work and haven't gotten to my offsite garage. I'll get there soon and take a pic inside my right rear wheel well and try to figure out what the plug is for (if my 2000 ACE/SLS D2 has it!)

 

Hello, Did you check your car yet? My underside has worse rattle today. It seems to be at idle and slower speeds.

I took the car to another mechanic ...

I'm going to post a thread on this.

 

Does anyone have any idea on the plug ?

 

Ride height sensor was mounted near there for the SLS system.

 

Hello,

I'm checking to see if anyone knows what this plug is. Plug is still exposed. Maybe if someone could take a photo of their rear right wheel well.