First - I must confess I haven't read all the info above.

But, I've had exactly the problem you are describing with the rear stuck in the air and the front low, with an exhaust valve error.

In my case, I didn't have a compressor problem at all. I had melted the plastic exhaust air line where it passes behind a heat shield in the drive shaft tunnel. Basically it melted closed so the compressor couldn't exhaust air and left the rear stuck at off-road height.

My failure was caused by trying a shorty exhaust. I haven't heard of anybody having this problem otherwise, but thought I'd add it just as a data point.

 

Well, after the Dealership visit Im happy to say that my new to me LR3 is happy now. As bbyer mentioned there is a software update due on these vehicles and with the compressor replacement the vehicle computer went crazy because it did not have the update.
P.O. should have done it under warranty but didn't
The air lines had some debris in them from the old compressor and they flushed all the lines out ..so im not sure if the combination of the two caused my issue like Zelatore describes...anyway I hope this will help someone else in the fuure.

Thank you for all your help.. I feel a little more knowledgeable/confident now that I examined the car inside out. lol

Cheers

 

The missing update, I am wondering if that was the original circa 2006 general update or the later one, circa 2010 per below related to shutdown pressure. You will note that LR does not admit to much re the update.

LTB00270 was released in April 2010 to lower the maximum pressure in the reservoir. It was released in conjunction with LTB00269 then LTB00269V2 for compressor updates but applies to all Terrain-Response variants.

The circa 2006/7 was supposed to done for free at during a regular dealer warranty oil change as all the 3's were then under warranty. The later update was only when LR installed a replacement Hitachi - perhaps that is update?

I did not realize that a replacement Hitachi compressor would act up without the update; I thought the update was what one would call "good preventive maintenance", rather than actually needed for the proper operation of the compressor. I guess however the wording of the update below implies trouble.

Blowing out the air lines was a good idea on the part of your dealer. I suspect the air dryer beads had deteriorated and were clogging the lines as well. I think you have a good dealer there that actually understands your 3 - and yes, there are good dealers out there.

Your air system is now probably good again for a few years. Thanks for letting us know.

No: LTB00270
Issue: 1
Date: 09 APR 2010
*TECHNICAL BULLETIN LTB00270 REPLACES LTB00250; THERE ARE NO DETAIL CHANGES*
SECTION: 204
Suspension System Software Update When Replacing Compressor


CONDITION SUMMARY:Situation:
The amber or red suspension warning indicator may illuminate with Suspension System Inactive displayed in the message center or there may be a noticeable degradation in suspension system performance. If after diagnosis air suspension compressor failure is found and the compressor is replaced, the Suspension system control module may require a software update.


NOTE :This suspension system control module software update may only be performed after a suspension system compressor replacement.



Action:
In the event of a suspension system compressor replacement, refer to the Repair Procedure outlined below to update the suspension system control module software.
PARTS:
No parts necessary
TOOLS:
IDS with latest DVD and Calibration Files; first available on IDS-DVD119_V8.03 Calibration 21 Land Rover-Approved Midtronics Vehicle Power Supply
WARRANTY:
NOTE :Repair procedures are under constant review, and therefore times are subject to change; those quoted here must be taken as guidance only. Always refer to DDW to obtain the latest repair time. This suspension system control module software update may only be performed after a suspension system compressor replacement.

DDW requires the use of causal part numbers. Labor only claims must show the causal part number with a quantity of zero.
Normal warranty policy and procedures apply.
REPAIR PROCEDURE
UPDATE SUSPENSION SYSTEM CONTROL MODULE SOFTWARE
CAUTION :Ensure all ignition 'ON' / ignition 'OFF' requests are carried out; failure to perform these steps may cause damage to control modules in the vehicle.
CAUTION :A Land Rover-approved Midtronics Vehicle Power Supply must be connected to the vehicle battery during diagnosis / module programming.
1.
Connect the Land Rover-approved Midtronics Vehicle Power Supply to the vehicle battery.

NOTE :IDS must be loaded with IDS-DVD119_V8 or later and Calibration File 21 or later.
2.
Connect the Integrated Diagnostic System (IDS) to the vehicle and begin a new Symptom Driven Diagnostics (SDD) session.
3.
Follow the on-screen prompts, allowing SDD to read the VIN and identify the vehicle.
4.
From the Session screen, select the 'Diagnosis tab'.
5.
Select the 'Selected Symptoms tab', and then select:
^
Chassis > Suspension system > Vehicle dynamic suspension

6.
Select 'continue'.
7.
Select the 'Recommendations tab'.
8.
Configure the 'Ride level control module'.
^
Follow all on-screen instructions to complete this task.

9.
Exit the current session.
10.
Disconnect the IDS and the Midtronics Vehicle Power Supply from the vehicle.