Good Evening All,

I’m teetering on a future path for my LR3 and the more I dig into it, the more it seems like I have stumbled into someone else’s project and hopefully not a money pit.

When this Rover first came to me a while ago, the Head Unit and Amp were missing with the cables cut. I’ve managed to acquire the appropriate hardware and haven’t had a chance to put them in. Hoping to get that done in the next day or two.

Wife was on the way home and she saw a ‘transmission fault’ message which was gone in a flash and she limped it the rest of the way home. I was trying to flip through the menu but the navigation for the information screen on the instrument cluster requires the use of the steering wheel radio buttons… which mine do not work; assuming this is because my radio isn’t there.

That’s one thing; the other is even though mine is an SE … the previous owner has installed the SatNav screen… the display itself is dark, but the buttons on the base of the screen illuminate at night when the headlights are turned on. I’ve never seen this screen on… I’m assuming this is because my radio isn’t there.

And the last one for now… and this is a bit of a Hail Mary, but maybe it’s because the radio isn’t there as well… my key fob was in terrible shape and falling apart, ordered a shell replacement and a new battery since it didn’t work to begin with. I’ve got a background with soldering etc so I zipped it apart and got it all put back together and lo and behold… it doesn’t work. Didn’t work to begin with but I was hopeful.

Would you say that these three issues could be related to the radio?

I’ve looked at an IID tool, but I haven’t convinced myself to purchase it just yet, I’ve got the J2534 and some diagnostic software on hand; just one of those things that are on my to do list… I’m sure it’s going to be necessary for troubleshooting issues into the future just trying to find me feet in the dark.

I will say this does have a heck of a hard shell dash cover, I noticed one of the vents looked a little recessed, went to touch it and got glue on my finger. The sunlight had caused it to separate and raise up from the dash. Gotta figure out how to fix that without popping the bag… we’ll see.


Sorry, went off roading there in thought.

Any input would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you.

 

If you're going to keep the LR3, get an IIDTool. It is more than worth it.

 

SE could be optioned with sat nav as well as other equipment, the transmission fault message on the dash wont provide anything meaningful so you'll need a good code reader for that.

 

Can you get by with the standard or do you need the pro?

 

I’ve got a snapon Solaris handy; it didn’t store as a persistent code strangely.

 

Pro is only for professional/workshop use.

 

I'd recommend the BT version. Pro not necessary unless you own more than a few LR3s. I have 2 of them, and paid a little extra to have it work for both VINs.

 

Even then you can have up to 10 VINS for one BT version. Or maybe even more now? Either way, you pay for each. Still cheaper than dropping $2k on the PRO, which is simply an unlocked version for shops.

 

So the BT version will let you do all the fun stuff like programming keys etc?
Solaris only lets me do functional test across the various systems and I can reset codes but doesn’t let me change any settings.
I registered for an account with the GAP tool site... I’m tinning the wires for the radio reinstall right now. If I can get that to work I’ll order one.

Even as a spartan non-geeked out interior, it’s a nice truck that is presenting to be mechanically sound, it just depends on how certain aspects work out how I am going to spend money on it. Before I put the radio in I’ve got to pull the rear passenger door panel and correct the issue with the lock actuator.. every other door locks except for that one. Really don’t feel like finding a replacement amp and head unit again for this thing… don’t know that there are anymore in this half of the US that match. . .

 

It isn't like a "base model" vs "loaded" scenario

The BT is just the one for vehicle owners - it does everything you need (probably more)