Hi!

I'm a typical Volvo loving Swede that likes IKEA, meatballs and chokladbollar. Or that is, I was. After a trip to the Kruger Park i South Africa I was equally impressed by the wild life as I was by the humble beasts that gracefully traversed the dirt roads. Land Rovers. I knew exactly nothing about them but the aesthetics, their raw brute power and ability just struck me. I needed one.

So the Volvo loving swede that likes IKEA, meatballs and chokladbollar is since a week back a proud owner of a Discovery 4 2010. And I honestly have no idea what to expect next. Is this the beginning of good times or financial ruin?

I have read everything there is about these cars and you get a very divided impression by that. Some people say these are horrible cars, they are expensive and fall apart and basically its insane to own one. Other people say they are just about as good as any other car.

Now I'm looking for suggestions that will make me sleep easier. I'm an absolute beginner. But I intend to learn everything about this machine and do repairs and oil changes myself outside of the Land Rover service intervals.

Suggestions for basic tools I need would be helpful.

I have a specific question. The upper tail gate on my Disco cant be opened unless I press the button on the remote control for opening the tailgate at the same as I pull the tail gate. If I unlock the car and press the "tail gate" button on the remote the tail gate clicks and slightly opens but is still locked and cant be opened by pulling the handle (unless I have completely missed something). Is this a known error. What could be causing it?

 

The very first thing you need to do is call Lucky8 and buy a Bluetooth version of the GAP tool. It is a must for land Rover ownership.

If you had the GAP tool, you would be able to read codes on the body control module. I am guessing you have one for the upper tailgate actuator. I cant remember the actual code, but once its tripped, the upper tailgate does not work normally.

Here is a thread that outlines replacement:

https://landroverforums.com/forum/lr...2t-open-86771/

 

Gap IID Tool is your best friend for reading the various systems and pulling codes. Invaluable for troubleshooting.

My LR3 did something similar it was worn out lift struts on the upper gate

 

good point Bill, and a cheap fix/diagnostic step

 

Thanks for all the replies! Very much appreciated, sleep is already improving!

About the Tail Gate; for a 2010 LR4 with 195 000 km on it. Would you say that this is "normal wear and tear"? If somehow this damage was caused by a previous owner I can have it repaired for free, but first I would need to have an assessment on what has caused the malfunction from a certified Land Rover workshop (which would cost money). So I am wondering if its worth looking into or just repair it myself.

 

no, normal wear and tear. The rear struts are like $20. Start there. If not move on to the actuator. Need to get your hands dirty at some point, why not now!!!