Hello All,

I recently purchased a 2018 Discovery V with 44k miles to replace my 2008 LR3. I love and still have my LR3 despite dealing with the typical LR issues over the years. It was not without hesitation that I decided to buy the 2018 Disco, but with the low mileage it seemed like a good value. I paid 25K for it.

The first issue I’ve had, which I did not notice before purchase, was that I couldn’t connect my phone via a usb cable. The incontrol system wouldn’t recognize any phone. The Bluetooth connection works fine, so no issues with music or phone, however I would like to be able to use Apple car play as it better for navigation, integration, etc. I noticed there were some pending updates for the system, which I couldn’t perform via WiFi. They just timed out or said not available. So I decided it would be a good idea to bring it to a dealer to at least try to get the updates pushed through. Having taken my LR3 to the dealer for work over the years (things needed to be done by a dealer) I knew that I needed to be prepared to bend over.

however, this visit really questioned my purchase. Basically they told me that in order to get the Apple car play going , they would need to push through the most recent software updates. Seems harmless, except they tell me that by doing the updates I could potentially fry both the TCU and IMC. So by just doing a factory software update they are telling me my car could become incapacitated until I replace both. To me this seems absurd.

Against my better judgment I had them go ahead with the update only for them to call me 3 hours later to say that the TCU was fried during the process and now the car was inoperable. WTF! And in order to get the car going I had to replace the TCU ($2,500) and only then could they try to update the IMC, which they said would also most likely fail. Replacement for the IMC quoted at $4,100.

The fact that they told me this happens all the time was very discouraging. Granted, if it happens under warranty it is covered, but clearly mine is not. How can it cost $6,600 just to get the car up to having the current software, that is just insane.

Luckily, the technician was able to get the car back on line by shorting the TCU, which means the car can function in the same way which I brought it into the dealer. But I’ll never be able to get updated software or use Apple CarPlay unless I spend $6,600. And remember I only paid 25k for the car, so that 26% of the purchase price. Something doesn’t add up. And can’t really justify the cost.


So I guess the question I pose to the group is, are there any alternative solutions? Any fixes the dealer is not telling me about? Could I purchase the parts and have a local mechanic install?

Help!!!

 

two thoughts come to mind;

• I wonder if a local LR specialist would have better luck with the upgrade; and not be a jerk about it if it fails (like the dealer did).
• Would putting the car under an extended warranty (ex Fidelity) be feasible? so in case the upgrade fails, or the unit fails of its own accord in future, you're not left out to dry.

do let us know how you decide to proceed.

 

I have previously warned forum members that updating software could cause problems such as this after a personal experience. There is no way I will update my system now.
Of course some forum members replied that I was crazy and they ignored my warning. I have no idea if they were successful. Sorry for your problems. But we just learned one thing from you - I don't understand it but if it's possible to short out a TCU and get the system back up and running that's a helpful suggestion - if it works.

 

Thanks for the responses. I do have a good local guy that has done a lot of work on my LR3. But even on that car for certain things he would have to bring it back to the dealer for programming.

The dealer did get it back up and running so it’s at least back to how it was when I brought it in.

After more digging on this, I’m convinced this issue is related to the class action settlement that just finalized. I checked my VIN and it’s included in the settlement. Within 60 days there should be notification about how to get the fix done. If I read correctly it involves either getting the updates through or they would have to replace both the TCU and IMC. And would have a 1 year warranty on the IMC.

I had looked at some 3rd party warranties but they ended up being cost prohibitive.

So for the time being, I’m going to continue waiting for more details on the settlement to come out.

 

If you happen to be running a VPN on your phone, try turning it off when connecting to the car. Mine doesn’t connect when the VPN is on

 

Can you pls share some more details on the class action, where to check VIN. I just bought a 2018 and would have to get the software update to get some things working...