Discovery2 - how do I test rear suspension

[aV8er]

Hi

I'm new here so please be gentle.

I have bought a 1999 Discovery 2 and it came with no handbook.
There are a few niggly problems that I'll take it back in for:-

Rear washer not working, One headlamp motor broken, water in a rear bumper light, rear sunroof not working (they are getting a new motor for that).

I'm just wondering what else I can "try out" before I go back with it.
I think I've tried most things. I have replaced perished vacuum hose and now cruise control works.

The things I'm not sure how to test are such as the rear suspension. Without a drivers manual, I don't really see what the buttons should do.

Is there anything else I won't be used to on this model after having a Discovery1 for 11 years ?

Also, what should I be looking at doing to lengthen the life of the vehicle. Chassis treatment? Any rustproofing recommended??

Cheers
Chris

[23skidoo]

Lot of questions there ..

Regarding Rear suspension I guess you have Air Suspension ?

You want to do the following as a quick "test" all is good for now.

Raise the Vehicle into Off road mode . [ Press the Button on the dash that looks like an arrow pointing to upwards against the rear of vehicle ] . You will get a chime , and the off road mode light will illuminate and the vehicle suspension will raise up approx 2 inches. NOTE : You need to make sure ALL doors are closed else it wont raise up . So press it through the open window or activate and then get out .

You should check that it does this (raise up ) else there may be a problem with the Compressor .

When raised up get a load of mild soapy water and spray it arround the air bags and air lines and make sure there is no leaks which will show up as a load of bubbles from the bag skin.

Next you want to check the condition of the ride height sensors , they consist of a arm and sensor unit attached to the chassis and the radius arm you cant really miss them . They will quite possibly be covered in much so hose them down or carefully clean with brush or similar. The important thing to look out for are the wiring and connection is good and cracks and splits in the rubber bit around the link to the radious arm . They rarely fail electronically but when they do its not to be treated lightly , you will know if they do as the rear end will raise up to off road mode on there own and not come down . Left in that state they can blow.

Next you want to remove the compressor cover (under the vehicle on passenger side around where the door post is . Its a black box with 2 screw fittings . take it off and check for any signs of water ingress , that is a known condition and is fatal to the unit.

Finally undo the rear near side lamp and you will see the intake filter for the compressor . Make sure its in good state and the cover is still on it . Replace if nec.

---

The other major systems you may have that is different is ACE (Active Cornering) . Its really cool IMO, maybe even better than Air Suspension for ride quality . It rarely goes wrong IMO. Just make sure the fluid level is consistent and it will serve well. If you have this it shares the same resevoir as the PAS system but there will be two caps.

I was about to reel off all the TD5 issues but realized from your sig you have the V8 so will let someone with one of those advise on the common engine things to check out . (Actually I have just edited my post to remove them .. lol )

Cant think of anything else , but others will add there bits I am sure.

[aV8er]

Thanks Graham

It goes up and down OK, I'll have to do all the other checking at the weekend.

I do have ACE too, is that what the sport mode button is for?
Fluid level look OK in both ACE and PAS parts of the reservoir.

(I really must buy a drivers manual... sorry)

I have another (engine/auto) issue. Not sure what to do here now, do I start a new thread? Or ask here?

Chris

[thebiglad]

Thanks Graham

It goes up and down OK, I'll have to do all the other checking at the weekend.

I do have ACE too, is that what the sport mode button is for?
Fluid level look OK in both ACE and PAS parts of the reservoir.

(I really must buy a drivers manual... sorry)

I have another (engine/auto) issue. Not sure what to do here now, do I start a new thread? Or ask here?

Chris


Hi Chris, you can download an electronic version of the manual from:

http://www.discovery2.co.uk/handbooks_Etc.html


Re ACE (Advanced Cornering Enhancement) this is a system for improving the cars' handling through corners and is not related to the "sport" button - that is for the auto gearbox and alters the gear changing points to give a more "sporty" feel to the driving of the car.

Are you familiar with auto-boxes? This one has 4 forward gears plus something called "torque Converter (TC) lock-up". The box changes gears automatically throughout the 4, if you leave it in D (drive). But when accelerating, at about 52mph it will feel like it's just changed gear again - this is the TC lock-up coming into play.

Download the owners manual, read and enjoy.

[aV8er]

Fantastic - thanks biglad.

Is the ACE engaged all the time then?

I have some reading to do now, excellent link.

[aV8er]

Don't answer the question, I found the answer (YES) in the online handbook.

Cheers
Chris