Rear Suspension Dropped - Compressor?

2000 TD5 Disco 2 Manual 7 Seater.

Over the last couple of days the self levelling suspension warning light has flicked on for a few seconds but always reset after stopping the vehicle. I put this down to possible effects of the weather effecting something. It has also been off road a fair bit in the last couple of days driving through mud and slushly snow.

But this morning I have noticed the rear has dropped, pretty much evenly on both sides.

Pressing the off raod mode button on the dash with all doors closed has no effect, warning light flashes but no rise at the rear.

I have read through the thread here:

http://www.landyzone.co.uk/lz/f38/disco-ii-air-suspension-definitive-guide-61211.html

Seems both sides dropping is most likely a compressor fault, so I have removed the cover from the compressor, started up the engine to see if I can hear or feel it working. I cant seem to feel anything.

Next, opened the bonnet and checked fuse compartment, no fuse that I can see for the system but there is a relay marked up.

Is there a separate blade fuse somewhere to check?

Can I check power is getting to the compressor?

I don’t have a multi meter to hand but do have a simple tester with a light.

If it is a compressor, how much are these normally? I probably use my local independent garage as get on very well with him.

quick update....must have been blind, had another look and have found the fuse. 30amp one in a square block, not a blade type.

This is blown but I dont have a spare to check if the compressor will go, where can you get these fuses from? Is it a Land Rover only type?

As to why it has blown, no idea...under lying problem with compressor?

Further update, tried to see if I could get a 30 amp blade fuse across the terminals on the blown block fuse:



With the drivers window down I managed to hold a blade fuse across the terminal after I removed the block fuse , turning the key to start the engine the rear rose as per normal.

So the compressor is not blitzed it seems.

The fuse did not like the poor connection but it did not blow:



So, need to source one of the block fuses ASAP tomorrow and hope that there is no underlying issue with the compressor.

This sounds similar to what I am experiencing, but I have not yet checked the fuse (I have a stinking cold so staying in the warm) to my mind if a fuse blows then there is something overloading it, i.e., a short or an overcurrent. There must also be a relay for the compressor, I would check that it was working OK as well. It sounds as though the compressor may be drawing abnormal current when starting and thus the fuse blowing. Compressor could be on the way out.

I have had exactly the same problem on friday with my TD5, I took it to Nene Overland who are landrover specialists, what has caused my fuse to blow is a mixture of things apparently
firstly a while back I had a leaky airbag but instead of getting it fixed straight away I drove for a while like this as it only seemed to go down when stood, what this did was it meant that my compressor was running continuously which it is not supposed to do putting strain on the life of my compressor.
secondly I had a puncture on my front wheel so I jacked it up and repaired it but of course whilst on the jack the rear was pushed down on the air bags. when the wheel was refitted and jack remover the compressor just had too much to do and was drawing too much current hence pop went the fuse.
nene overland replaced the fuse and slowly up she went and touch wood she is still there but I have been told that by the noises the compressor is making she is not long for this world
a new compressor will cost about £280 to £300 depending where you go, what I have done knowing I will have this bill sooner or later is I have taken a chance and bought a second hand one of evilbay costing me just £41 so this will sit in the garage until needed.
Anyway thats what I was told by the experts and these guys are I think the do a lot of expedition preping on these thing so must know their stuff, just might be something worth thinking about if it is blowing the fuse there might be a problem with it like mine so keep an eye on ebay.

hope this helps
oh the garage feller did finish of by saying it might be just caused by the cold but my compressor still didn't sound healthy to him

According to the RAVE manual, the SLABS ecu which controls the compressor and air suspension is supposed to keep a check on the compressor duty cycle to ensure it does not overheat.

It doesn't seem that it is very good about this as it seems a leaky airbag eventually kills the compressor anyway.. :-(

I have only managed to get replacement fusible links (the 'block fuse' you mention) from LR.

David

Got a new fusable link from Matford Landrover this morning, last one they had in stock!!!

So far so good. Car happy to go into off road mode and sink back down again.

Have driven 80 miles and all good so far.

I do wonder if the intial problem was caused by the extreme cold wednesday/thursday night. Now things are a little warmer all OK.

I think I'll have another Brandy, this all sounds expensive to me.

I need to fit a new air spring in my disco but can't decide to fit coils instead, what do you all think???

Srm said:

I need to fit a new air spring in my disco but can't decide to fit coils instead, what do you all think???

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If you have 7 seats coils will invlaidate your insurance.

brainboy81 said:

If you have 7 seats coils will invlaidate your insurance.

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I have an insured 7 seat Disco on coils!

If your changing to coils can I have your air springs and one of mine is leaking

gipsy

Yep I have 7 seats.

if you have seven seat on coils that had air springs as in the later disco 2's then it invlaidates your insurance due to some eruopean rule and loading.

LOL, just thought I'd ask

The Mad Hat Man said:

I have an insured 7 seat Disco on coils!

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That might change when it comes to pay-out time... If they can claim that you have invalidated the type approval...

David Pye said:

That might change when it comes to pay-out time... If they can claim that you have invalidated the type approval...

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I doubt it - as it came from the factory like it!

best to check with your insurance co first tho, to be on the safe side.

Hi. had same problem with mine. Compressor was fine but a recently replaced height sensor was to blame. Caused both sides to deflate not the usual one side only.Worth checking connections on sensors for corrosion etc. just a thought.

Why do they say it will invalidate insurance? Is it that the ride / handling is compromised ie not as supple or is it something else? The comercial type discos carry heavier loads than 2 extra passengers on springs.