checks before departing..

Morning.

I'm collecting my RR tomorrow and lets please assume I get it back OK (150+ miles).

The next day I'm sticking a caravan on, loading it up with wife'n'stuff, and going away. Apart from usual maintenance checks, Can I

please ask what EAS-related checks (plus others) I can make to minimise risk of being stranded on moors somewhere? Or am I just

being silly? Or should I take the old Merc back-up until I've had it a while?

Also (and for future reference), can someone either offer themselves or suggest good people that could help me with anything

problematic please from South Durham/Dales area? 2000 P38 4.0 lpg.

many many thanks,

Steven

Hi Steven,

If you lower the car to access mode, raise it to extended, lower it again, raise it again and it seems to respond promptly and evenly I'd say most of your EAS is probably fine. Next time compressor comes on try and listen for it and guage how often it runs and for how long. Once every 2 - 3 minutes is ok. 2 -3 times a minute is not ok. Running continously until cutting out for 3 minutes is also not ok, its cutting out due to overheat protection that forces rest for 180 secs. Next if you can get under the car and visually inspect your airsprings for dryness and cracking. Its possible you still have the factory fitted originals which might need replacing. But if not and if springs look fine then off you go.

Just download the EAS rescue software from RSW Solutions and make yourself a cable (or buy the lot from Datatek in here).

I bought mine blind on Ebay and drove it back from Birmingham to Poitiers SW France some 500 miles with no problems. They are not all that bad, just look that way from all the faults that crop up on this site.

I would suggest that AA, RAC or GREEN FLAG membership might be your best bet.







other motoring organisations are available

OK thanks people. Rasheed noted your pointers and will apply.

Already covered if I do get stuck. Just in case.

Steven

Good luck and let us know how you get on

I'd just like to repeat Datatek's happy tone. Despite the huge number of things that can go wrong, they can delight you. I have now completed 1,000 miles in my P38 and it hasn't sunk to bump stops once. I've left it parked in a street for 14 days and the battery still had starting power.

I'm fitting 4 new Arnott II suspension bags next Monday just to treat the car. The originals have served more than their time (mine's a 1997) so I'm totally happy to spend on their replacement.

I hope you love the new purchase.

Things you might like to check from my limited experience:

Oil level (mine was close to the lower notch)
Coolant (mine was a litre too low)
Tyre pressures (mine were about 10psi too low)
Battery (mine was sitting loose in its tray, free to vibrate itself to death - which it had!).

Enjoy the ride home!

Steven