Discovery 3, Transmission fault

Having some issues with my Disco 3. Same fault both times. The first time after stopping for diesel, went to start the car and it started, flashes up with “HDC FAULT, SPECIAL PROGRAMMES UNAVAILABLE” and shows “F”on the gear selection, Runs for maybe 2 seconds and then shuts itself off. Same when starting each time. Fault rectified itself after maybe 20/30 attempts at starting, after maybe 2 hours of trying different things, including a hard reset

The second time the same fault, except shut itself off after maybe 400 meters of driving. Fault rectified itself after 3/4 attempts at starting and maybe 10 minutes total.

Both times showing “LOW BATTERY MODE” on the stereo when trying to turn the volume above 25.

I’ve tested the battery with a tester, showing as 12.45V when parked, and SOC: 73% (Slightly low, but now low enough to cause problems I wouldn’t think?). Alternator is showing as good, and no draw on the battery when parked.

Open to and suggestions as to what to check before I throw a Hail Mary of replacing the battery, and if that fails taking it to be checked (No doubt at great expense!)

Maybe 50 miles of driving and 48 hours between the two faults. Started and stopped multiple times without issue.

- 2007 Discovery 3, TDV6 HSE, Automtic

Hiya

May I ask have u got a spare key plse as sometimes that error can show if the recharable battery inside ur key gets very low or won’t recharge anymore , seeing its inductive charging via ur ign lock, or lack of use if its in a drawer and hardly used , try ur other key to see if theres any difference

Getting fault codes is also very important, take a note of them, clear everything then re scan to see what comes back

U can actually use a rechargeable tooth brush charger base to recharge the keys by just laying it onto the base

Can get a complete new keys off eBay for around £40:, but would need diagnostics to sync the key to ur vehicle , around £10 for the blade to be cut

Also worth checking ur battery earths , there is a big one located behind the front drivers side wheel arch liner, can also test ur earths using a multimeter , or even a jump lead to see if the earths are bad

The d3 will start to shut off systems if it finds the battery supply voltage is dropping

Indeed u should get around 12.6 Vdc standing and around 14.5Vdc running, but of course the cranking amps are very important , Halfords do free battery checks , if the battery is older than 5 x years old that’s normally the time they need replacing, these are very power hungry vehicles

U can get plug in dc display gauges that simply plug into ur 12vdc socket in the front centre console

Now Onto the F error , that can be the gear lever linkage seizing up, would be best to spray the linkage undernath with some GT40 / WD40 lubricant etc ,u may need to replace it and they do a linkage kit

Plse do NOT under any circumstances get undernath the landy without axle stands as they do drop periodically when the key is out of the ign

Well I hope that helps giving u a starting point

Forgot to add when was the fuel filter last changed plse as that can also cause raw F limp error display

Can test the low pressure side of the fuel pump at the back of the engine with a gauge , plus using diagnostics in the live data menu

Plus as urs is a 2007 has the oil pump been upgraded to the new modified one plse, thks

Charge your battery overnight and see if it’s better in the morning

Just fit a new battery.......

Need to check battery voltage after standing overnight, it really does not take much for a d3 to sulk due to a weak battery.
My last weak d3 battery went on my old series2, still on there with zero issues 3 years later, yet on the d3 caused all sorts of issues.
The replacement battery was replaced only a few weeks back (again at 3yrs) upon starting special programmes unavailable, that was it for me and new battery fitted.