Imported P38

Hi guys,

I've just picked up a Range Rover P38 that was imported into the UK from Japan in 1997. I guess this is quite rare, but hopefully someone may be able to help....the vehicle is Right hand drive so don't worry, no questions on moving the steering columns!

Basically all of the instrument panel is in KM/h and the onboard computer does things like litres/100KM. Does anyone know if I can simply source a new instrument panel and plug it in, or are the calculations all done at the ECU and just presented on the display?

If the latter is the case - can the ECU be reprogrammed simply to output to MpH and then purchase new dial backings with the correct markings?

Thanks in advance from a RR newbie!

Andy

Hi Andy
Mine's a Jap import too ! - you can look forward to years of ownership with no rust issues at all if it is as clean as mine was
Bet it has low mileage too
I reckon it's the best way to buy a P38
You can get a sticker from the main dealer that will go directly over your speedo reading to change it to MPH
I am not sure about being able to change the onboard computer from metric to imperial so the readings are in mph/mpg but I would be very surprised if it was not simply a matter of changing the settings on testbook at an independant land rover dealer or even at the main dealers
I have lived with the fuel consumption reading in litres/100 km for 2 years now and it doesn't bother me - after all most times you dont want to know how much fuel you are using !
Kenny

Thanks Kenny, good to know about the stickers and that I'm not alone I was trying to search for sites that sold a new dial kit last night but came across nothing. I have a couple of good independants near me that we've used for Series LRs in the past so maybe I'll give them a shout and ask.

The BECM will have to be set to metric if you want to use a MPH speedometer. Remember though that if you buy second hand that the mileage on the speedo. will show the highest number, e.g. if the car has done 75k miles and the clock 55k then the clock will update to 75k. Likewise, if the clock shows 120k miles, the BECM will update to 120k.

The BECM will have to be set to metric if you want to use a MPH speedometer. Remember though that if you buy second hand that the mileage on the speedo. will show the highest number, e.g. if the car has done 75k miles and the clock 55k then the clock will update to 75k. Likewise, if the clock shows 120k miles, the BECM will update to 120k. If you put a sticker over the dial, the odometer will still register in kms and the computer on metric also.

Sorry I repeated the last post-I am used to explaining everything at least twice to er indoors!!!!

Surely it is just a case of changing the sticker behind the speedo needle ?
You are right that the trip computer will still be metric and show kilometers on the trip 1 & 2 and the odometer, but speedo reads mph with sticker

Do you know if testbook or similar can switch between metric/imperial ?
I know that the TD5 Disco has a switch somewhere to change between the two without the need for a hook up, pity RR didn't do the same

Must admit it doesn't bother me having everything bar the speedo showing in metric

Yes Kenny, I agree that the speedo will read MPH correctly with just a stcker over the dial face and from a cosmetic point of view-you would not know the difference. Point to remember though is explaining to a potential buyer that the 160k on the clock is not miles but kilometres especially with a speedo that is showing MPH.
Yes, the BECM can be set up for MPH, MPG etc. or KPH,litres/km. but not a mix of either. I have never changed the metric parameters over in a BECM so cannot confirm if the Odometer reading will be automatically converted to miles. No doubt someone on the forum can confirm or not if this is the case.

Thanks IR,
I remember hearing somewhere that the BECM doesn't take too kindly to being changed from one to the other but can't remember where - I may even have dream it !
As I said it doesn't really bother me and I have no intention of selling at the mo, but I must admit if it was a simple operation to have it done then I would probably go for it - after all, 70,000 miles looks a lot better than 110,000 kms !

Thanks for the info IR, I'll make a couple of calls in the next day or two and post back if the odo updates automatically - I'm kinda guessing not though - it'd be just too simple

hi
troggy i two have a p38 from japan ,I have had it for three year when i got the car i had it converted to miles from KM/L so it now reads 50.000 miles Instead of 80.000 kl/m the only thing is the comp still reads km/l so it can be done

If the latter is the case - can the ECU be reprogrammed simply to output to MpH and then purchase new dial backings with the correct markings?

Regarding converting the visual dispaly should be no problem

I bought mine in (french speaking) belgium - trotted into the local dealer asked them to change it over - they asked what i wanted english imperial or english metric - i went for english metric as the vehicle is uses in the benelux & germany
With regard to the speedo just put a dot of "tippex" or somthing on the glass at 30MPH 40MPH & 70MPH should be enough to keep you on the safe & narrow (iam sure somewhere on the internet you can find the KPH equiv of these speeds)

When at the dealers also asked them to check as much of the history on the vehicle as they could and to check all the numbers eg RKA no`s & radio codes etc asked them to change the lang settings on the satnav but it was alater VDO unit & so i had to get a new operating disk for about 10quid

all in all cost me for i think all the info & resets about 25-30 quid

try your local dealer or a good indi RR specialist with dedeicated roverlite / rovercom diagnostic gear and they can help