UPDATE: HDC/Autobox/Drive problem

UPDATE on previous message:

Following the HDC light/autobox problem discussed in previous thread:

http://www.landyzone.co.uk/lz/f9/pl...-real-drive-no-gear-selector-light-70980.html

Took the landy to a local specialist, and when he looked for the ECU plug it was on the wrong sode (drivers), which made him scratch his head. He then plugged it in and it said Left hand drive, which it isn't! He thinks it may be a pre-production model - possible as it's 2000 model year.

In short, they couldn't diagnose the fault but are going to phone LR to see what can be done. In terms of the problem? Hew thought definitely a new autobox required! Personally I'm sceptical as it happened so quickly.

In terms of LR's responsibility to customers on pre-production models, should they sort it out for me at all? Seems ridiculous that the diagnostics don't work on what is a genuine vehicle???

Any thoughts out there...?

Thanks,

Oscar

Contact ashcroft transmissions in Luton. They will arrange for their Freelander auto “partner” company to test drive your car. This will give you a good idea of what’s wrong. If your too far away, that’s a problem. If so, then you need to find a garage that has worked on the FL auto before, and has the kit to diagnose the problem. That may be difficult. It’s not just autologic (or whatever), they’ll need access to read the computer on the can bus which controls the auto box.

Failing all that, it’s off to a main dealer for a diagnostic inspection. Labour is £86+vat usually. Get a fixed price on this, then you can walk away afterwards knowing the fault.

I’ve had my auto replaced. Prices start from £1400 for non main dealer specialists, up to £2300 for main dealers. The auto is complicated, hence garages prefer to replace them, rather than take them apart and fix. You’ll end up with a recon unit. As long as this comes from a reliable source, like ashcroft, then it will be ok.

A land rover main dealer will be able to confirm the production spec of your car. Either LHD or RHD.

Type your vin in to the link below and it will explain what your car should be, according to the vin rules LR uses.

Clifton Scientific Text Services, the Netherlands

This VOSA website might give some clues regarding vehicle history. You can check previous MOTs and where the test was carried out, mileages, and changes of registration number.

http://www.motinfo.gov.uk/html/home.html

Interestingly on the Dutch site it says it's a 2001 model (W reg is 2000!). Otherwise it is fully correct. Will check out the others in due course.

I've also e-mailed ashcroft who think it's bu66ered and needs replacing. Damn Land Rovers!

I'm not concerned about the history to be honest - I have all the old MOTs and it has a full service history. It's just the Pre-production issue I'm not sure about, becasue it will be a lot more expensive for a mechanic to find out what's wrong and not the computer! I'm not prepared to pay the extra, however, and have told them that!

The car is now booked into Land Rover on Wednesday so will let you know how we get on.

Cheers,

Oscar

As stated. . . . Ashcrofts are top dog on auto's , IRD'S , VCU'S ,UN DIFFS, best around. . . . .

FINAL UPDATE!: It seems that it was an electrical malfunction/short, and not a new gearbox...phew! Haven't got the bill from LR yet, so maybe I won't be that thankful after all!!

Thanks again for all the replies.

Oscar

Oscar22 said:

FINAL UPDATE!: It seems that it was an electrical malfunction/short, and not a new gearbox...phew! Haven't got the bill from LR yet, so maybe I won't be that thankful after all!!

Thanks again for all the replies.

Oscar

Click to expand...

thas good news feller.....got to be cheaper than a newbox innit.....