First land Rover!

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Diesel45

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8
Hello everyone, I just bought my first land Rover, it is a 2001 discovery se7 auto with 65000 miles. I got it on the road today but I first had my mechanic check it out, then replace the battery, brakes, oil change, and a leaky coolant hose. My first question is what else should I do maintenance wise before I start driving it alot, I just didn't know if there was anything special to check for on this vehicle besides the basics. And second the oil temp light for the gear box came on at some point and never goes off even after it sat all night long. I read the thread about the contacts going bad in the sensor, I just didn't know if I should start with a transmission flush first if that would cause that. It had its last at 00 miles. Any knowledge would be great, and last transmission flush was at 30 k sorry for typos computer acting up.
 
Sorry *it also slows somsome what faster as you let off the gas and are rolling, I think this might be because it's my first awd vehicle, I just didn't know if that was normal to kind of give the feeling of a 2wd vehicle when it's in four wheel drive on pavement? Thanks that's it, again I'm super noobie
 
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Hi Diesel45, this is what I do whenever I get another Land Rover, irrespective of the service history:

1. Engine oil and both filters change - I use 5w-30 fully synth;
2. Renew air filter;
3. Renew fuel filter;
4. Auto gearbox oil and filter change;
5. Transfer box oil change;
6. Front and rear diffs - oil change;

7. Coolant change;
8. Brake fluid change;
9. Serpentine belt change;

10 Check brake discs all round and replace as necessary;

11. Replace the rear air springs and ride height sensors - if air suspension.



A Land Rover, imo, is a specialist vehicle and needs special attention for it to give of it's best. I do not mean Land Rover dealers as I've found in the main that they are incompetent. You are far better off doing the work yourself, then you know for sure what's been done and how.

If you are not mechanically minded yet, you can learn and it is very satisfying to use your Land Rover product in all it's various roles knowing it will do the job because you have used a pro-active maintenance strategy and dealt with issues BEFORE they turn into problems.

Land Rover ownership is not cheap, in terms of maintenance and many owners buy them and think of them as a modern car with modern service intervals and fuel economy - they are not!

To have successful ownership of a Land Rover you have to need all that they can do ie tow up to 3.5 tons; go off-road anywhere in the world etc etc, not just carry 7 people. A Renault Espace is fair and away better at that.

Preventative maintenance is the key - it will cost at outset but set you up for a good ownership experience long-term.

Good luck

Dave
 
remove the engine cover 3 13MM bolts check the wireing harness for chaffing on rocker box/ cyl head put extra sleeving on (drivers side,) it is a problem and youre in the ceap if it dose.
lubricate waste gate linkage
 
How do I check my transmission oil? Also any suggestions on oil type?


You check the level by locating the level/fill plug on the front face of the autobox sump and loosening it; then start the cold engine and cycle through all gearbox positions; then open the level/fill plug and a small amount should trickle out - if it doesn't it needs topping up.

The type is ATF (automatic transmission fluid) and the std is Dexron III. You'll need at least 5ltrs each time.
 
Firstly, gotta agree with Matthew & Thebiglad: full service, no matter what history you have, then you KNOW you`re starting with a clean sheet. Make all servicing & checks in good time.
But I`m worried on your original post about car slowing down more than you`d expect?? Given Discos have the aerodynamics of a brick-wall and weigh as much, they may slow a bit more than expected; but try stopping on a slight slope, brakes off, car should roll OK. If not there could be a binding brake or summat. Not a cause for panic tho`! But worth a quick check.
 
I solved that issue, I just was not used to the vehicle, I do have a gear box oil tempature light on, it just stays on from start up to 2 hours of driving, any suggestions?
 
Also have a good read on here, I found (as have others) this site well worth a read for tips and know how.

Your on the right site for help and assistance although be prepared for some 'ribbin', pee takin and general tomfoolery.

Good luck with the new motor mate.
 
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