Woo hoo!! Finally bought my first range! Any basics I should know?

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KILOCHARLIE

Member
Posts
91
Location
East Grinstead, West Sussex / North Cardiff, South
... apart from open my wallet and assume the position?? Haha

Seriously though, I've been hunting far and wide for about 3 months now for a deal on one and managed to pick one up privately yesterday. Paid £7500 for one which is exactly what I was after. 2003 4.4v8 with LPG, black with cream interior, 20" factory wheels and all original grills colour coded. The car has full main dealer (harwoods) history and has 98k on the clock.

I read both the owners and nav manuals yesterday and apart from whats mentioned there, are there any other tips or tricks I should know???

Heard a few post mentioning a full reset for any electrical problems should they crop up. I take it this is a neg batt term removal? Is there a battery cut off switch for this or any precautions I should take?

Everything seems to be working apart from the pdc and the radio. Pdc just beeps constantly and the radio is inop with blank boxes showing on the screen. Going to check pdc sensors and radio fuses tomorrow when hopefully the weather should be a bit better.

Other questions that might be basics and will probably be found with a search but would be grateful for any tips...

Tv: no analogue signal in my area. Any cheap tricks to getting a digital convertor or dvd set up?

Drivers door locks a bit sticky and requires two unlocks to get it to unlock fully. A bmw I had once did this. Is it a relay or something that could be cleaned for a quick fix?

Gearbox oil: probably been asked a thousand times but I doubt the oil has ever been changed. Ok to do it now or should I leave it be? Seems to be working great.

Sat nav/computer functions: can I upgrade the software myself to a newer system? Seem to recall reading something a while back.

Anything else that should be recommended for a new owner? Maybe simple mods that I can do?

Will probably be an active member here and the l322 certainly has a reputation but I'm a bit of a tinkerer so bring it on I say!!

Thanks all
 
Yeah I went in a bit gung ho but I got fed up of choosing one to compromise and thought sod it! There also seems a huge demand for dark coloured lpg conversions at the moment too and even as I was paying for it the seller was getting calls giving offers above what I paid. She basically said take it or leave it and it was going to be sold that day so I couldn't be too fussy over the little things like I normally would!

No pics just yet as its currently stinking and squeezed into a car park but will def get some going when I have a chance!
 
KILOCHARLIE said:
... apart from open my wallet and assume the position?? Haha

Seriously though, I've been hunting far and wide for about 3 months now for a deal on one and managed to pick one up privately yesterday. Paid £7500 for one which is exactly what I was after. 2003 4.4v8 with LPG, black with cream interior, 20" factory wheels and all original grills colour coded. The car has full main dealer (harwoods) history and has 98k on the clock. 20" weren't L322 standard, you may find these are sport wheels....

I read both the owners and nav manuals yesterday and apart from whats mentioned there, are there any other tips or tricks I should know??? Download RAVE

Heard a few post mentioning a full reset for any electrical problems should they crop up. I take it this is a neg batt term removal? Is there a battery cut off switch for this or any precautions I should take? Nope, only true way is to get yourself a diagnostic device, every Range Rover owner should have one...it will save you heaps of hard cash

Everything seems to be working apart from the pdc and the radio. Pdc just beeps constantly and the radio is inop with blank boxes showing on the screen. Going to check pdc sensors and radio fuses tomorrow when hopefully the weather should be a bit better. PDC is more than likely a dodgy sensor or a dicky ECU, as for radio, check the left hand rear quarter in the boot for moisture, this can kill the audio system and sat nav computer.

Other questions that might be basics and will probably be found with a search but would be grateful for any tips...

Tv: no analogue signal in my area. Any cheap tricks to getting a digital convertor or dvd set up? Goooooooooooogle Tv in Motion, no cheap fix....

Drivers door locks a bit sticky and requires two unlocks to get it to unlock fully. A bmw I had once did this. Is it a relay or something that could be cleaned for a quick fix? Remove the door card, could be a sticky cable, get it before it snaps and locks you either out or in.....

Gearbox oil: probably been asked a thousand times but I doubt the oil has ever been changed. Ok to do it now or should I leave it be? Seems to be working great. Do it now....peace of mind

Sat nav/computer functions: can I upgrade the software myself to a newer system? Seem to recall reading something a while back. Can be upgraded to the mk4 DVD based system and is plug and play

Anything else that should be recommended for a new owner? Maybe simple mods that I can do? Don't mod, just keep it working

Will probably be an active member here and the l322 certainly has a reputation but I'm a bit of a tinkerer so bring it on I say!!

Thanks all
Click to expand...

Welcome to L322 ownership.....:D
 
^^^ thanks mate, great advice. You steered me away from a rough one with a bad headgasket a few weeks ago and told me to hold out. Glad I listened as this one is much better so thanks again!

The wheels are this type but gutted to hear they are from the sport. I see so many with these wheels I assumed they were a factory option...
RANGE ROVER SPORT L322 DISCOVERY 255/50R20 ALLOY SPARE WHEEL | Vehicle Parts & Accessories:Car Wheels, Tyres & Trims:Wheels | JPEGbay.com

The car actually threw a cel earlier this evening on a motorway trip. I use software on my iphone believe it or not and it read P1171 and p1174. From a brief browse this seems to be lean fuel trim and a case of PCV hose replacement or similar but more importantly because my reader is able these so called manufacturer specific codes, am I ok just to keep using that? Any diagnostic noticed fault will assumedly light the cel and my phone can pick up the code for me to reference. I know you mentioned a good diagnostic tool previously but I even read ferraris with my setup and it's never required anything else. MAF, fuel trim info, temps, code reading and clearing can all be read etc.

I'm going to check out this RAVE thing now but is there anything else that I should be thinking about that a car of this age/mileage should have done for preventitive maintenance? For example as it has main service history they would have never changed the gearbox oil which makes me curious to what else they think is acceptable.

Thanks again
 
Your CEL issue is more than likely a Lambda reading gone high....happens occasionally with LPG....

The way LPG and Petrol burn is different and prolonged use on LPG will put the fuel trims out of whack, and as can happen most often on LPG/Petrol transfer or under on-off-on rapid pedal movement can cause a tiny excess of fuel to be injected and then exhausted unburnt causing the Lambda reading to go Max Signal.

As for fault code readers....it is always better to get a LR specific reader....

RSW All Comms is the cheapest and very capable software (One I use) as this not only just reads the Engine Faults, but also all the other system that a generic OBD won't be able to connect to - ABS/EAS/Seat Control/HEVAC/Parking Sensors/DSP/Head Light ECU/Lighting Control Module/Steering Sensor/Instrument Pack/Alarm/Rain Sensor/Transfer Box ECU/Gearbox ECU/.....etc etc



As for maintenance, no more than any other car...all fluids and filters, Check the Air Struts and Bladders for cracking or leaks, check the Rear Quarters in the boot area for moisture, check you EAS Compressor isn't running frequently indicating it is feeding a leak...the usual things.

The L322 is a complex animal, but with RAVE and the help of the guys on here, they are totally DIY-able.....

Oh and put your location down in your profile, if you get issues, it helps to see where you are as there maybe someone local who can point at things knowingly whilst eating all your biscuits :D:D:D
 
Saint.V8 said:
Your CEL issue is more than likely a Lambda reading gone high....happens occasionally with LPG....

The way LPG and Petrol burn is different and prolonged use on LPG will put the fuel trims out of whack, and as can happen most often on LPG/Petrol transfer or under on-off-on rapid pedal movement can cause a tiny excess of fuel to be injected and then exhausted unburnt causing the Lambda reading to go Max Signal.

As for fault code readers....it is always better to get a LR specific reader....

RSW All Comms is the cheapest and very capable software (One I use) as this not only just reads the Engine Faults, but also all the other system that a generic OBD won't be able to connect to - ABS/EAS/Seat Control/HEVAC/Parking Sensors/DSP/Head Light ECU/Lighting Control Module/Steering Sensor/Instrument Pack/Alarm/Rain Sensor/Transfer Box ECU/Gearbox ECU/.....etc etc



As for maintenance, no more than any other car...all fluids and filters, Check the Air Struts and Bladders for cracking or leaks, check the Rear Quarters in the boot area for moisture, check you EAS Compressor isn't running frequently indicating it is feeding a leak...the usual things.

The L322 is a complex animal, but with RAVE and the help of the guys on here, they are totally DIY-able.....

Oh and put your location down in your profile, if you get issues, it helps to see where you are as there maybe someone local who can point at things knowingly whilst eating all your biscuits :D:D:D
Click to expand...

:hysterically_laughi:hysterically_laughisomeone else need the psychiatrist for delusions.
 
Kilo, those are standard L322 20" wheels NOt Sport. They are one of my favourite FFRR styles. I have a couple spare with tyres (and tread!). Am near J18 M4 so let me know if you need any more to swap for damaged ones on yours. U could pick them up on your way to Cardiff/Sussex! :)
 
dolphinboy said:
Kilo, those are standard L322 20" wheels NOt Sport. They are one of my favourite FFRR styles. I have a couple spare with tyres (and tread!). Am near J18 M4 so let me know if you need any more to swap for damaged ones on yours. U could pick them up on your way to Cardiff/Sussex! :)
Click to expand...
A 2003 L322 only came with 18 or 19 I'm sure....yes they may be from a later model L322 or possibly a Sport....but I will have to check back, I am sure only 18 or 19 were offered as standard in 2003:confused:

EDIT: 8.5Jx20 Rims were an Accessory or Optional wheel size and not standard fitment by the looks of it....
 
Last edited:
Thanks all,

Yes that sounds great dolphinboy, i'll keep that in mind. I travel right past your place on a regular basis so that would be ideal. Happy to hear they were a optional extra rather than from the sport. They are my favourite style too so glad to hear that.#

Saint, I will definitely be after a good diagnostic tool then. The lambda codes sounds about right as I gave it a good thrash on a pre purchase test drive and then ran out of lpg on the way home causing it to switch back over to petrol. I haven't looked into it since yesterday but I thought those codes were for a lean fuel mix which lead me to believe there was unmetered air getting into the system i.e split pcv hoses for example. Unburnt fuel would lead to a rich mix shouldn't it? Either way I've cleared the codes and will keep an eye to see if they reappear.#

I will definitely speak to my mechanic this week then and get the car booked in for a full fluid service especially gearbox. Will also get some k&n filters etc also so they can be cleaned in the future.#

Waiting to hear back regarding the tv too. Hope to get a digi upgrade box with tv in motion which should hopefully allow me to listen to dab radio over freeview when driving which will solve the lack of radio issue if I can't fix it myself. The owners manual says when watching tv the sound remains audible at all speeds and just the picture is restricted. Can anyone confirm this as other cars I've seen shut the whole tv system off when the car is in motion. If this is not the case then I suppose the tv in motion is hardly worth it unless I want to watch the screen when driving which is unlikely.#
 
Saint.V8 said:
ha ha....maintenance is no more than most other cars...it is the frequency of repairs following breakdown that is the most time consuming :D:D
Click to expand...
Maintenance is not just routine servicing, it's keeping the car on the road, P38's and L322's need considerably more maintenance than any car I've ever owned:mad:
 
Everyone seems to be saying this and while I can't comment from experience surely high maintenance is to be expected? Its a 4 wheel drive, 3000kg 4.4v8 monster riding on a cushion of air and had more toys than currys and ann summers combined. To expect it to have no issues would be dreaming, the same as to expect it from any other performance vehicle. Daewoo do a 7 year 100000 mile warranty if reliability is a main concern but I'm sure everyone, myself included, would want anything but that.

Not having a go but just saying. Also when people are saying reliability issues are they talking actual side of the road breakdowns or are they just talking about stuff like the rear heated seats not working or something else similar which to me isn't really something to get too upset about.
 
KILOCHARLIE said:
Everyone seems to be saying this and while I can't comment from experience surely high maintenance is to be expected? Its a 4 wheel drive, 3000kg 4.4v8 monster riding on a cushion of air and had more toys than currys and ann summers combined. To expect it to have no issues would be dreaming, the same as to expect it from any other performance vehicle. Daewoo do a 7 year 100000 mile warranty if reliability is a main concern but I'm sure everyone, myself included, would want anything but that.

Not having a go but just saying. Also when people are saying reliability issues are they talking actual side of the road breakdowns or are they just talking about stuff like the rear heated seats not working or something else similar which to me isn't really something to get too upset about.
Click to expand...

+1 :amen:
 
KILOCHARLIE said:
Everyone seems to be saying this and while I can't comment from experience surely high maintenance is to be expected? Its a 4 wheel drive, 3000kg 4.4v8 monster riding on a cushion of air and had more toys than currys and ann summers combined. To expect it to have no issues would be dreaming, the same as to expect it from any other performance vehicle. Daewoo do a 7 year 100000 mile warranty if reliability is a main concern but I'm sure everyone, myself included, would want anything but that.

Not having a go but just saying. Also when people are saying reliability issues are they talking actual side of the road breakdowns or are they just talking about stuff like the rear heated seats not working or something else similar which to me isn't really something to get too upset about.
Click to expand...

Absolutely! You certainly have the right mentalilty for RR ownership.
There is sometimes a little confusion over the term reliability & high maintenance. But like most things, skip the maintainance & pay the price for reliability. Mine has never left me by the side of the road but i do spend alot of time on it.
 
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