Outer Limits 4x4 Board

Hey guys,

I just bought a 2nd hand 97 Disco V8 auto, so I'm finding out all the 4wd's little problems.

The first problem I spotted was with the central locking, all the doors work except for the front passanger door. It seem like it wants to go down but looks like it's getting caught up on something.

The Second problem has to do the CDL light not comming on but it's actually engaged.

And thirdly, I can't go into low range (when the diff is and isn't locked), unless I put the transmission into neutral (supposed to do that) push the transfer case lever as close to low as possible (does slightly engage but if I start to drive it pops out), put the car in gear then back into neutral, then push the transfer case lever which will then go fully into low range.

Any answers to the questions will be greatly appreciated, as I'm a newbie at Landies

Thanks Guys

Andy

Hi Andy_B

I find that low range is best engaged on the move at less than 5kph.

If the low range and diff lock have not been used for a long time they can be a little sticky.

As for the light not working and at the risk of stating the bleeding obvious have you checked the globe in the dash and the connection at the transfer case?

The window issue I will leave for others.

Good luck.

My guess for your central locking would be the actuator is getting old and weak.... Pick up a secondhand one, stick that in, and you should be right.

That all sounds normal, you get used to it, it's called "character"

Re the central locking - check that the door lock button has a positive snap up/down action. If there is the same resistance to movement up/down, the spring in the lock mech is broke. The actuator returns to center after each operation which can cause the door to be almost unlocked.

The spring is pretty easy to make, and replace. Just use a working lock to see how it goes together.

Bruce.

if the overcentre spring in the lock is broken, you'll normally be able to pick it by locking and unlocking the door (probably by key for you) then try to open it from the outer door handle. If it doesn't open, reach into the car and lift the central locking knob up, then try opening the door again while holding the knob up, and it should open. That would be your dead giveaway for a buggered overcentre spring, although it doesn't neccessarily show up a weak spring.

And thirdly, I can't go into low range (when the diff is and isn't locked), unless I put the transmission into neutral (supposed to do that) push the transfer case lever as close to low as possible (does slightly engage but if I start to drive it pops out), put the car in gear then back into neutral, then push the transfer case lever which will then go fully into low range.

Mine does this also. What I do is put it in neutral select low range back into Drive than neutral, put it all the way in and then back to D again, otherwise it will slip out on me like yours does. I have a ZF auto and a Lt230 out of a Disco.

Hopefully someone will pipe up with a solution for both of us.

Shane

4WD Stuff wrote:

And thirdly, I can't go into low range (when the diff is and isn't locked), unless I put the transmission into neutral (supposed to do that) push the transfer case lever as close to low as possible (does slightly engage but if I start to drive it pops out), put the car in gear then back into neutral, then push the transfer case lever which will then go fully into low range.

Mine does this also. What I do is put it in neutral select low range back into Drive than neutral, put it all the way in and then back to D again, otherwise it will slip out on me like yours does. I have a ZF auto and a Lt230 out of a Disco.

Hopefully someone will pipe up with a solution for both of us.

Shane

I read an article in on of the 4x4 magazines many years ago and they said that Discos had a habit of jumping out of low range. They reckoned you had to put it in low range, drive forward, then push it into low range again. I guess in an auto you also have to put it into neutral while you're pushing it into low. This was with a D1.
A friend had a manual Tdi and had to do this from new otherwise the transfer case jumped out of low range.

Disco drivers have a habit of not putting the transfer case into low range They just need to learn how to use it.

Like I said best engaged on the move. You can tell by the position of the little stick whether it's positively engaged or hanging on the edge. The change is usually accompanied by a confidence inspiring clunk

With square cut gears and no synchro there is little room for error and when everything is stationary it might not engage satisfactorily. On the move it will get there. Transmission into neutral then forward into low range. If your are engaging the CDL at the same time then make sure the wheels are straight ahead.

If not it can be a scary descent.

Absolutely. My transfer changes a lot better when rolling slightly.

Just tried this out at a mates has and it works just fine. Thanks guys for the help.

Wow something must be wrong with mine. The only time I can move from high Range to low Range is when it is neutral. It will not budge at any other time.

Is there something wrong????
Shane