18 documented faults
Engine & fuel system
3 documented faults — symptoms, causes and workshop fixes.
Knocking noise from front seats during stop/start driving.
Discovery 3: VIN A474327-9A507830.
Rubber damper incorporated in front seat runner inadequate.
Workshop instructions & parts2 parts
Workshop procedure
- Fit modified seat runner.
| Part | Part number | Qty |
|---|---|---|
| Front seat runner - without seat position memory | LR012040 | 1 |
| Front seat runner - with seat position memory | LR012041 | 1 |
Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 6.
Engine malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) illuminated.
Discovery 3: Engine codes 406PN/448PN, VIN LA5A000360-LA7A442164.
What you'd notice
Trouble codes stored: P0170, P0173, P2097, P2099, P0461.
The repair
Engine control module (ECM) software fault.
Workshop instructions
Workshop procedure
- Re-program engine control module (ECM) with upgraded software.
Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 9.
Rear differential pinion oil seal leaking.
Discovery 3: VIN 5A000303→.
Excessive wear between rear differential pinion and pinion seal.
Workshop instructions & parts4 parts
Workshop procedure
- Fit new rear differential pinion oil seal. Position pinion seal further into differential housing to avoid worn pinion shaft surface.
| Part | Part number | Qty |
|---|---|---|
| Rear differential pinion oil seal | TZB500100 | 1 |
| Rear propeller shaft bolts | TYG500130 | 4 |
| Differential oil (without differential lock) | TYK500010 | 1 |
| Differential oil (with differential lock) | TYK500070 | 1 |
Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 11.
Electrical & ignition
1 documented fault — symptoms, causes and workshop fixes.
Battery discharged.
Discovery 3: VIN 8A442165→.
Instrument panel does not switch to sleep mode due to software fault.
Workshop instructions
Workshop procedure
- Re-program instrument panel with upgraded software.
- Charge battery if necessary.
Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 8.
Brakes
3 documented faults — symptoms, causes and workshop fixes.
Squeal from rear brakes when braking lightly.
Discovery 3: VIN 000303-507637.
Vibration between brake pads and discs.
Workshop instructions & parts1 part
Workshop procedure
- Remove rear brake pads.
- Clean and lubricate rear brake caliper carrier.
- Fit modified rear brake pads.
| Part | Part number | Qty |
|---|---|---|
| Rear brake pads | LR016808 | 1 |
Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 7.
Excessive heat build up in rear brakes.
All models with electric parking brake (EPB): Discovery 3: VIN 5A000259→. Discovery 4: VIN AA513326→. Range Rover Sport: VIN 5A900106→.
What you'd notice
Electric parking brake (EPB) warning lamp illuminated. Squeal from rear brakes when driving. Squeal from rear brakes when electric parking brake (EPB) is operated. Trouble codes stored: C1A43, C1A53, C1A46.
The repair
Parking brake shoes binding. Parking brake shoes seizing due to build up of debris. EPB control module software fault.
Workshop instructions
Workshop procedure
- Carry out electrical, mechanical and component tests (as applicable) to eliminate any other possible cause(s).
- Ensure parking brake shoes are correctly adjusted.
- If no fault(s) found: Re-program EPB control module with upgraded software.
Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 15.
Electric parking brake (EPB) not working.
All models with electric parking brake (EPB).
Workshop instructions
Workshop procedure
- Fit new electric parking brake (EPB) switch.
Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 18.
Suspension & drivetrain
2 documented faults — symptoms, causes and workshop fixes.
Knocking noise from front/rear suspension.
Discovery 3 (04-), 2004-09: VIN 000303→.
Anti-roll bar bushes move in 'D' brackets.
Workshop instructions & parts1 part
Workshop procedure
- Loosen bolts of anti-roll bar bush mountings.
- Fit wedges to anti-roll bar bush mountings Fig.115973 .
- Tighten bolts of front anti-roll bar bush mountings to 62 Nm.
- Tighten bolts of rear anti-roll bar bush mountings to 115 Nm.
- View View more information
| Part | Part number | Qty |
|---|---|---|
| Wedge kit | LR12410 | 1 |
Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 4.
When vehicle parked on level surface ride height appears uneven.
All models with air suspension or active cornering enhancement (ACE).
Suspension level adjustment not carried out when vehicle parked due to suspension control module software fault.
Workshop instructions
Workshop procedure
- Carry out electrical, mechanical and component tests (as applicable) to eliminate any other possible cause(s).
- If no fault(s) found: Re-program suspension control module with upgraded software.
Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 17.
Steering
2 documented faults — symptoms, causes and workshop fixes.
Squeaking noise from steering column when steering wheel turned.
All models, VIN 000259-485435.
Insufficient lubrication of power steering rack pinion oil seal.
Workshop instructions & parts1 part
Workshop procedure
- Remove power steering rack.
- Fit new power steering rack pinion oil seal. Use special tool: 308-518 .
- Refit power steering rack.
| Part | Part number | Qty |
|---|---|---|
| Power steering rack pinion oil seal kit | LR010545 | 1 |
Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 10.
Knocking noise from front of vehicle over uneven surfaces.
Discovery 3, VIN 000303-444606.
Excessive free play in steering mechanism.
Workshop instructions & parts5 parts
Workshop procedure
- Check for excessive free play in steering column. Replace component(s) as necessary.
| Part | Part number | Qty |
|---|---|---|
| Steering column upper intermediate shaft | QLB500070 | 1 |
| Steering column upper intermediate shaft bolt | QYG10016L | 1 |
| Steering column lower intermediate shaft bolt | QYG500100 | 1 |
| Steering column lower intermediate shaft - RHD | QMN500240 | 1 |
| Steering column lower intermediate shaft - LHD | QMN500250 | 1 |
Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 14.
Clutch & gearbox
3 documented faults — symptoms, causes and workshop fixes.
Message centre displays 'Transmission Fault Stop Safely'.
Discovery 3: VIN LA5A000360-LA9A513325.
What you'd notice
Possible trouble codes stored: P080A, P0806, P186D (rear differential lock actuator stuck).
The repair
Rear differential lock actuator stuck. Rear differential lock control module software fault.
Workshop instructions & parts2 parts
Workshop procedure
- Fit new rear differential lock actuator.
- Re-program rear differential lock control module with upgraded software.
| Part | Part number | Qty |
|---|---|---|
| Rear differential lock actuator | LR011036 | Discovery 3/Range Rover Sport |
| Rear differential lock actuator | TVK500350 | Range Rover |
Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 5.
Oil leak from transmission.
All models with 6HP transmission code: Discovery 3, VIN 5A000303→. Range Rover, VIN 6A198058→. Range Rover Sport, VIN 5A900109→.
Transmission input shaft oil seal faulty.
Workshop instructions & parts1 part
Workshop procedure
- Fit new transmission input shaft oil seal.
| Part | Part number | Qty |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission input shaft oil seal | TZB500030 | 1 |
Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 12.
Poor gear shifting when down-shifting between 2nd-1st ranges.
All models with automatic transmission: Discovery 3, VIN 5A000360-6A402253. Range Rover, VIN 6A198058-7A263534. Range Rover Sport, VIN 5A900302-7A119896.
Transmission control module (TCM) software fault.
Workshop instructions
Workshop procedure
- Carry out electrical, mechanical and component tests (as applicable) to eliminate any other possible cause(s).
- If no fault(s) found: Re-program TCM with upgraded software.
Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 13.
Body & trim
1 documented fault — symptoms, causes and workshop fixes.
Reverse dipping door mirror not working correctly.
All models with reverse dipping door mirror: Discovery 3: VIN 5A300394-7A427985. Range Rover Sport: VIN 5A900505-7A999465.
Driver's seat adjustment control module faulty.
Workshop instructions & parts1 part
Workshop procedure
- Carry out electrical, mechanical and component tests (as applicable) to eliminate any other possible cause(s).
- If no fault(s) found: Fit new seat adjustment control module.
| Part | Part number | Qty |
|---|---|---|
| Seat adjustment control module | YWC500800 | 1 |
Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 16.
Wipers & visibility
2 documented faults — symptoms, causes and workshop fixes.
Water leak at front of vehicle.
All models, VIN →6A408013.
What you'd notice
Failure of windscreen and headlamp washers.
The repair
Poor manufacture of windscreen washer reservoir resulting in washer fluid leaking at weak reservoir seam.
Workshop instructions
Workshop procedure
- Fit modified windscreen washer reservoir.
Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 2.
Erratic front wiper operation.
Discovery 3 (04-), 2004-09: VIN 300394→.
What you'd notice
Front wipers not working.
The repair
Front wiper arm loose, allowing wiper spindle to rotate without moving wiper arm.
Workshop instructions
Workshop procedure
- Remove wiper arm nut protective cover and remove nut.
- If wiper arm has come loose from spindle inspect affected components for damage. Replace components as necessary.
- Ensure wiper motor is in park position.
- Fit front wiper arm. Tighten wiper arm nut as follows:
- Freelander (97-06): 18 Nm.
- Freelander 2 (06-): 25 Nm.
- 90/110/130/Defender: 17 Nm.
- Discovery 3 (04-): 18 Nm.
- Range Rover (02-): 18 Nm.
- Range Rover Sport: 34 Nm.
Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 3.
Other
1 documented fault — symptoms, causes and workshop fixes.
Intermittent operation of parking aid control.
All models with parking aid control module, VIN 5A000259-5A346777.
Input signal missing to activate parking aid control.
Workshop instructions
Workshop procedure
- Replace parking aid control module.
Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 1.
Take it with you
Before you view one
Land Rover Discovery 3 4 (2004–2009)
Each documented fault as a quick check for a viewing or test drive — tick them off as you go.
A little workshop vocabulary
Workshop terms used on this page
Definitions for the technical language used in these bulletins.
- ECM
- Engine control module — the car's engine computer
- VIN
- Vehicle identification number — 17 characters, found at the base of the windscreen and on the V5C logbook
- Nm
- Newton-metres — the standard unit for how tightly a bolt is done up
- Trouble Codes
- Standardised fault codes stored by the engine computer, read with a diagnostic tool
- ACE
- Active Cornering Enhancement — a hydraulic anti-roll system that stiffens the suspension in corners
- EPB
- Electric parking brake — an electronic handbrake, operated by a switch rather than a lever
- TCM
- Transmission control module — the gearbox computer
- Actuator
- A motor or solenoid that moves a mechanical part on command
- Air Suspension
- A system that uses air springs instead of steel coils, so ride height can be raised or lowered
- Anti-Roll Bar
- A bar that links the left and right suspension to cut body roll in corners
- Caliper
- The part that squeezes the brake pads onto the disc
- Control Module
- A computer that runs one of the car's systems (engine, gearbox, brakes, body, and so on)
- Instrument Panel
- The dashboard display that shows warning lights and messages
- Parking Aid
- The reversing/parking sensors and their control module
- Pinion Oil Seal
- The seal on a differential pinion shaft — a common source of oil leaks
- Rear Differential Lock
- A locker that forces both rear wheels to turn together for extra traction
- Re-Program
- Update the software on a control module using the manufacturer's diagnostic tool
- Trouble Code
- A standardised fault code stored by a control module, read with a diagnostic tool
- Bush
- A rubber mounting that lets a suspension or body joint move without metal-to-metal contact
- Bushes
- Rubber mountings that let a suspension or body joint move without metal-to-metal contact
- Oil Seal
- A rubber seal that keeps oil in and dirt out, typically around a rotating shaft
- Sleep Mode
- The low-power state control modules enter when the car is parked; if one stays awake the battery can go flat
Common questions
Using this guide.
What are the common faults with the Land Rover Discovery 3 4?
Garages and workshops regularly encounter 18 documented faults on the Land Rover Discovery 3 4 — three concern the engine and fuel system and three the brakes. Each fault above lists the symptoms, cause, fix and any parts needed.
Does every Land Rover Discovery 3 4 have these faults?
No. These are patterns documented across the model by workshops, not predictions for an individual car. Where a fault applies only to certain vehicles or VIN ranges, that is listed with the fault.
Can I check for Land Rover Discovery 3 4 faults when viewing one?
Many of them, yes — the documented symptoms are things you can see, hear or feel on a viewing or test drive. The 'Before you view one' checklist above turns each documented fault into a quick check you can tick off as you go.