Land Rover Discovery 2s are good vehicles, but they are not without their problems.
Knowing the common problems of these vehicles can help you troubleshoot them if they arise in your car.
Some of the most common Land Rover Discovery 2 problems are related to the door lock, fuse box, power steering, transmission, and V8. All of these common issues can be repaired if you have mechanical experience or take your vehicle to a mechanic.
To learn more about each one of these problems and how to fix them, keep reading.
Door Lock Problems
Having problems with your door locking mechanism is unfortunately common with a Land Rover Discovery 2.
Most people have issues with the driver and passenger door specifically, but all of the doors can end up having the same problem.
In most cases, the actuator does not function properly, which means you cannot lock or unlock the door with the switch, though some people have problems with the fob connecting.
Fob disconnection is common in all cars, not just the Land Rover. For this reason, we will focus on fixing the actuator below.
Solution
If you have no mechanical experience, you can take your Land Rover to a mechanic to fix the door lock.
However, you can resolve many door lock problems on your own. Here is how to fix a door lock with a faulty actuator:
- Remove the affected car door by undoing the screws. Remove the card gently and leave out the window trim. Remove the wing mirror.
- Use a knife to slice through the interior plastic so that you can access the inner door. Reveal the bolt head.
- For the driver side, you will also need to open up the plastic covering the retaining screw.
- Unclip the button that is attached to the clip.
- Remove the release cable from the interior side of the door handle.
- Use your pliers on the tabs and slide a flat blade screwdriver into the white plastic retainer clip on the exterior handle rod. The cover will pop off.
- Locate the bolts positioned at the bottom of the window runners. Remove them.
- Remove the Torx and hex bolts.
- Lift up the window frame so you can remove the wing mirror connector.
- Lift the frame higher and stick something underneath it so that it remains lifted while you continue on.
- If you are dealing with the driver’s side, remove the exterior door handle by removing the Torx bolt. Push the hand assembly towards the front. It will pop out.
- Remove screws.
- Remove the electrical connector and drop the lock portion out.
- Get the white clip for the new part and fit the new lock. Make sure that the door is aligned properly.
- Put everything back together again.
Fuse Box Problems
Fuse box problems are all too common in Land Rover Discovery 2s. If your fuse box is not working properly, there can be a number of electrical problems.
One of the most common electrical problems of an improperly-working fuse box is locks not working correctly. So, if your door lock is not working properly, but the actuator is not to blame, it could be the fuse box instead.
There are multiple fuse boxes in the Land Rover Discovery 2. One is located in the engine compartment fuse box on the passenger side of the engine compartment.
There is another one in the passenger compartment below the steering column. You can also find fuse boxes underneath each front seat. Depending on your problems, you may only need to fix one or all.
Solution
Much like with the above-mentioned door lock problems, you can fix the fuse box on your own, but you can take it to a mechanic as well. If you have no experience, we recommend going to a professional.
Otherwise, here is how you can replace a fuse box if you have mechanical experience:
- Get access to the fuse box. The fuse box in question will determine how you open and access it.
- Remove the nut that secures the fuse box to its location.
- Remove all harness connections to disconnect them from the fuse box.
- Reconnect the harness to the new fuse box.
- Place the block back in its location, tighten nuts, and close the access trim panel.
- Restart the vehicle to make sure it works.
Related: 5 Common Range Rover Sport Problems
Power Steering Problems
Many Land Rover Discovery 2 owners have issues with the power steering functionality.
Whenever the power steering has problems, the vehicle may make a moaning sound, fluids may be leaking and bubbling over, and you may find fluid underneath your vehicle.
For Land Rover Discovery 2s, power steering fluid often leaks from the lower main seal. Replacing a seal offers an immediate cure, but it does not offer a permanent cure.
Often, remaking the machine is required to prevent any damage, further leakage, and recurring power steering problems.
Solution
Unfortunately, many power steering problems require the expertise of a professional. You can try to seal the fuse box, but this does not provide a permanent solution.
Instead, you should only do this while you are saving up to go to a professional.
The best way to fix your power steering problems is to see a professional so that they can rebuild the steering box.
Rebuilding the box ensures that these parts and seals are actually working as they should, resulting in a long lifespan.
Lastly, the shaft bearings need to be replaced with heavy-duty ones.
Related: 7 Common Range Rover L322 Problems
Transmission Problems
Land Rover Discovery 2s have many transmission issues.
The most common transmission problems include shifting delays, jumping during acceleration, grinding during acceleration, car shaking, and burning smell or whistling sound from underneath the hood.
If you believe your Land Rover is experiencing any transmission problems, it’s imperative to get it checked out immediately.
Not to mention, it’s imperative to get your transmission checked out routinely, even if there are no signs of issues. That way, you can prevent transmission issues from popping up.
Solution
Fixing transmission problems can be difficult. It’s important to get your transmission checked regularly, even before problems arise.
Once problems arise, you need to take your vehicle to the shop. Mechanics will diagnose, treat, and prevent most transmission issues.
How exactly the transmission problems are fixed depends on the problem. Mechanics will be able to create specific repair plans based on the problem at hand.
Related: 6 Common Range Rover L405 Problems
V8 Problems
There can be a whole lot of V8 problems on a Land Rover Discovery 2. The most common problem is with head gaskets. In fact, head gaskets are almost required maintenance on this vehicle.
Overheating is what normally causes head gasket failure on this vehicle.
There are also problems with cracked blocks. They are especially common in the 2003 and 2004 models, but it is common in all.
Some common symptoms of V8 cracked blocks include a pressurized coolant system, fast coolant consumption, and misfires.
Slip cylinder sleeves are also another issue related to the Land Rovers V8. Slip cylinder sleeves often go hand in hand with cracked blocks.
If your Land Rover has a cracked block, you will need to check for slip cylinder sleeves as well.
Some other V8 problems that Land Rover Discovery 2s face include oil pump failure walked camshaft bearings, worn camshaft, rod bearings, and leaks.
Solution
Because there can be so many issues with your Land Rover V8, you will want to take your vehicle to a mechanic if you believe there are V8 problems occurring.
A mechanic will be able to diagnose the problem and treat it accordingly. Often, there will be multiple problems happening simultaneously.
Related: Land Rover Defender Problems: 5 Common Issues (Explained)
Final Thoughts
Just like any other vehicle, Land Rover Discovery 2s have their own unique problems. Some of the most common problems have to do with:
- the door lock
- fuse box
- power steering
- transmission
- V8
Just because you have a Land Rover Discovery 2 does not mean these issues will pop up, but they are more likely to develop other problems.
If your Land Rover Discovery 2 is acting up, it’s important to diagnose the problem as soon as possible before any real damage emerges.
Depending on the scenario, you might be able to fix the problem yourself, but you might need to take the vehicle to a shop instead.
If you have no experience in diagnosing and treating vehicle problems, don’t hesitate to take your Land Rover Discovery 2 to a mechanic.
A mechanic will be able to diagnose the problem and treat it accordingly. They may also be able to give you some tips to help prevent these problems from popping up again.
Sources
https://www.landyzone.co.uk/land-rover/discovery-2-changing-the-door-lock-actuators.156079/
https://shop.westernpowersteering.co.uk/blog/land-rover-discovery-2-td5-steering-box-faults.html
