Member Since: 02 Mar 2018
Location: Essex
Posts: 2
HDC fault system not available/special programs off
Hello folks, new member here although I've had my Disco since new in 2007. (Gulp!!)
I know this fault has been spoken about on here, but I couldnt find a definitive answer to the query as mine seems to be a little different to the other questions, so sorry, Im asking about this again.
My disco is an 07 plate which I've had from new and she's only driven 27,000 miles, but she is well loved.
I have her serviced every year and do look after her, but towards the end of last year, the warning text came up on the dashboard screen
"HDC fault system not available and special programs off" (I also have other warning text pop up quickly like something to do with the handbrake, but it was too fast to read it)
She only drives at the lower height now.
The garage (not a landrover specialist) checked the faults and said they had cleared them, but a week later the warnings returned, so they took her in again sent her to a transmission specialist, charged me again but still the warning texts are there!!
When she went in for her MOT in January at the same garage, she passed, but they said the battery became flat just from them doing the MOT checks so they had to charge it for a while.
There are no warning lights and the text only comes up from a cold start, but the car still only drives in the lower position.
I havent noticed any 'lagging' in her driving, but she doesnt feel the same.
The garage are insistent that she needs a new battery and that if I try to fit one myself I could end up with more problems because I must buy a branded battery from them(!!) and wont entertain my suggestions that I've found by searching on here like checking the alternator, battery connections or disconnecting the battery, re-connecting then driving her for a while to re-calibrate the faults. (as suggested in the manual)
I'm sure she might benefit from a new battery anyway so I'm prepared to buy one (but not at their prices when I can buy a Bosch H8 90amp for less than half the price the garage are charging) but if the faults and the lowered driving are still there after the new battery, can anyone suggest anything else I can try please?
Im happy to send her to the Landrover specialist if needs be, but if it can be a simple resolve ie new battery that I can fit myself, then Id rather try that first.
Many thanks to you in advance and my apologies for asking this question again. XX
Mine had the same, just needed the steering angle sensor calibrated - but there's a few more faults that'll show the same - brake light bulbs, brake light switch .....
I'd be looking for another garage, one that knows LRs.
2nd Mar 2018 11:21 am
Pete K
Member Since: 15 Jan 2016
Location: GL
Posts: 10368
as you say you may as well fit a battery yourself and see what happens.
the fault codes need reading really and posting
2nd Mar 2018 11:21 am
Jen
Member Since: 02 Mar 2018
Location: Essex
Posts: 2
Thank you both
Thank you Sean and Pete, I am truly very grateful to you for your replies. XX
2nd Mar 2018 8:07 pm
DSL Keeper of the wheelie bin
Member Since: 11 May 2006
Location: Off again! :-)
Posts: 72797
Yes, from those faults you need a new battery. Classic symptoms, is it the original battery? Will dig out a link from Tanya batteries for an exide one that is excellent and used a fair bit here. Easy to fit, if not very heavy, just disconnect the old one, pull it out and put the new one in the same place (making sure right way round). Truely simples, if not heavy. Only thing that needs reset is the clock and poss radio channels.
PS, not sure if you don't have 2 problems, the lowered suspension could be something else.
Last edited by DSL on 2nd Mar 2018 8:20 pm. Edited 1 time in total
2nd Mar 2018 8:16 pm
Redline
Member Since: 20 Jan 2018
Location: Warwickshire
Posts: 141
Different car, but my old FL2 always showed the HDC fault on starting a few days before the battery gave up. Many of the systems need a good voltage to work. When it drops the errors start popping up.
I don't see why Disco's should be any different - likely to be the same sensors and software I would have thought.
The first time it happened I got a new battery under warranty by LR support and advice on what was happening. Following that it was the prompt to get a new battery asap.Current : Discovery 4 HSE (2012 spec)
Current : BMW Z4 20i MSport
Current : BWM Z4 3.0SI Sport Auto
Previous : Freelander 2 HSE
2nd Mar 2018 8:19 pm
Pete K
Member Since: 15 Jan 2016
Location: GL
Posts: 10368
The batteries are heavy and not an easy position.
2 person job to avoid injury
2nd Mar 2018 8:22 pm
DSL Keeper of the wheelie bin
Member Since: 11 May 2006
Location: Off again! :-)
Posts: 72797
Agreed, it is heavy as a heavy thing with a side order of heavy.
2nd Mar 2018 8:24 pm
Mr Kington
Member Since: 12 Dec 2011
Location: Scottish Borders
Posts: 1549
Mine does the same every time it wants a new battery. Mssgs are failed comms when it goes through itโs initial checks on start up. I bought an exide but disappointingly failed 2 weeks out of warranty. Others have had he same. But the exide is pretty cheap compared to others and as stated easy to fit and gives a good crankage.
Make sure you give the new battery a full charge before fitting ๐James favourite hobby is writing in the third person.
2nd Mar 2018 8:25 pm
DSL Keeper of the wheelie bin
Member Since: 11 May 2006
Location: Off again! :-)
Posts: 72797
I had to abandon an 18 month old Exide last summer when the car died. In my sleep deprived state I couldn't figure how I could carry it safely in the car that was full to the ceiling.
2nd Mar 2018 8:27 pm
AL_P
Member Since: 17 Feb 2017
Location: London
Posts: 161
I had a similar issue with my D3.
Turns out the steering angle sensor was out and by looking at the screen I could see the wheels were off set when the steering wheel was straight.
I got underneath the steering wheel, twisted the sensor round the column until the screen showed straight and job done, no more suspension faults.
2nd Mar 2018 9:22 pm
Robshooter
Member Since: 18 Aug 2017
Location: Oxfordshire
Posts: 17
Had an intermittent suspension problem a while ago. It has now turned into a full time issue where I loose air suspension and also special programs as soon as I turn the engine on! My mechanic has said I need a new Hitachi Pump as its's not putting the correct pressure into the system.
Waiting for another hefty bill!!!Life is like money. You can spend it any way you wish, but with this difference. You can only spend it once!
3rd Mar 2018 11:07 am
halbot
Member Since: 27 Aug 2020
Location: Ditchling
Posts: 11
I had this problem. Luckily it was booked in for service and MOT anyway, and the awesome guys at gumtree4x4 fixed this with minimal fuss. Apparently they found that the ABS cable had been rubbing against a wheel, they replaced the ABS sensor and problem solved.
Sorry for replying to an old post just thought this might help someone.
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