Andrew van den Heever
Member Since: 09 Jun 2007
Location: Cape Town
Posts: 340
  
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Just started getting a suspension height error on my D3. 2007 model with 77k km's. Replaced the battery, but fault persists. The compressor runs for quite a while and then the fault appears and the error message reads: normal suspension height only.
Any quick things I can check?
Just out of warranty and need a service too, so I am going to try Elrico Motors in Stikland because I know he can fix these types of problems. Anybody in CT tried Da Gama Motors for such D3 issues? 
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 4th Mar 2011 7:10 am |
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Discoeast
Member Since: 19 Feb 2008
Location: Boksburg
Posts: 800
 
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It is compressor related, but I dont think it is stuffed. Reading
on a number of the same faults comming up, I would go for the air
dryer first as this seems to be comming up a lot lately, as aposed to
the more common electronic control issues of the past. A blocked
air dryer would make the compressor work longer to get to the
air tank full, but gets too hot before it's full and cuts out. D3 bullbar-spots-roof rack with spots-ladder-long range tank-swing out spare wheel carrier- upgraded tow bar-dash console-internal water tank-duel awnings-drawer system & T T.
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| 5th Mar 2011 9:30 am |
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DiscoJacques
Member Since: 25 Nov 2009
Location: Pretoria/East Rand
Posts: 136
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Hi Andrew
Does your D3 drop over night on 1 or more wheels? Also measure in time and mileage when the error comes on. 2007 TDV6 SE auto (ex Write off)
2013 D4 SDV6 SE auto
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| 7th Mar 2011 6:46 am |
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Andrew van den Heever
Member Since: 09 Jun 2007
Location: Cape Town
Posts: 340
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DiscoEast and DiscoJaques.
Thanks for your comments. I took the vehicle for a service today at Elrico motors. He has a Faultmate and can check all the codes etc. The problem is the compressor, but I'n not sure what. Is it possible to replace only the air dryer, or is this a 1 off unit?
I can get the error any time. On start up I can hear the compressor running (it's quite loud too) and then after a while it stops and the error message appears. It can also occur after some time eg like on the highway.
7 months out of warranty...... 
BTW I can recommend Elrico motors to anybody wanted servicing out of motorplan in the Cape Town area.
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| 7th Mar 2011 2:40 pm |
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DiscoJacques
Member Since: 25 Nov 2009
Location: Pretoria/East Rand
Posts: 136
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Hi Andrew
Just be careful when they start diagnosing your suspension problems. A year ago I had the following:
Error "suspension normal ride only", this would also be random, and my car was still under M/P. Then they started by changing software and this did not cure the problem. After 3 months or so my car started to drop over night on the one wheel, as soon as I start the car, it would pick up and would start giving Errors again.
I started running out of time on my warrantee, so I booked in for a full check out, we plugged their system (IDS) in and they claimed it's the battery, replace the battery and errors kept coming back and the car now dropped to access hight in 1 hour on the front only.
Took it back, they replaced both front air springs, next day it still dropped and errors appeared.
Then they replaced all the hoses and air lines and guess, more errors and suspension drops
Then they replaced the ECU, and guess, the problems still persisted
Then they replaced the compressor, and the errors continued and kept on dropping
Then all the hight sensors were replaced and still, errors and dropping
Then they almost gave up and logged a call with LR SA technician to come out and check, I askd them what have they not replaced yet, the answer: they valve block! He swapped mine with a new part (R1,000) and now all is sorted and I have a complete new suspension thanks to the incompetence of LR.
This could be your case, but you will be paying for all the trail and error methodoligy. The valve block have solinoids opening and closing, my one valve got stuck in the open position, so even the faultmate will not tell you that the valve did not close.
Hope you sort it out 2007 TDV6 SE auto (ex Write off)
2013 D4 SDV6 SE auto
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| 8th Mar 2011 6:42 am |
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Andrew van den Heever
Member Since: 09 Jun 2007
Location: Cape Town
Posts: 340
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Wow! That's ridiculous!! What a nightmare. Well mine doesn't drop at all. Just doesn't pomp so well..........  
I need to find out about this (h)air dryer thingy.... I would hate to replace the compressor and then find that it wasn't the problem after all!!
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| 8th Mar 2011 7:51 am |
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Andrew van den Heever
Member Since: 09 Jun 2007
Location: Cape Town
Posts: 340
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OK so here's a bit more info.
When I turn the vehicle on the compressor runs endlessly until it stops and gives an error.
If I select offroad height it goes up, but the compressor still runs forever until the error message bong.
If I then select normal height again the vehicle goes down, but the compressor still runs endlessly
This morning I managed to drive away with no error appearing and the compressor stopped after about 2 mins. After a short stop and then restart the compressor kicked in again and then ran until the error message appeared again 
Is this related to the compressor trying to fill the air reservoir tank?
It seems to raise and level the vehicle OK and never goes down or leaks.
Please help.
Andrew
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| 14th Mar 2011 5:40 am |
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Frans@yamorna
Member Since: 20 Jan 2010
Location: Tzaneen
Posts: 109
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Hi,Start looking for leaks between the compressor and the tank.Use a soapwater mix and spray the connectors.Take the cover off the compressor before you start the car and check the compressor for leaks while running.....mine had an internal leak  Goodluck
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| 14th Mar 2011 8:11 pm |
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Andrew van den Heever
Member Since: 09 Jun 2007
Location: Cape Town
Posts: 340
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Thanks Frans.
What were your symptoms??
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| 15th Mar 2011 6:39 am |
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Frans@yamorna
Member Since: 20 Jan 2010
Location: Tzaneen
Posts: 109
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Hi Andrew,
The yellow body control light came on,no fault codes.Dealer found fault under MP.I was sceptical,but the car is fine since they replaced the compressor under MP.I believe there is a service kit for the compressor.That compressor has a airfilter and it WILL overheat if blocked.My dealer did not even know of the filter
Hope this helps.
Frans
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| 15th Mar 2011 7:08 am |
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Andrew van den Heever
Member Since: 09 Jun 2007
Location: Cape Town
Posts: 340
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Thanks Frans.
I have heard that the filters are only a problem in really dusty conditions?
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| 16th Mar 2011 9:05 am |
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Frans@yamorna
Member Since: 20 Jan 2010
Location: Tzaneen
Posts: 109
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Hi Andrew,
The air filter should last a long time....do you know the history of you car?The moisture filter sometimes break up and clogg up.
Have you tried filling the tank with the pump inlet disconnected?
Frans
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| 16th Mar 2011 6:48 pm |
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Baben
Member Since: 15 Feb 2006
Location: Kyalami
Posts: 2059
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The dryer filter is on the outlet of compressor -this is the one that block because of humidity over the years, and not because of dust (the air intake is in the boot behind the LHS tail light, and IIRC it has a little sponge filter)
Same just happened to my sister's D3, but I think it went so far that the compressor pump failed. Motor was running fine, but little airflow and no leaks anywhere. Replaced for R9500!
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| 17th Mar 2011 6:48 am |
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Andrew van den Heever
Member Since: 09 Jun 2007
Location: Cape Town
Posts: 340
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Hi Frans.
Yes I bought it new. I live in Cape Town so dust and humidity are not the norm here.
Its done what a proper D3 should in its time though (dust, water, mud, sand, .....cliffs  )
Most of the time though it just goes to work and home again 
Seems like the filter option is unlikely.
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| 17th Mar 2011 3:00 pm |
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Andrew van den Heever
Member Since: 09 Jun 2007
Location: Cape Town
Posts: 340
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Elrico at Elrico motors fitted his spare compressor yesterday and viola, she is fixed! 
The mounting bracket was broken into 3 pieces so I obviously whacked the compressor hard somewhere. There are numerous scrapes on the compressor cover. He kindly had the bracket welded for me.
The vehicle now feels so much better. The suspension is firmer and the steering is more positive. Could the D3 "brain" tolerate lower than ideal pressures in the suspension before an error is triggered?
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| 23rd Mar 2011 7:19 am |
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