pyro_mad
Member Since: 16 Mar 2012
Location: Wiltshire
Posts: 47
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First of all 'Hello' to everyone. I have just joined as I am about to get my first ever 'Disco'.
I have one small issue with the Disco I'm thinking or about to buy, that being that the tow ball is fitted but the seller does not have the keys.
Does anybody know if it is possible to obtain replacement keys ?? Is there a lock code stamped on the lock ?? Or should it be written down in the owners manual ??
Many thanks in advance
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 20th Mar 2012 7:17 am |
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GrahamH
Member Since: 28 Dec 2011
Location: Kent
Posts: 76
  
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Hi
Just bought one with the same problem. You will need to replace the tow ball lock. Not that expensive... £11 from local Land Rover dealership. Getting the old one off is a simple job as well... You will see how to get the old one off by looking at the new one 
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| 20th Mar 2012 7:27 am |
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therso
Member Since: 01 Dec 2010
Location: Here!
Posts: 368
 
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Whatever you do, DO NOT leave it attached when not in use! Thieves will have it away in seconds. No key is needed.
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| 21st Mar 2012 8:24 pm |
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karlosbu
Member Since: 02 Sep 2008
Location: Worcestershire
Posts: 335
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This post made me think about removing my tow ball as its been there for 3 years and never removed. As you can imagine the lock was completely corroded internally and wouldn't budge. Couldn't believe how easy it was to remove though, literally 2 minutes poking around and it was off. New lock from dealer for £10, fitted in 30 seconds. Guess I was lucky it was never half inched, think I'll leave it off in future !
Note if you're changing the lock then there are two types of lock and you need to get the correct one for your tow bar. One has a slightly larger diameter serrated lock handle the other in a smaller diameter without the serrations. Need to remove your lock to find out which you need...
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| 22nd Mar 2012 2:34 pm |
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Crosbo
Member Since: 23 Feb 2012
Location: SATX -- Alamo City
Posts: 54
  
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So, I just got lucky and picked up the special over-priced unit for a very low $125 today. The gent I purchased it from, snapped it in place easily but then struggled to remove it. I told him not to worry about it, so he pulled the key and handed it to me.
So, why does the key fold?
I could move the latch without the key...but I'm guessing that the latch will not fully operate and release the unit from the receiver unless the key is turned...correct? LR -- 2005 LR3 -- Zambezi Sliver
JR -- 2002 Range Rover HSE -- Zambezi Silver
Vandy -- 1999 Jaguar XJ8 VDP -- Mistral Metallic (now has a new home)
Blue - 2006 Audi A6 Quattro 4.2 -- Pearl Midnight Blue
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| 23rd Mar 2012 6:17 am |
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karlosbu
Member Since: 02 Sep 2008
Location: Worcestershire
Posts: 335
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Correct. With the key in place and turned clockwise the unit is then unlocked and the key won't come out. You can then pull the lock handle out and rotate it fully anti-clockwise and the hitch should drop out...watch your toes !! Push the hitch back up into the receiver and the lock handle will automatically re-set and pop back in. Lock and remove key.
My key doesn't fold, wish it did though...
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| 23rd Mar 2012 10:44 am |
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Crosbo
Member Since: 23 Feb 2012
Location: SATX -- Alamo City
Posts: 54
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Thanx K.
Now all i have to do is fit the trailer wiring harness and i should be ready to tow. Now I need a boat or a pair of water bikes...just gotta convince the Mrs.! LR -- 2005 LR3 -- Zambezi Sliver
JR -- 2002 Range Rover HSE -- Zambezi Silver
Vandy -- 1999 Jaguar XJ8 VDP -- Mistral Metallic (now has a new home)
Blue - 2006 Audi A6 Quattro 4.2 -- Pearl Midnight Blue
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| 23rd Mar 2012 4:13 pm |
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pyro_mad
Member Since: 16 Mar 2012
Location: Wiltshire
Posts: 47
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Hi, and thanks for your reply 'GrahamH'.
I am now the very proud owner of a disco 3, which came complete with a detachable tow ball, complete with keys. ( I did not buy the one with the tow ball with no keys lol  ))
I have however taken all the comments from here on board, and will not leave the tow ball in situ when not needed.
Thanks again.....................  
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| 25th Mar 2012 9:33 pm |
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Crosbo
Member Since: 23 Feb 2012
Location: SATX -- Alamo City
Posts: 54
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Congratulations on the new acquisition Pyro! LR -- 2005 LR3 -- Zambezi Sliver
JR -- 2002 Range Rover HSE -- Zambezi Silver
Vandy -- 1999 Jaguar XJ8 VDP -- Mistral Metallic (now has a new home)
Blue - 2006 Audi A6 Quattro 4.2 -- Pearl Midnight Blue
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| 26th Mar 2012 2:46 pm |
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Crosbo
Member Since: 23 Feb 2012
Location: SATX -- Alamo City
Posts: 54
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Therso I need assistance...or guidance. I have since lost the key to the lock on my receiver. I pulled the back plate, but didn't determine how to manipulate the system to get the lock to let go so I could remove the hitch. Any hints would be GREATLY appreciated. LR -- 2005 LR3 -- Zambezi Sliver
JR -- 2002 Range Rover HSE -- Zambezi Silver
Vandy -- 1999 Jaguar XJ8 VDP -- Mistral Metallic (now has a new home)
Blue - 2006 Audi A6 Quattro 4.2 -- Pearl Midnight Blue
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| 26th Jun 2012 5:21 pm |
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chris0leary
Member Since: 18 May 2012
Location: Cumbria
Posts: 122
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My lock is also seized, could anyone pm details on how to remove old lock and fit a new one please.
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| 26th Jun 2012 9:30 pm |
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horton_graham
Member Since: 10 Jun 2005
Location: cheshire
Posts: 177
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is there a way of improving towbar security, short of welding it in? D3 xs Izmir blue
D3 s Arctic frost
200tdi D1 13 yrs
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| 27th Jun 2012 11:42 am |
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