The 4th generation Range Rover is a really nice car, and it can have some nice issues too including a total engine failure. Mainly the diesel engines can more often fail completely, but that’s another story. Now let’s check out 3 issues related to electronics and air suspension which can be avoided. By the way, the Land Rover Discovery 5 and the Range Rover Sport L494 can have the same electrical issues.
1. Electronic junction
The first problem is related to the electronics. On the front right side behind the fender liner there is a main electronic junction with 3 main wires connected to it (the bottom left wire goes to the battery which is in the trunk, the bottom right wire should go to the starter motor). Some call this place an earthing point but it doesn’t matter. What matters is, that the junction itself and the wires can start to corrode pretty badly + the tip of the wires can even break off completely because of the corrosion. This will result in a situation when:
- you won’t be able to start the engine
- or you will get various electronic glitches/malfunction messages
- and in the worst case it can even cause a loss of electrical power which will result in a situation when the car shuts down by itself
So check this place, clean it and protect it with some electrical grease or something. Obviously before cleaning or fixing – first disconnect the battery!
2. Earthing points
But this is not all since the 2nd problem is also related to the electronics – specifically to the small regular earthing points. These are located in the area behind the front fender liners as well, but they are positioned towards the front. And unlike the junction box these are on both sides of the car. These points can also corrode and cause various electronic malfunction messages + also some glitches like not working turn signals and headlights. So it really is a good idea to protect these earthing points preventively.
Also keep in mind, that the wires here are attached to a stud and this stud together with the nut can even break off completely because of corrosion. If the stud broke off then you either drill into the original stud remaining → use some random screw → and try to attach the wires back. Or you will buy a new stud → drill a new hole next to the old one → and attach the wires back there.
new ground stud part number: LR054836
new ground stud nut part number: LR097986
3. Rear air struts
The 3rd possible issue is related to the rear air struts, specifically to the upper air pipe which is connected to these struts. The pipe is too close to the wheel well liner and over time it can rub against it – until a small hole appears on the pipe → which is gonna cause a mysterious air leak. So check these pipes on both sides and if you see rubbing marks on them then protect them somehow.
Extend the lifetime of the struts ! Or not.
On the other side keep in mind that the rear air struts will leak at some point too. However:
- replacing them is not hard
- they are not that expensive
- you can extend the lifetime of them
Long story short: dirt and small rocks will stick to the lower area of the struts → as the strut moves the dirt acts like a sand paper → which will cause small cracks over time → which will result in leaks. So regularly cleaning this area will extend the lifetime of the rear air struts.
