AIR SHOCKS REPLACEMENT

I've had my compressor replaced. Now, I still get the suspension fault light occasionally. I think I know what's going out next!!
Has anyone replaced air shocks on the 06 LR3 HSE? How would one know which shock is responsible for the fault light?
Is this the type of job that is NOT DIY??

Every job is DIY if it's the right Y. Just depends on what level of experience you have and such. It isn't really difficult at all, but it requires some tools that some folks may not have. Fairly large sockets and wrenches, breaker bar or impact wrench, floor jack, stuff like that - if you've ever changed a tire and changed your oil you have the skills to change a strut assembly, you just may not have the tools on hand to do it with. Plenty of videos on youtube you can watch to see if you're willing to give it a shot.

I don't know a fast way to know which one it is, but if you can let it sit for a couple of days (or if it's a big leak just overnight) you can pull the EAS fuse and just let it sit - the leaky corner will make itself obvious. Pulling the fuse keeps the system from deflating others to self-level every so often, so a leaky corner will stand out. If one corner is low that's probably an air spring - if one end is low it could be two air springs and/or the distribution block on that end - in that case more likely the valve block, but you won't know for sure. I'm sure there are more efficient ways of diagnosing the problem that someone else will post.

Before you go doing all this and even before you assume it's the air shock, here is a simple check:

1. Jack up the front end such that both wheels are completely off the ground.
2. Try to run your finger between the upper control arm and the air shock canister.

If the control arm and canister are in contact with each other, that's your worn out shock. If there is clearance, even for your pinky (depending on finger size) then the shock isn't your problem. Get yourself an IIDTool and see if you can get more info.

Below is a link to my album which contains a number of files related to the air system and a good number of other items relevant to your 3. Your good news is that I presume replacing the air compressor must have for the most part, resolved whatever your concern was.

I might mention that if the original compressor was the factory installed Hitachi unit and if the new one installed was a Land Rover supplied AMK, then you needed a software update to tell your 3 that you now have an AMK installed, replacing the Hitachi.

The reason I say this is that the system will for the most part seem to work OK for some length of time without the software update, but will throw the occasional red suspension light error message. I might add that the update is necessary, it is not a luxury, so the sooner the better.

Within some of the sub albums per the link below, are files specifically related to the AMK and the software update.

http://www.disco3.co.uk/gallery/index.php?cat=15405

Just replaced my Hitachi with Arnott unit and am experiencing same default issue! Is this software update a dealer only fix?

Also, seems all land rovers come with factory trailer hitches, got mine used last year and seems mine is awol! Have checked online and find two diff types one standard mount to frame type unit and one stubby appears Oem type? Which is proper and who’s collecting them can’t find one at any wreckers my LR3 is 06 SE!

The link below has a file within specifically related to your hitch. With early models of the 3, the "plow" did not come standard - you had to purchase it extra; also there were key lock problems with the early units as well - referenced below.

In theory, you can find the "plows" on eBay; I would recommend you purchase the newer shorter LR4 style.

The picture within the link shows the original 2005 model "plow" for the LR3 and the newer shorter hitch "plow" introduced with the LR4. Either plow can be used on the LR3/D3; they are interchangeable.
The part number of the newer third generation short style is LR019990 replacing previous long type part number KNB500080. There were two versions of the longer one, KNB500080 with the orange key, apparently a better locking setup. The first generation, KNB500023, with a black key was less than perfection.

The green lock assembly with orange key, part number KNW500010, shown on the shorter hitch, can be purchased separately should a key be lost.

Regardless of receiver model, the receiver will accept nominal NAS 2" tongue on which may be mounted the appropriate ball size.


http://www.disco3.co.uk/gallery/thumbnails.php?album=4497

Oztimer said:

Just replaced my Hitachi with Arnott unit and am experiencing same default issue! Is this software update a dealer only fix?

Click to expand...

You will have to contact Arnott and ask them if a software upgrade is required. In kind of think now, but I just do not know. Let us know regardless as if an upgrade is required, Arnott should be noting that when a sale is made.

One reason the AMK needs a software up grade is that while the electrical plugs on the AMK mate with the plugs on the 3, if one looks inside one of the AMK plugs, one will see one less contact pin. This means the 3 receives one fewer signal - a high temperature shutdown signal that it was programmed to look for from the Hitachi.

I gather the AMK is programmed internally to shut itself down in a high temperature condition whereas the Hitachi relied on the Air Suspension computer to do the monitoring and then initiate the shutdown if required.

I also think the AMK software has reduced high pressure shutdown levels; lower that was originally programmed back in 2004. Land Rover about January 20010 did release a software update bulletin for the Hitachi units in the 3 and 4 that did reduce the shut down pressure, however it was one of those "you have to pay for it" product improvement optional upgrades, not a mandatory - factory pays kind of thing.