erovers.com - Finger Lakes Rover Club: Land Rover and Off-Road Enthusiasts

Upstate New York 4x4 Club Holding May 28th Event

2012-04-07T14:06:20Z

Just wanted to pass along an invitation that I received from the nearby Finger Lakes 4x4 club, also serving western New York. They have some upcoming events planned including Off-Roading 101 at Whispering Pines in Lyons, NY.

Here is the invite with some more details...

Hi everyone! I'm here to let everyone know about an incredible, family friendly, open event hosted by Fingerlakes4x4 (www.fingerlakesx4.org) . On May 28, 2012 Fingerlakes4x4 Off Road 101.

Simply, this is an event to allow anyone and everyone to go off road. Bring your rig and have at it along side of expert drivers. It's tuned so that everyone can become a safer, smarter driver. Alot of people, it is their first time off road and we want to make sure they learn the right way. Others are experienced, some of which compete in Rauche Creek PA and still have a ton of fun. Overall, It's a great gathering and an outstanding show of the off-road community.

What: Fingerlakes4x4 101 - A family friendly off road day, No limits, no requirements.
Where: Whispering Pines Hideaway, Lyons NY ( 548 County Line Road Lyons, NY 14489 )
Cost: To Be Announced (Last year it was $25 per truck -- ( Here is the fourm link from last year's event: http://www.fingerlakes4x4.org/modules/smf/index.php?topic=2403.0)

The trails contain all levels of excitement and degree of difficulty so it doesn't matter if you have a brand new stock machine or a no-limits trail rig. Last year, even the purpose-built buggies were getting stuck left and right. AND Everyone is Invited!

Over the last two years, My range rover classic and a L322 HSE have been the only Land Rover presence. This year I would love to push that number much higher.

Land Rover - Journey of Discovery Feb29th-April 23rd

2012-04-06T12:15:47Z

On the 29th February, the one millionth Land Rover Discovery rolled off the production line to embark on a 50 day, 8,000 mile Journey of Discovery from Birmingham to Beijing.

Inspired by the first 1955 remarkable Overland Journey from England to Singapore which covered 18,000 miles, taking six months and six days. Several other expeditions tried, but no other vehicle managed to get through India, over the jungle-clad mountains of Assam, across northern Burma to Thailand and Malaya.

To mark this one millionth milestone, Land Rover are again embarking on another a remarkable
Journey of Discovery and are aiming to raise £1 million for the company's Global Humanitarian Partner, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) in support of a much needed water sanitation project in Uganda.

Follow us on our journey and please help us reach our target. Find out more here.Reported by Land Rover

(C)2012 erovers.com

Four Wheeler of the Year - Are you kidding??

2011-02-21T15:32:00Z

So Four Wheeler Magazine just crowned the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee its coveted "Four Wheeler of the Year." No problem, right..? Jeeps are capable, right? Most Rover owners have one in their fleet or once did, right? Well the problem is that if you read on, beyond the end of the article, it goes on to mention that the Grand Cherokee lost front-wheel drive during the testing and had to be replaced with a new vehicle. How is that fair?

Per the article, the Grand broke during the Hill Climb, so, "We immediately contacted Jeep, and...By that evening we had our Jeep swapped." Must be friggin' nice...break your brand new vehicle on the trail, phone a friend, have a team of engineers flown out, get a new rig the same day AND still win the event. (I wonder if all Jeep owners get that level of field support?) Even Dale Jr had to start the Daytona 500 at the end of the pack because he wrecked his original qualifying vehicle.

The article goes on with Four Wheeler patting themselves on the back for identifying this flaw in the factory setting of the transfer case chain...and because of their efforts no other Jeep owner will have this happen, but I still have to cry BS on how a vehicle can win, when it breaks during the testing and needs to be REPLACED - not repaired. They state that their policy allows for them to substitute if an identical replacement vehicle is available...though earlier they describe the replacement as a "nearly" exact replica...not sure what was different...adjusted transfer case chain maybe.

The article also noted that the Land Rover LR4, which lost to the Grand overall by less than 4 total points, showed up late to the contest and wasn't allowed to participate in the acceleration, braking or RTI portions of the competition, therefore scoring 0 points.

I am sure that while they were waiting around for their new (and improved?) Grand Cherokee to be delivered, the authors could have given the LR4 a second chance to complete the part of the competition that they missed...easily scoring another 4 points and winning the overall comparison.

In a related story, when the air suspension failed in the LR4 while competing for bragging rights in the similar competition for sister magazine 4-Wheel and Off-Road, they didn't bring in a new one. They finished the testing with the same impaired vehicle AND IT STILL MANAGED TO BEAT THE OTHERS!

Again, I have no issues with Jeeps and am a long-time Four Wheeler subscriber, but this just doesn't seem fair. But I guess we know where their bread is buttered. The operation was a success but the patient died.

In case you want to let the magazine know your thoughts....
http://www.fourwheeler.com/contactus/index.html

(C)2012 erovers.com

New Features added to EROVERS Website

2011-02-14T21:16:00Z

We have recently turned on some features and content. There is now a Forum Section (message board) section where you can go to buy and sell Land Rover parts and participate in technical discussions. This can be accessed at www.forum.erovers.com

There is also a Social Network Dashboard with real-time links to a bunch of Land Rover and other off-roading related content.

Hopefully this will increase the chatter with Land Rover enthusiasts in the area...Check them out....

Troubleshooting Range Rover P38A Climate Control

2011-02-14T18:04:00Z

I came across this posting on another message board and it seemed like it was worth cleaning up and reposting here. On the P38A Range Rovers, there is a warning symbol that may appear on your climate control display. According to the manual, the system is constantly self-diagnosing for faults and the “handbook symbol” will appear, when one of these is found. IF you don’t have access to a testbook or dealer and you want to diagnose this a little bit, here is a good collection of preliminary steps you can take.

Before you do anything, you should check the relays under the hood on the passenger side. Look for brown spots on the ones that are linked to the heating/cooling/fans/etc....I had an intermittent situation with the warning symbol coming on and quirky heating/cooling problems and found that nearly all of the yellow relays had brown spots from overheating and then malfunctioning. Click here to download a PDF on where to go from there: P38A Climate Control

(C)2012 erovers.com

Two Men and a Landy

2011-02-12T17:04:00Z

Follow this link to a recent article in Four Wheeler Magazine...

Two Men and a Landy - Finding Adventure in South Africa

From the February, 2011 issue of Four Wheeler By Harry Wagner

Photography by Harry Wagner

Study In Contrasts: 2011 Range Rover And Land Rover LR4

2011-02-12T17:04:00Z

More Land Rover Coverage in Four Wheeler Magazine...

Study In Contrasts: 2011 Range Rover And Land Rover LR4

Wheeling The 2011 Land Rover Range Rover and LR4 in the Colorado high country

From the March, 2011 issue of Four Wheeler

By Ken Brubaker

Photography by Ken Brubaker, Land Rover

Fusible Link Repair (Range Rover Classic, Discovery 1)

2011-02-12T17:01:00Z

If you have a Range Rover Classic or Discovery 1 that is getting up there in age and has had its share of use, not to mention exposure to western New York winters, you may soon find out how a fusible link works. Sometime in the 1992 Model Year, Land Rover introduced the fusible link as an added protection to the electrical systems in the Range Rover. This system also was used in the Discoverys. If you experience a number of sudden and simultaneous failures of various electrical systems and components, there is a good chance that you have blown your fusible link. Link to full article

Land Rover V8 OBD Codes (Range Rover P38a and Discovery II)

2011-02-12T17:00:00Z

Here are all of the OBD codes for the Range Rover P38A and Discovery II North American V8 models. These have been compiled from the Rover Workshop Manuals and should be used as a reference only when you are not able to contact an authorized Land Rover repair technician. They may come in handy on a road trip or stuck in a ditch somewhere. There were a number of inconsistencies and errors in the documentation that I tried to correct when putting this list together.

If you know of any changes or corrections, please provide that feedback.

Link to PDF: NAS Rover V8 OBD Codes

(C)2012 erovers.com

Rovers in Four Wheeler September Issue

2010-07-26T15:19:00Z

Four Wheeler Magazine recently ran an article about Antique Off-Road Vehicles and Land Rover was well represented. Both the Series and D-90s made the list of sought-after classic trail rigs.

The Series II and III were said to "epitomize coolness" while the Defender was praised for virtually retaining all of its value after 15 years. View an excerpt of the article at the link below...

Four Wheeler Sep2010

Baby Range Rover Is a Go!

2010-07-26T13:13:00Z

The highly anticipated all-new Range Rover was revealed to the world at an exclusive 40th anniversary celebration at Kensington Palace, on July 1, 2010 in association with Vogue Magazine.

The all-new Range Rover Evoque is the lightest and most fuel efficient Range Rover to date - continuing our commitment to environmental sustainability.

Range Rover has remained true to the spirit of the original LRX Concept car first revealed in Detroit in 2008. Gerry McGovern, Land Rover design director, said: "It marks a bold evolution of Range Rover design, providing customers with a desirable, premium and coupé like SUV. In 2008 we introduced the LRX concept car: after a positive reception worldwide, the natural step for the business was to turn the concept into reality."

Its official public debut will be at the Paris Motor Show on September 30 this year and it will be available in the showroom from late 2011. Be part of the exciting journey, visit our launch website www.helloevoque.com

Rausch Creek Video

2010-07-20T15:59:00Z

Check out some footage from our recent trip to Rausch Creek.

(C)2012 erovers.com

Rausch Creek Off-Road Trip: 3rd Annual Fowler Classic (11th Annual July Off-Road Weekend) July 9-10th 2010 - Tremont, PA

2010-03-30T18:31:00Z

Make plans now for the 3rd Annual Fowler Classic. This will be our 11th annual summer trip and we are going to return to Rausch Creek this year. Rausch Creek Off-Road park is in Tremont, PA and was a great time last year with seemingly endless trails of all difficulties. Many of us will be arriving on the afternoon/evening of Thursday, July 8th and camping at the park. Friday and Saturday will be off-roading days with a departure on Sunday AM. The park consists of 1,700 acres of easy, intermediate, and hard trails. Rocks, bowls, hills, the glacial "Rock Creek", and club friendly trails. More details on the site can be found at the link below:
Click here to go to Rausch Creek website.
The website has details on the park as well as on-site camping and other nearby camping/lodging options.
Click here to go to Event Signup Form.
If you have problems using the on-line form, please email flrc@erovers.com.
Also, feel free to complete the Rausch Creek Membership Forms that can be downloaded here:
Rausch Creek Forms.

Land Rover LRX Making Its Debut

2008-05-02T14:21:00Z

Land Rover will be showcasing its smaller, four wheel drive concept vehicle in Detroit. The Land Rover LRX is being designed to fit below the LR2 and is categorized as a cross-coupe or compact SUV. Looking very much like a modern Land Rover, the LRX takes Rover's family design to the next level with its tight styling and aggressive stance. Land Rover says the LRX will feature advanced green technologies, and while it will be tuned for the highway, will still have the Hill Descent Control and Terrain Response systems found in the rest of the Rover lineup. (Source: Four Wheeler, April 2008)

Celebrate 60 Years of Land Rover with a Limited Edition 90 (Not in the USA of course)

2008-05-01T13:06:00Z

As part of its 60th birthday celebration in 2008, Land Rover has announced plans to offer a limited edition Defender SVX, based on the Defender 90. Only 200 SVX's (in both hard and soft tops) will be produced and will feature individually numbered plaques, as well as tubular side steps, front grille surround, unique five-spoke alloy wheels, a reinforced aluminum front skidplate, and clear LED rear lights. The interior add custom Recaro front seats, aluminum gear knobs, and a new high-end audio, system with Garmin GPS. If only they would send a few our way. Maybe for the 100th Birthday. (Source: Four Wheeler, March 2008).

Ford Motor Co. has picked India's Tata Motors Ltd. to buy its Jaguar and Land Rover units

2008-01-04T15:09:00Z

(AP) Ford Motor Co. has picked India's Tata Motors Ltd. as the top bidder to buy its Jaguar and Land Rover units, the Detroit automaker said Thursday.

Ford said in a statement that it has entered into "focused negotiations at a more detailed level" with Tata, which means Tata has been picked as a preferred bidder for the storied British automakers.

"There is still a considerable amount of work to do, and while no final decision has been made, we will proceed with further substantive discussions with Tata Motors over the forthcoming weeks with a view to securing an agreement that is in the best interests of all parties concerned," Lewis Booth, executive vice president of Ford's European units, said in a statement.

Jaguar and Land Rover employees in the United Kingdom were told about the negotiations Thursday morning shortly before the company made the announcement.

Ford executives have said they expect to announce the sale of the two British automakers early this year.

Ford spokesman Jay Ward in London would not comment on how much Tata bid for the automakers, nor would he say if the other two bidders, Indian automaker Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. and U.S. private equity firm One Equity Partners LLC, were still in the running.

But a person who has been briefed on the negotiations said Thursday that Mahindra and One Equity still are under consideration, although Tata is the likely buyer unless negotiations fall through.

"Ford hasn't told them to go away, and that's the end of it," the person told The Associated Press. "Tata's emerged as the preferred partner."

The person requested anonymity because the talks are confidential.

In a statement issued Thursday, Mumbai-based Tata Motors confirmed that it is negotiating with Ford.

"We are now entering a period of more focused and detailed negotiations with Ford. We hope both parties can reach an agreement in the forthcoming weeks, though these are complex discussions and there is still much work that needs to be done before that position is reached," the statement said. "We are pleased by the progress in the discussions to date and very positive about the prospects of this business going forward."

Last month people close to the negotiations told the AP the potential suitors had submitted bids for both companies that ranged from $1.5 billion to $2 billion.

Tony Woodley, general secretary of Unite, Jaguar and Land Rover's main labor union, said much still needs to be negotiated with Tata.

"We need further and more detailed meetings and discussions with Ford and Tata which will focus on the job security of our members in the Jaguar, Land Rover and Ford plants in the U.K.," he said in a statement.

"There are also crucial issues around wages, terms and conditions and pensions to address before any final decision is considered."

Unite has said it would prefer Tata if the company is sold.

Unions in the United Kingdom are seeking assurances that the sale would not affect employment levels. Combined, Jaguar and Land Rover employ about 15,300 in the U.K.

Ford is interested in maintaining its parts supply relationship with the new owners of Jaguar and Land Rover. The company builds engines for Jaguar in Europe.

Industry analysts have said Ford would like to find a buyer who would preserve the Jaguar and Land Rover heritage and jobs in the U.K. Ford, which is the top auto seller in the U.K., doesn't want to rankle its British customers, they said.

Cash-hungry Ford, which lost $12.6 billion in 2006 but earned $88 million in the first nine months of 2007, has been looking to sell Jaguar and Land Rover.

It has mortgaged its assets to borrow money to stay operating and expects to burn up $12 billion to $14 billion until 2009, when it plans to return to sustained profitability.

Jaguar and Land Rover have been hit by unfavorable exchange rates and high production costs in Britain.

Ford bought Jaguar for $2.5 billion in 1989 and Land Rover for $2.7 billion in 2000, joining them with Aston Martin and Volvo to form its Premier Automotive Group.

Earlier this year Ford completed the sale of its controlling stake in Aston Martin for $931 million in cash and preferred stock.

Ford has said it plans to keep Volvo for now, fixing its cost structure and making it a more premium brand.

John Holtz Sells Land Rover Dealership to Piehler Jaguar

2007-11-28T01:34:00Z

John Holtz has announced that his Land Rover dealership has been sold to Piehler Jaguar Land Rover Webster. This was confirmed in letters sent out to Holtz customers, stating that as of November 30th, 2007, Piehler should be contacted for all future Land Rover needs. The letter also noted that Holtz will continue to provide sales, service and support for Acura, Audi, BMW, Honda, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz and Porsche. It went on to say that they "also sell and service a full selection of imported and domestic pre-owned vehicles at all our locations," which seems to imply that they will continue to sell and service used Land Rover vehicles out of their dealerships, despite the sale of the Land Rover division.

The letter called this a "necessary business decision for Holtz House of Vehicles, and we are confidant (sic) that the Piehler organization will serve you well." This announcement comes on the heels of recent reports that the entire suite of dealerships is being sold to an out-of-state (see below).

Mark Ventrillo, Piehler Jaguar Land Rover General Manager, is given as the contact for all requests at 585-671-7909 or jaguarsales@rochester.rr.com.

Report That John Holtz Dealerships May Be Sold
(as reported by wham1180.com)

There's a report that one of Rochester's leading car dealers is selling his dealerships.

(13-WHAM ) There's a report that one of Rochester's leading car dealers is selling his dealerships.

Several sources confirmed for 13-WHAM that John Holtz is being bought out by Lithia, a large publicly-held company.

(A spokesman for Lithia tells WHAM News they don't comment on any deals until they are finalized)

All of the Holtz dealerships including Honda, are included in the deal, according to sources, and keeping current employees on board is part of the deal.

John Holtz tells 13-WHAM, "No comment."

Land Rover Announces Details of 2008 G4 Challenge

2007-11-09T18:57:00Z

The Land Rover G4 Challenge - the ultimate global adventure bringing together 18 nations in mixed-gender teams.

In a significant expansion to the previous events run in 2003 and 2006, the 2008/09 Land Rover G4 Challenge will involve mixed-gender national teams. Competitors from 18 different countries, who can now register their interest on www.landroverg4challenge.com, will battle through a rigorous national and international selection process. The best male and female from each nation will enter the Challenge itself, which will take place in Asia in early 2009.

The event will again have off-road driving at its core, combined with adventure sports and extreme initiative challenges for an ultimate test of team spirit and physical fitness. The entire Land Rover fleet will be involved, with the Range Rover Sport, Freelander 2 and Discovery 3 all in action as competition vehicles in the distinctive Tangiers Orange colour. The victorious national team will win a Land Rover for their National Red Cross or Red Crescent Society. Sign up for updates and registration information

Eric's October 2007 LRL Interview

2007-11-02T15:39:00Z

Club Member and Atlantic British Sale Rep, Eric Riston, was recently showcased in the October 2007 issue of Land Rover Lifestyle magazine. For those of you that don't get the publication, you can download a copy here: Eric Riston Article To subscribe to the magazine, visit www.lrlmag.com.

Tech Tip: Top Discovery (and RR Classic) Weak Spots

2007-11-02T15:26:00Z

Four Wheeler Magazine recently ran an article on the top 23 weak spots on the Discovery 1 (many of which also apply to the RR Classics around that timeframe as well). These include drivetrain, suspension and other pesky items. Four Wheeler Article

Tech Tip: Compression Test on Rover V8

2007-11-01T23:55:00Z

Here is guide to running a compression test on your Land Rover's V8. It will help you locate some common sources of poor engine performance. Click here for details.

Tech Tip: Power Door Locks (RR Classic / Disco 1)

2007-11-01T23:49:00Z

One of the nicest convenience features fitted to Land Rovers since the 1987 Range Rover hit the US shores, was the power door locking system. Unfortunately after years of use the system starts to malfunction, turning one of the most convenient features into one of the most frustrating ones. The good news is that the system is very straightforward and you can somewhat easily service the various parts to get everything working again. Click Here for Details

Navteq Updates for Range Rover CD Navigation

2007-10-16T13:08:00Z

Navteq has released updated software for CD-based Navigation systems found in model year 2000-2004 vehicles. New 8-CD set features over 6.1 million road miles - an increase of more than 1.6 million miles. Pricing is $199 + s/h and can be ordered on-line at www.navigation.com/rangerover07 or by calling 1-888-628-6275.

Just Added: Photo Archives

2007-10-16T01:43:00Z

Photo Gallery

Click this link for some pictures from the erovers.com archives.

Send your pics to flrc@erovers.com.

Photos: 2007 Adirondack Weekend

2007-10-14T17:35:00Z

Click here for some photos from the club Adirondack event in July. We could use some more so, pease send any that you may have taken to flrc@erovers.com

Troubleshooting ABS Light on RR Classic and Disco 1's

2007-10-14T16:27:00Z

Troubleshooting Why Your ABS Light is On - Range Rover Classic and Discovery 1

If your ABS Light is illumintated and you are not near a dealer or other diagnostic equipment, you can use the blink method to determine what is causing the fault. First locate and remove the ABS Warning Light Relay from the group of relays underneath the seat (consult owner's guide for specific vehicle location, if needed). Then, find the blue 4 pin connector under the front of the driver's seat on the RR (or under the black, cardboard lower dash on the Disco-1) and jumper the black to black/pink wire with the key on – a paperclip will work.

The ABS light will first flash a long then short blink to indicate the system is indiagnostic mode. Then you will start to get a flash sequence. Don’t panic cause the code will repeat. There will be a set of flashes then a pause then another set of flashes then a long pause then it will repeat that code 2 more times. You are counting two sets of flashes (i.e. blink, blink, pause, blink, blink, blink, blink, blink, blink would be code 2-6 or “Stop Light Switch Fault…see codes below.) To clear the code…you need to remove the jumper during the flash sequence.

Note: You may have more than one code to clear so don’t panic if you clear the code and another sequence begins. It will continue to flash the code(s) until it has been displayed then the ABS light will stay on. Turn the key off then back on & reinsert the jumper to go to the next code. If you are not sure of a code just leave the jumper in & cycle the key on & off to restart the sequence. Write down each code as you go & erase each one by pulling the jumper during the blink sequence to erase that code. When you pull the jumper, allow the sequence to finish. The ABS light will stay on after the code has finished blinking. Let me know if you need any more help or if you need to know what the codes mean.

The ABS code series always starts with the following sequence of 1 long, 1 short, pause 1 long, and 1 short. It then goes into displaying the codes. Every code starts with 2 pulses on (2.5s each) and then a series of pulses which are the rest of the code.

Codes:

2-12 Front Right

2-13 Rear Left

2-14 Front left

2-15 Rear Right

Reason: Too large an air gap, or sensor has been forced out by exciter ring – try tapping sensor back into place.

5-12 front right

5-13 rear left

5-14 front left

5-15 Rear Right

Reason: Sensor wire has an intermittent fault – check connection(s).

6-12 front right

6-13 rear left

6-14 front left

6-15 rear right

Reason: no output from sensor. Sensor may have too large an air gap. Try tapping in sensor(s), check connections.

4-12 Front right

4- 13 rear left

4- 14 front left

4- 15 rear right

Reason: Wiring to sensor is broken or sensor resistance is too high. Inspect wiring at sensors.

2-6 Stop light switch

Reason: Faulty switch or wiring. Replace brake light switch.

Code 2-7: Continous supply to the ECU with the ignition off. Faulty valve relay or wiring.

Code 2-8: No voltage to ABS Solenoid valves. Faulty valve relay or wiring.

Codes 3-0 to 3-9: Open circuit or connection from ECU to solenoid valve in booster, or in ECU.

Codes 4-0 to 4-9: Short circuit to earth from ECU to solenoid valve in booster.

Codes 5-0 to 5-9: Short circuit to 12 volts in connection from ECU to solenoid

valve in booster. Possible earth fault.

Codes 6-0 to 6-9: Short circuit between two connections from ECU to solenoid valve in booster.

Thanks to the folks at the Rovers North Bulletin Board who posted this information. Quicker and cheaper than a trip to the dealer.

Door Lock Repair (Range Rover Classic)

2007-10-13T02:38:00Z

One of the nicest convenience features fitted to Land Rovers since the 1987 Range Rover hit the US shores, was the power door locking system. With the touch of a button you can quickly lock and unlock all of your doors and tailgate. Unfortunately after years of use the system starts to malfunction, turning one of the most convenient features into one of the most frustrating ones. The good news is that the system is very straightforward and you can somewhat easily service the various parts to get everything working again.

The central door locking system is activated from both driver and front passenger doors. A switch/lock actuator is fitted in both front doors.

Front and rear passenger doors can be independently locked or unlocked from inside vehicle but can be overridden by further operation of driver’s door locking control.

Now according to the instruction and repair manuals, failure of one actuator will not affect locking of remaining three doors, tailgate or fuel filler flap. I have found that if one of the front doors is not locking properly, it can effect the operation of the entire locking system, because the front doors control the locking and unlocking of all doors. For instance, if the driver door is not properly locking, you may find this inhibits the other doors from locking and often sends the system into a rapid/erratic locking/unlocking “loop.” But by following the procedures here, you should be able to return all four doors to their original condition.

Nov 2-4; Cooperstown-Area: Guy Fawkes Rover Weekend 2007

2007-10-11T18:57:00Z

Howard will be hosting his annual Guy Fawkes Rover Weekend on November 2-4...Yes now 3 days of festivities. He would like to have a headcount, so please contact him at WreckerFC@aol.com to RSVP. Howard is located in the Cooperstown, NY area and this event gets better each year (I think).