Disco 3 special programs help please

[mick8186]

Just bought a 2006 disco 3 HSE. We live on the edge of Salisbury Plain so thought we would give it a go off road.

Tried to select one of the special programs from the dial behind the auto box selector, however the Orange lights on the dial do not highlight and a message appears on the dash saying "special programs off" or words to that effect.

We have done this in park, neutral and drive to no avail, we have selected low and high range with no change and have even altered the ride height.

Is it something we are not doing or do I need to get this sorted before the warrenty runs out?

Many thanks in advance.

[piecost76]

First thing to do is check the battery and/or alternator.

These cars are very susceptible to voltage changes & what with the cold weather if your battery is not in excellent health then it will throw these error messages, more so if you're only doing short journeys.

Good luck!

[PaulV]

Hello.
I would also agree with the battery being a likely cause.

Are you able to take it for a good run first to get it charged up?

Other things that can cause issues are the brake pedal switch and non OEM brake light bulbs.

There are plenty of similar tales on the Disco3Club and Disco3 forums.

[IroningMan]

Take it to a good indy specialist and get its mind read.

[A.J.M]

Can you look at the battery negative terminal, they usually stamp a build date on them.
My old battery had 1008 on it so it was built 10th week in 2008.

Easy check to do. The D3 doesn't like old/weak batteries. Go on 5 years for a battery and you will be fine.

Does it throw up any other messages on start up?
Like, special programmes off or such?