Land Rover Discovery bonnet release at 60 km/h

[Ext User(drystone@swiftdsl.com.au)]

Travelling at 60 km/h on the Glow Worm Tunnel Rd, Newnes State Forest
several weeks ago, the bonnet smacked into the windscreen without
warning. Luckily the road was straight and there were no on-coming
cars-I stopped the vehicle without further incident. Upon inspection,
two bolt/screws that hold a bonnet plate that engages into the
release levers were found loose in the engine bay (on the bar above
the radiator).

See photos at: http://home.people.net.au/~wabbaly/Disco%20Bonnet%
20Release%20at%2060%20kmh/

With some difficulty the three of us lowered the bonnet, carefully
manipulating the wipers under the bonnet's lower edge (they were in
that position because of the accident). Because there was no phone
reception, we couldn't call Land Rover's Roadside Assist, therefore
we tied the bonnet down and drown slowly home and called there.

Had the bonnet spontaneously released itself minutes before or after,
the three of us could have crashed into a pine tree or sandstone road
cutting. We are so fortunate the accident took place where it did.

The car: Was I driving an old Disco. No, it's a 2003 Land Rover
Discovery, Series II, purchased Dec 2003,
under warranty until Dec 2006. Serviced by the book by Land Rover
service centres.

Land Rover "Customer Care" were initially reluctant to provide us
with a replacement car or cover the costs of towing. This, and other
behaviour, was totally disrespectful considering that the three of us
could have died due to the malfunction had it occurred elsewhere.
Particular mention must be made of Andrew Howard and Maggie
(Margaret) Horesch (National Customer Care Manager for LRA) both of
whom work in Melbourne--they have shown complete disreguard for our
circumstance--I hope none of you have to deal with them when it
really matters.

Has anyone heard of this happening to Land Rovers?

The most important issue for me and my family is, why did this
accident happen? Furthermore, what will stop it happening again?

[Ext User(ShazWozza)]

drystone@swiftdsl.com.au wrote:


> The car: Was I driving an old Disco. No, it's a 2003 Land Rover
> Discovery, Series II, purchased Dec 2003,
> under warranty until Dec 2006. Serviced by the book by Land Rover
> service centres.

I take it that this means that the service book doesn't have a section on
checking the bonnet locking mechanism's integrity.

> The most important issue for me and my family is, why did this
> accident happen? Furthermore, what will stop it happening again?

Shit can happen anywhere anytime. There is no rule that says it can't happen
again. Might be a good idea to check the securing mechanism yourself.

[Ext User(drystone@swiftdsl.com.au)]

D Walford wrote:
> drystone@swiftdsl.com.au wrote:
>
> > The most important issue for me and my family is, why did this
> > accident happen? Furthermore, what will stop it happening again?
> >
>
> There is supposed to a secondary bonnet catch so if the first catch
> fails then the bonnet is still prevented from coming open.
> My question would be is why did the second catch fail?

I'm unaware of the existence of a second catch--can you enlighten me?
Is it visible in the photos I've posted?

> Bolts vibrating loose on a 4WD used on rough roads is not uncommon and
> to a certain extent is to be expected, such things should be checked at
> service time and should also be noticed by the owner/driver when doing
> regular under bonnet checks as per the owners manual which of course you
> always do?

Since the car has done <60 000 km I didn't think loose bolts would be
an issue; and if they were, I thought Land Rover would note it in the
manual and/or inspect these bolts at service.

>
>
>
> Daryl

[Ext User(Rainbow Warrior)]

<drystone@swiftdsl.com.au> wrote in message
news:1149488362.500342.305070@y43g2000cwc.googlegr oups.com...

> Has anyone heard of this happening to Land Rovers?

Nah, the weight of the spare tyre, shovel & pick guaranteed mine to never
lift, I pretty much avoided lifting it as much as I could rarely saw any
good news in there :)

[Ext User(Zodiac)]

The secondary bonnet catch is useless in this situation as the actual
bolting mechanism has come off.

"D Walford" <walford@iprimus.com.au> wrote in message
news:4483da38$0$500$61c65585@uq-127creek-reader-03.brisbane.pipenetworks.com.au...
> drystone@swiftdsl.com.au wrote:
>
>> The most important issue for me and my family is, why did this
>> accident happen? Furthermore, what will stop it happening again?
>>
>
> There is supposed to a secondary bonnet catch so if the first catch fails
> then the bonnet is still prevented from coming open.
> My question would be is why did the second catch fail?
> Bolts vibrating loose on a 4WD used on rough roads is not uncommon and to
> a certain extent is to be expected, such things should be checked at
> service time and should also be noticed by the owner/driver when doing
> regular under bonnet checks as per the owners manual which of course you
> always do?
>
>
>
> Daryl

[Ext User(Austin Shackles)]

On or around 4 Jun 2006 23:19:22 -0700, drystone@swiftdsl.com.au enlightened
us thusly:
>
>Has anyone heard of this happening to Land Rovers?

can't say as I have, personally.
>
>The most important issue for me and my family is, why did this
>accident happen? Furthermore, what will stop it happening again?

loctite on the bolts. They shouldn't be able to come loose.
--
Austin Shackles. www.ddol-las.net my opinions are just that
Too Busy: Your mind is like a motorway. Sometimes it can be jammed by
too much traffic. Avoid the jams by never using your mind on a
Bank Holiday weekend.
from the Little Book of Complete B***ocks by Alistair Beaton.

[Ext User(drystone@swiftdsl.com.au)]

Austin Shackles wrote:
.....
> >
> >The most important issue for me and my family is, why did this
> >accident happen? Furthermore, what will stop it happening again?
>
> loctite on the bolts. They shouldn't be able to come loose.
>
That was my thought too, but the smash repairer said then they'd never
be able to be undone, if required (when would that be?). He suspected I
bought a "Friday afternoon" car, and that possibly some spring washers
were omitted.

[Ext User(Dave Liquorice)]

On 5 Jun 2006 01:42:44 -0700, drystone@swiftdsl.com.au wrote:

>> There is supposed to a secondary bonnet catch so if the first catch
>> fails then the bonnet is still prevented from coming open.
>> My question would be is why did the second catch fail?

It didn't. If you look at the pictures it is still latched to the front
valance in No.5. What has happened is that combined secondary latch and
primary lock unit has become detached from the bonnet. There are only two
bolts holding that unit to the bonnet if they fall out...

> I'm unaware of the existence of a second catch--can you enlighten me?

So you haven't been doing the weekly checks on fluids etc as per the User
Manual. You would know about the secondary latch if you had, as you
shouldn't be able to open the bonnet without releasing it.

> Is it visible in the photos I've posted?

Yes, in No.5 but it should be attched to the bonnet just below the gap in
the seal in No.4.

> Since the car has done <60 000 km I didn't think loose bolts would be
> an issue; and if they were, I thought Land Rover would note it in the
> manual and/or inspect these bolts at service.

It's not a service item and three years is ample time for a couple of
small bolts to work loose. Once a bolt is loose it'll work it's way out
surprisngly quickly, like hours or less.

Shit happens, but the attitude of Customer Care leaves a little to be
desired but that may be down to a reaction against your apparently
agressive attitude. If you want people to do things for you, don't upset
them. Human nature being what it is means that some one annoyed by
someone will do the minimum required (or by the book). Get them on your
side and more stops are likely to be pulled out to assist you and get you
what you want.

--
Cheers new5pam@howhill.com
Dave. pam is missing e-mail

[Ext User(drystone@swiftdsl.com.au)]

drystone@swiftdsl.com.au wrote:
.....
>
> See photos at: http://home.people.net.au/~wabbaly/Disco%20Bonnet%
> 20Release%20at%2060%20kmh/
......

Also posted the photos at a more permanent site:
http://autos.ph.groups.yahoo.com/group/d2au/photos/browse/c02f

[Ext User(drystone@swiftdsl.com.au)]

Dave Liquorice wrote:
.....
>
> Shit happens, but the attitude of Customer Care leaves a little to be
> desired but that may be down to a reaction against your apparently
> agressive attitude. If you want people to do things for you, don't upset
> them. Human nature being what it is means that some one annoyed by
> someone will do the minimum required (or by the book). Get them on your
> side and more stops are likely to be pulled out to assist you and get you
> what you want.
>
> --
> Cheers new5pam@howhill.com
> Dave. pam is missing e-mail

I agree with you Dave. I was polite to all I spoke to at Land Rover
Customer Care and thought that they would understand the severity of
our experience. Several did understand and could put themselves in our
shoes, however the ones that had the power to make things better chose
to not to. Thus it seems to me that the latter were thinking about the
bottom line rather than their customer; i.e. they didn't seem to "care".

[Ext User(patrick@unknown (Patrick Young)]

In article <4484172b$0$508$61c65585@uq-127creek-reader-03.brisbane.pipenetworks.com.au>, D Walford <walford@iprimus.com.au> writes:

> BTW I went and looked under the bonnets of my 2 Toyota's (Hilux and
> Corolla), the bonnet latches are a different design but if the bolts
> came loose then the result would be the same as what happened to the
> Disco so the Toyota design isn't really much safer.

As Damo also found. Two reported cases of this in as many
weeks ...

Adds bonnet release failure to front tire failure as phobias ... as
well as the health related thread. Fuck! at this rate I'm not even
gunna get out of bed in the morning for fear of breaking meself.

URK!

--

--------------------------------------------
4x4 Hilux Auto Service Centre,
BP 106 Timbuktu,
Mali (West Africa)
Tel: 292 91 52
Specialising in turbo diesel and R290 aircon
--------------------------------------------

[Ext User(Toby Ponsenby)]

On 4 Jun 2006 23:19:22 -0700, drystone@swiftdsl.com.au wrote:

> Travelling at 60 km/h on the Glow Worm Tunnel Rd, Newnes State Forest
> several weeks ago, the bonnet smacked into the windscreen without
> warning. Luckily the road was straight and there were no on-coming
> cars-I stopped the vehicle without further incident. Upon inspection,
> two bolt/screws that hold a bonnet plate that engages into the
> release levers were found loose in the engine bay (on the bar above
> the radiator).
>
> See photos at: http://home.people.net.au/~wabbaly/Disco%20Bonnet%
> 20Release%20at%2060%20kmh/
>
> With some difficulty the three of us lowered the bonnet, carefully
> manipulating the wipers under the bonnet's lower edge (they were in
> that position because of the accident). Because there was no phone
> reception, we couldn't call Land Rover's Roadside Assist, therefore
> we tied the bonnet down and drown slowly home and called there.
>
> Had the bonnet spontaneously released itself minutes before or after,
> the three of us could have crashed into a pine tree or sandstone road
> cutting. We are so fortunate the accident took place where it did.
>
> The car: Was I driving an old Disco. No, it's a 2003 Land Rover
> Discovery, Series II, purchased Dec 2003,
> under warranty until Dec 2006. Serviced by the book by Land Rover
> service centres.
>
> Land Rover "Customer Care" were initially reluctant to provide us
> with a replacement car or cover the costs of towing. This, and other
> behaviour, was totally disrespectful considering that the three of us
> could have died due to the malfunction had it occurred elsewhere.
> Particular mention must be made of Andrew Howard and Maggie
> (Margaret) Horesch (National Customer Care Manager for LRA) both of
> whom work in Melbourne--they have shown complete disreguard for our
> circumstance--I hope none of you have to deal with them when it
> really matters.
>
> Has anyone heard of this happening to Land Rovers?
>
> The most important issue for me and my family is, why did this
> accident happen?

Is this a troll??????

I mean no-one could possibly have been unaware of LR's shite attitude
to their customers *after_the_sale* ?
Their shite design?
Their shite build quality?

Yeah - It has to be a troll..

Anyway, in the extremely unlikely event your piece was not a troll, LR
is at this moment kicking themselves severely up th' arse for offering
that very un-traditional longish warranty.
So, you can be pleased you've had 'some' impact on the bastards.


> Furthermore, what will stop it happening again?

You're kidding if you dn't know the answer to that - troll or no
troll:-)


--
Toby.
quidquid latine dictum
sit, altum viditur

[Ext User(Magic Mushroom Farmer)]

ShazWozza wrote:
> drystone@swiftdsl.com.au wrote:
>
>
> > The car: Was I driving an old Disco. No, it's a 2003 Land Rover
> > Discovery, Series II, purchased Dec 2003,
> > under warranty until Dec 2006. Serviced by the book by Land Rover
> > service centres.
>
> I take it that this means that the service book doesn't have a section on
> checking the bonnet locking mechanism's integrity.

Gov co will enforce that all manufacture have this department if I know
what this story is about
>
> > The most important issue for me and my family is, why did this
> > accident happen? Furthermore, what will stop it happening again?
>
> Shit can happen anywhere anytime. There is no rule that says it can't happen
> again. Might be a good idea to check the securing mechanism yourself.

They could catch Legionnaires' disease,according to the howard
convention,no resident say take on the duty of motor mechanics without
first looking for all possible parties to sue.

[Ext User(Magic Mushroom Farmer)]

drystone@swiftdsl.com.au wrote:
> D Walford wrote:
> > drystone@swiftdsl.com.au wrote:
> >
> > > The most important issue for me and my family is, why did this
> > > accident happen? Furthermore, what will stop it happening again?
> > >
> >
> > There is supposed to a secondary bonnet catch so if the first catch
> > fails then the bonnet is still prevented from coming open.
> > My question would be is why did the second catch fail?
>
> I'm unaware of the existence of a second catch--can you enlighten me?
> Is it visible in the photos I've posted?

Its normally in place to prevent the bonnet from flying up.
>
> > Bolts vibrating loose on a 4WD used on rough roads is not uncommon and
> > to a certain extent is to be expected, such things should be checked at
> > service time and should also be noticed by the owner/driver when doing
> > regular under bonnet checks as per the owners manual which of course you
> > always do?
>
> Since the car has done <60 000 km I didn't think loose bolts would be
> an issue; and if they were, I thought Land Rover would note it in the
> manual and/or inspect these bolts at service.
>
Nah......you might aswell check that you have your cloths on.
You need Bonnet Pins
http://www.speedzone.com.au/trader.asp?product=1921&id=5624
Age old solution for families with bonnet problems.
Landrover should install them for you

[Ext User(Albm&ctd)]

In article <1149507242.479301.87890@i40g2000cwc.googlegroups.c om>,
drystone@swiftdsl.com.au says...
>
> Dave Liquorice wrote:
> ....
> >
> > Shit happens, but the attitude of Customer Care leaves a little to be
> > desired but that may be down to a reaction against your apparently
> > agressive attitude. If you want people to do things for you, don't upset
> > them. Human nature being what it is means that some one annoyed by
> > someone will do the minimum required (or by the book). Get them on your
> > side and more stops are likely to be pulled out to assist you and get you
> > what you want.
> >
> > --
> > Cheers new5pam@howhill.com
> > Dave. pam is missing e-mail
>
> I agree with you Dave. I was polite to all I spoke to at Land Rover
> Customer Care and thought that they would understand the severity of
> our experience. Several did understand and could put themselves in our
> shoes, however the ones that had the power to make things better chose
> to not to. Thus it seems to me that the latter were thinking about the
> bottom line rather than their customer; i.e. they didn't seem to "care".
>
>
Should have bought a Lada. It opens the other way.

Al
--
I don't take sides.
It's more fun to insult everyone.
http://kwakakid.cjb.net/insult.html

[Ext User(Austin Shackles)]

On or around 5 Jun 2006 03:57:24 -0700, "drystone@swiftdsl.com.au"
<drystone@swiftdsl.com.au> enlightened us thusly:

>
>Austin Shackles wrote:
>....
>> >
>> >The most important issue for me and my family is, why did this
>> >accident happen? Furthermore, what will stop it happening again?
>>
>> loctite on the bolts. They shouldn't be able to come loose.
>>
>That was my thought too, but the smash repairer said then they'd never
>be able to be undone, if required (when would that be?). He suspected I
>bought a "Friday afternoon" car, and that possibly some spring washers
>were omitted.

you can get the sort of loctite that's undoable. and anyway, how often does
the bonnet catch need undoing?
--
Austin Shackles. www.ddol-las.net my opinions are just that
If all be true that I do think, There are five reasons we should drink;
Good wine, a friend, or being dry, Or lest we should be by and by;
Or any other reason why. - Henry Aldrich (1647 - 1710)

[Ext User(Paul - xxx)]

drystone@swiftdsl.com.au came up with the following;:

> Has anyone heard of this happening to Land Rovers?

Not mine, but the front corners of the bonnet do move somewhat alarmingly at
speeds above 60mph on the motorways.

> The most important issue for me and my family is, why did this
> accident happen?

It does look like you [1] just haven't spotted the bolts and catch are loose
when you've been doing the normal, everyday checks we [2] all do.

> Furthermore, what will stop it happening again?

The normal, everyday checks we all do, but add one, for your own piece of
mind, that includes checking the bonnet release. Actually I have to spray
mine regularly with WD40/Plusgas etc to keep it free .. it always seems to
stiffen up after a few weeks.

[1] I do also mean any service 'personnel' who might have been doing the
servicing.

[2] That's the royal 'we', I don't pretend to speak for everyone, but mean
'we' as a family of drivers. :)

--
Paul ...
(8(|) Homer Rules ..... Doh !!!

[Ext User(Larry)]

Shit does happen, with annoying frequency on a series motor :(

--
Larry
Series 3 rust and holes


"ShazWozza" <shaz_wozza@elementspring.com> wrote in message
news:newscache$vpjd0j$qyv1$1@elise.onthenet.com.au ...
> drystone@swiftdsl.com.au wrote:
>
>

>
> Shit can happen anywhere anytime. There is no rule that says it can't
happen
> again. Might be a good idea to check the securing mechanism yourself.
>
>
>

[Ext User(William Tasso)]

Magic Mushroom Farmer <jjbruce@gmail.com> wrote:

>
> drystone@swiftdsl.com.au wrote:

>> ...
>> Since the car has done <60 000 km I didn't think loose bolts would be
>> an issue; and if they were, I thought Land Rover would note it in the
>> manual and/or inspect these bolts at service.
>>
> Nah......you might aswell check that you have your cloths on.
> You need Bonnet Pins

and some simple fear - it's a great safety feature. having had exactly
this happen to me in a MKIV zephyr/zodic/whatever way back when a youth I
constantly monitor bonnet status just as I monitor where traffic is around
me, coolant temp, etc....

When the 110 decided to release the bonnet it was caught nicely by the
secondary catch - failure was sticky release cable.

--
William Tasso

110 V8

[VYBerlinaV8]

My Father-In-Law has had 2 Land Rover Discoveries (a petrol V8 and a turbo diesel), and both of them have been complete pieces of shit. The newer one (the turbo diesel) was puchased new 3 years ago, and since has had all sorts of problems, including gearbox failure, gasket failure, driveshaft dropping onto the road after a cv joint sheared off, it has numerous rattles, bits of the interior have fallen off without warning or reason, exterior trim has fallen off, screws have worked loose, and to top it off the local Land Rover dealership drove it into something during service (cracking the front bar quite badly) and denied all knowledge. I currently has turbo troubles, and an exhaust problem is also suspected (based on the sound the thing is currently making).

Now if a car had a very hard life, you could understand a few hassles. The owner is in his late 50's, drives like a grandma and services it religiously. It does some towing, but nothing excessive.

Based on this experience I will never, ever even consider buying a Land Rover product. To add to this my old boss had a Land Rover Discovery, and had a whole set of different problems, including cracked cylinder heads.

Sorry if anyone's offended, but I think these cars are rubbish.