🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Land Rover

Model:

Discovery Series 3 / LR3

Generation:

Series 3 / LR3

Model Years Covered:

Typically 2004-2009 (based on Series 3 designation)

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The Land Rover Discovery Series 3 / LR3 positioned itself as a capable and luxurious premium off-road SUV, blending on-road comfort with significant off-pavement prowess.

Key Competitors:

Competed against vehicles like the BMW X5, Mercedes-Benz ML-Class, Audi Q7, Volvo XC90, and Jeep Grand Cherokee during its production run.

Innovative Features:

Introduced Terrain Response, integrated body-frame construction for improved rigidity and safety, and advanced independent air suspension (air suspension optional/standard on higher trims).

Value:

Provides factory-level diagnostic and repair information, enabling owners and independent workshops to perform comprehensive maintenance and repairs, potentially saving significant dealership service costs.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Comprehensive repair and service for Land Rover Discovery Series 3 / LR3

Maintenance Coverage:

Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, inspections, adjustments

Repair Coverage:

Detailed repair procedures for all major mechanical and electrical systems

Diagnostic Coverage:

Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), fault finding procedures

Estimated Page Count:

Likely exceeds 2,000 pages (typical for comprehensive factory-level manuals)

Manual Type:

Factory-level Repair and Service Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF (Download)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Systems:

General Info, Engine, Engine Cooling, Fuel Charging and Controls, Accessory Drive, Starting System, Engine Ignition, Glow Plug System, Engine Emission Control, Intake Air Distribution and Filtering, Evaporative Emissions, Electronic Engine Controls

Drivetrain Systems:

Driveshafts, Rear Drive Axle/Differential, Front Drive Axle/Differential, Front Drive Halfshafts, Rear Drive Halfshafts, Four-Wheel Drive Systems, Transfer Case, Automatic Transmission/Transaxle, Transmission/Transaxle Cooling, Auto Trans External Controls, Manual Transmission/Transaxle and Clutch, Clutch, Manual Trans External Control

Suspension And Steering:

Suspension General Info, Front Suspension, Rear Suspension, Wheels & Tires, Vehicle Dynamic Suspension, Ride & Handling Optimization, Steering System General Info, Power Steering, Steering Linkage, Steering Column, Steering Column Switches

Braking Systems:

Brakes General Info, Front Brake Disc, Rear Brake Disc, Parking Brake and Actuation, Hydraulic Brake Actuation, Power Brake Actuation, Anti-Lock Control-Traction Control, Anti-Lock Control - Stability Assist

Climate Control:

Climate Control System General Info, Air Distribution and Filtering, Heating and Ventilation, Auxiliary Heating, Air Conditioning, Auxiliary Climate Control, Control Components

Electrical And Electronics:

Instrument Cluster and Panel Illumination, Horn, Clock, Information and Message Center, Warning Devices, Parking Aid, Charging System, Battery, Mounting and Cables, Generator and Regulator, Audio Unit, Antenna, Speakers, Video System, Interior Lighting, Daytime Running Lights, Exterior Lighting, Module Communications Network, Wiring Harness, Anti-Theft Active, Anti-Theft Passive, Navigation System, Cellular Phone

Interior And Exterior Trim:

Front End Body Panel, Body Closures, Interior Trim and Ornamentation, Exterior Trim and Ornamentation, Rear View Mirrors, Seating, Glass Frames and Mechanisms, Instrument Panel and Console, Handles, Locks, Latches and Entry Systems, Wiper and Washers, Roof Opening Panel, Bumpers, Safety Belt System, Supplemental Restraint System

Body Repairs:

Body Repairs, Front End Sheet Metal Repairs, Roof Sheet Metal Repairs, Side Panel Sheet Metal Repairs, Rear End Sheet Metal Repairs

Maintenance Procedures:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-ups, belt inspections/replacements, spark plug replacement, brake pad replacement, tire rotation

Diagnostic Procedures:

Troubleshooting symptoms, interpreting diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), testing electrical components, pressure testing fuel systems, checking sensor outputs

Repair Procedures:

Engine disassembly/assembly, transmission overhaul, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement, steering rack repair, body panel repair/replacement, electrical component replacement

Special Procedures:

Jacking and lifting, wheel alignment, vehicle dynamic suspension calibration, Air Suspension system maintenance/repair, transfer case servicing, complex electronic system diagnostics

Depth:

Factory-level detail, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIYers. Includes torque specifications, wiring diagrams, exploded views, and precise repair sequences.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF

Print Quality:

High-resolution, allowing for clear viewing of diagrams and text. Fully printable.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Searchable Text:

Yes (typical for PDF manuals)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Options:

2.7L TD V6 (Diesel), 4.0L V6 (Gasoline), 4.4L V8 (Gasoline - often referred to as V6 in some product descriptions, but it's a V8).

2.7L Td V6 Power:

Approx. 185 hp (138 kW) and 325 lb-ft (440 Nm) torque.

4.0L V6 Power:

Approx. 217 hp (162 kW) and 265 lb-ft (359 Nm) torque.

4.4L V8 Power:

Approx. 295 hp (220 kW) and 315 lb-ft (427 Nm) torque.

Diesel Fuel System:

Common Rail Diesel Injection (CRDI)

Gasoline Fuel System:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) / Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)

ECU Type:

Siemens VDO / Continental ECU (varies by engine and model year)

🔧 Transmission

Gearbox Type:

Primarily Automatic Transmissions; Manual transmission available on some early base models, but less common.

Automatic Transmission Models:

ZF 6HP26 (6-speed automatic) for V8 and later V6 models; Ford 5R55N (5-speed automatic) for earlier models and the 4.0L V6.

Transmission Features:

Steptronic manual shifting mode, adaptive shift programs, electronically controlled.

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

Approx. 113.8 inches (2890 mm)

Length:

Approx. 191.1 inches (4855 mm)

Width:

Approx. 74.6 inches (1895 mm)

Height:

Approx. 74.1 inches (1882 mm) with standard suspension

Curb Weight:

Approx. 4,800 - 5,300 lbs (2180 - 2400 kg), depending on engine and configuration.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approx. 6,400 - 6,700 lbs (2900 - 3040 kg)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Ratings:

Varies by model year and specific crash test. Generally performed well for its class, but specific ratings should be verified for individual model years.

Active Safety:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Emergency Brake Assist (EBA), Traction Control System (TCS), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Hill Descent Control (HDC), Terrain Response System.

Passive Safety:

Front airbags, side curtain airbags, front side airbags, seatbelt pretensioners, crumple zones, reinforced safety cage, Roll Stability Control (RSC - often linked with DSC).

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Touchscreen navigation system (optional), premium audio systems (Harman Kardon), CD changer, auxiliary audio input.

Driver Assistance Features:

Parking sensors (front and rear), reverse camera (optional), adaptive cruise control (optional on some models).

Connectivity Options:

Bluetooth hands-free calling (optional/later models), optional satellite navigation.

Terrain Response:

Key feature allowing driver to select terrain modes (General Driving, Grass/Gravel/Snow, Mud/Ruts, Sand, Rock Crawl) to optimize vehicle settings (engine, transmission, differentials, suspension).

Air Suspension:

Electronically controlled air suspension (Adaptive Dynamics) allowing for adjustable ride height and stiffness, providing comfort and off-road capability.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first. Refer to manual for specific engine/oil type.

Transmission Fluid Interval:

Recommended inspection at 40,000 miles, fluid change often considered at 60,000-100,000 miles depending on usage and manufacturer recommendation. Crucial for ZF 6HP26.

Engine Oil Spec:

API SN or newer, ACEA A3/B4 or C3. Viscosity grades typically 5W-30 or 5W-40. Consult manual for exact specification per engine (e.g., Castrol EDGE Professional OE 5W-30 for diesel).

Coolant Spec:

HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) or OAT (Organic Acid Technology) coolant, typically orange or pink. Land Rover's specific antifreeze (e.g., Land Rover Coolant G48 or equivalent).

Brake Fluid Spec:

DOT 4 (or DOT 4 LV for specific applications)

Power Steering Fluid Spec:

ATF Dexron III/VI compatible fluid (e.g., Land Rover Power Steering Fluid).

Common Problems:

Air suspension compressor failure/leaks, air spring bellows degradation, EAS height sensor issues, timing chain tensioner wear (for some gasoline engines), glow plug failure (diesel), EGR valve issues (diesel), oil cooler leaks, automatic transmission mechatronic sleeve failure (ZF 6HP26).

Body And Chassis Issues:

Water ingress through sunroof drains, door seals, and rear tailgate; corrosion on subframes and body panels in certain climates.

📚 Vehicle History

Land Rover Legacy:

Land Rover has a long-established heritage in producing robust, go-anywhere off-road vehicles since the Defender's inception.

Discovery Lineage:

The Discovery Series 3 (LR3 in North America) represented a significant redesign from the Series 2, moving to a monocoque construction with integrated frame, and featuring more advanced technology and a more luxurious interior.

Manufacturing Locations:

Solihull, West Midlands, United Kingdom.

Production Period:

2004 - 2009

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Off Road Awards:

The Discovery Series 3/LR3 was consistently praised for its off-road capability and ride comfort, often winning awards or high rankings in SUV comparison tests, particularly for its segment-leading articulation and traction systems.