Goodwill request - L494 DC-DC Converter Failure
Discussion
Anyone here suffered a DC-DC Converter failure on a L494 (RRS)? We've just experienced this on our Approved Used but out of Warranty RRS. It's a 2021 (71-plate) with 44k miles that was fine one minute and then red triangle of doom (Charging System Failure) the next.
Google-Fu suggested a few checks first, and I got as far as trying to charge the existing and then swap in a new battery in the boot. 24hrs later, the car is a brick.
There are, it seems, a number of cases of this electrical box failing, but I've now found myself in a position of having to get a 3t brick 8miles away to my local main dealer.
My local indie strongly suggested leaning on JLR for a goodwill contribution as this is 'known issue' with TBs, Recalls and all sorts. Don't think my VIN was covered explicitly, but it could be by a matter of weeks in terms of production. I've issued an email to JLR and cc'd the local Service Manager, but would value any comments people have.
Car is serviced and was operational without issue.
Bit of a kicker as I've just put 2 new 22" tyres on it post Xmas, and now have to speak to a main dealer.
Google-Fu suggested a few checks first, and I got as far as trying to charge the existing and then swap in a new battery in the boot. 24hrs later, the car is a brick.
There are, it seems, a number of cases of this electrical box failing, but I've now found myself in a position of having to get a 3t brick 8miles away to my local main dealer.
My local indie strongly suggested leaning on JLR for a goodwill contribution as this is 'known issue' with TBs, Recalls and all sorts. Don't think my VIN was covered explicitly, but it could be by a matter of weeks in terms of production. I've issued an email to JLR and cc'd the local Service Manager, but would value any comments people have.
Car is serviced and was operational without issue.
Bit of a kicker as I've just put 2 new 22" tyres on it post Xmas, and now have to speak to a main dealer.
Had this on my 2023 defender hardtop at circa 48k miles.
Called LR assist, and they came and charged my battery and followed me home just in case it broke down on the way.
Next day they collected the car, took it to a dealership (Taylor s of dunmow)
They fixed it in 2 days and I was back in the road again.
Also gave me a hire car, so all in all a really good service all around from landrover.
I did ask the cost of the repair although I was covered by warranty, I can t remember for certain what the cost was but pretty sure it was around 600 quid so not too terrible.
Apparently, this is a very common fault at this age/mileage. Pretty much the only problem I ve had apart from a clogged egr valve which was sorted by one of their mobile mechanics in next to no time.
Now in my 3rd L663 and the first 2 each covered just shy of 50k miles so imho reliable cars.
Called LR assist, and they came and charged my battery and followed me home just in case it broke down on the way.
Next day they collected the car, took it to a dealership (Taylor s of dunmow)
They fixed it in 2 days and I was back in the road again.
Also gave me a hire car, so all in all a really good service all around from landrover.
I did ask the cost of the repair although I was covered by warranty, I can t remember for certain what the cost was but pretty sure it was around 600 quid so not too terrible.
Apparently, this is a very common fault at this age/mileage. Pretty much the only problem I ve had apart from a clogged egr valve which was sorted by one of their mobile mechanics in next to no time.
Now in my 3rd L663 and the first 2 each covered just shy of 50k miles so imho reliable cars.
Edited by wilpert on Sunday 18th January 19:13
Edited by wilpert on Sunday 18th January 19:30
Well, the request for Goodwill was successful. JLR initially came back with 33% contribution, but the dealership pushed back and JLR went to 100%. This will result in a replacement DC-DC converter and a replacement 12V battery.
We've had 10 JLR products over the last 20yrs, predominantly from JLR outlets (none new though), so this may have helped our case. I've decided to pay 10% to get the 3yr warranty for the repair. I'm also getting the rear diff pinion seal changed out at the same time as it's leaking.
That's the good news. The issue now is that the DC-DC converter is on back order and could be 4-6wks until it's all fixed. JLR have put me in an Enterprise car until ours is fixed, which is good. It's a Volvo XC60 mild hybrid. Not a like-for-like, but better than the Ford Kuga they initially offered.
All in all, I think JLR have done the right thing. What happens in the future, who knows!
We've had 10 JLR products over the last 20yrs, predominantly from JLR outlets (none new though), so this may have helped our case. I've decided to pay 10% to get the 3yr warranty for the repair. I'm also getting the rear diff pinion seal changed out at the same time as it's leaking.
That's the good news. The issue now is that the DC-DC converter is on back order and could be 4-6wks until it's all fixed. JLR have put me in an Enterprise car until ours is fixed, which is good. It's a Volvo XC60 mild hybrid. Not a like-for-like, but better than the Ford Kuga they initially offered.
All in all, I think JLR have done the right thing. What happens in the future, who knows!
Good that you are getting somewhere.
that back order thing is a proper PITA, i seemed to get lucky with mine and it was done in days. Although, it was in a repair centre and not a dealership.
Taylors of Dunmow are really good and only focus on fixing things rather than selling and finances cars.
that back order thing is a proper PITA, i seemed to get lucky with mine and it was done in days. Although, it was in a repair centre and not a dealership.
Taylors of Dunmow are really good and only focus on fixing things rather than selling and finances cars.
Just had my Discovery Sport ‘22 plate (20,000 miles) uplifted by LR Assistance for a DC-DC Converter fail. The technician said it was his 6th in the last week. The car is now sitting in a storage facility as no JLR dealership in Scotland is accepting breakdowns because of the number of vehicles waiting to be repaired! It may find a place in one of them next week. (Direct information from LR Assist)
I’m also told the part is on back order so it may take several weeks to get it.
I have a hire car from Enterprise so I’m at least mobile but would much prefer to be driving my own LR.
My DS certainly appears to be a “Friday afternoon” car as it’s had a few issues since new - turbo oil leak (new turbo reqd), auxiliary drive belt/pulley replacement 3 times, drivers door lock module replaced (couldn’t open it from inside or out), rear light cluster full of condensation (replaced).
Seriously considering cutting my, and my wife’s, losses (she has an Evoque with the same engine) and trading them in for another manufacturer. Great cars when they’re running but we’re seriously losing confidence in their reliability.
I’m also told the part is on back order so it may take several weeks to get it.
I have a hire car from Enterprise so I’m at least mobile but would much prefer to be driving my own LR.
My DS certainly appears to be a “Friday afternoon” car as it’s had a few issues since new - turbo oil leak (new turbo reqd), auxiliary drive belt/pulley replacement 3 times, drivers door lock module replaced (couldn’t open it from inside or out), rear light cluster full of condensation (replaced).
Seriously considering cutting my, and my wife’s, losses (she has an Evoque with the same engine) and trading them in for another manufacturer. Great cars when they’re running but we’re seriously losing confidence in their reliability.
It sure if I’m kidding myself here and happy to be corrected but I feel that these cars like to be driven often and not just for short runs.
Yes, I’ve had the dc convertor issue but that’s pretty much all that’s happened to me over 2 l663s and over 5 years, totalling around 100k miles.
Let’s hope that I don’t regret saying this
Yes, I’ve had the dc convertor issue but that’s pretty much all that’s happened to me over 2 l663s and over 5 years, totalling around 100k miles.
Let’s hope that I don’t regret saying this
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