Here's hoping one or more of you knowledgeable people out there can help.

I've trawled through the forum for days trying to find clues. Found a few but so far remedies have ruled these out. Please read on.

My son has a 2012 RRS AB 3.0. No problems after 9 months of ownership, bought from a dealer and has had good and regular servicing from a reputable 4x4 dealer since. It's not been remapped. EGR valve seems in tact.

The car now has developed a problem which we cannot trace to origin or diagnose at this time.

In summary there are 2 issues.

1.The car starts fine but when it has been on a decent run it struggles to start again after being turned off. After a while it will start. It doesn't stall when running.

2. After a while (from the issues on the re-start) there is what he describes as a juddering and creaking from the front suspension.

Actions so far include the following which has not solved the problem:

a) No fault codes showing on OBD.

b) Checked earths, re-earthed one near front wheel arch which was weak.

c) New battery.

d) Alternator working ok.

My son took it to our very busy independent) 4x4 mechanic who was able to do a few checks during his busy schedule but he can't do anything more until the end of next week. But he found:

i) No fault codes.

ii) Small hole in exhaust (engine end) which will be sorted when he has it for 2 days next week to try and sort it all.

iii) Crank shaft sensor working ok. Checked on computer and it did have the recall done years back when LR discovered faulty sensors. Mechanic ruled this out as rev counter works when cranking.

iv) Fuel temp sensor ok.

POSSIBLE CAUSES according to the mechanic:
Hole in the exhaust could be causing something (sensor) to get hot? Otherwise mechanically very sound.
And / or ECU problems, but would probably get fault codes?

We have faith in our 4x4 garage, as do lots of others which is why they're always so busy.

I was wondering if between now and the car going to the garage at the end of next week someone might be able to shed some light or have some idea as to what the problem(s) could be.

Thanks in advance. Barrie.
2017-Jan 2024: 2005 RRS 2.7TDV6. Best car I ever had - until now!
Current: 2018 Ford Ranger Wildtrak 3.2

Mechanic has said that the exhaust problem is actually a split pipe running from the engine to the exhaust system...(my son's words), and is an easy fix, but not related to the car failing to start when hot.

After spending some time on the car he has found a problem with the ECU related to the airbag. He has ruled out other possible causes, most of which are listed above.

New ECU being installed. I think the SNS/Airbag control unit. ?? Barrie.
2017-Jan 2024: 2005 RRS 2.7TDV6. Best car I ever had - until now!
Current: 2018 Ford Ranger Wildtrak 3.2

New ECU installed as above, but car still seriously squeaking and noisy around front suspension when hot, especially when turning slowly and going over speed bumps.

After seeing various threads on here and other forums it seems that the front bushes can dry out when the weather is hot and dry.

Back in it goes.

Last edited by BJH1959 on Mon Jul 18 2022 8:09pm. Edited 1 time in total

Absolutely no idea. Squeak has to be bushes surely. 2006 2.7 TDV6 HSE in Cairns Blue.

Arb bushes

Thanks guys, that's what we're thinking. Barrie.
2017-Jan 2024: 2005 RRS 2.7TDV6. Best car I ever had - until now!
Current: 2018 Ford Ranger Wildtrak 3.2

Lrstaylor wrote:

Arb bushes

OK, thanks. Can I just query though... WD40? I've seen on some threads that it's better to use a silicone spray for lubrication. Just to be sure...? Barrie.
2017-Jan 2024: 2005 RRS 2.7TDV6. Best car I ever had - until now!
Current: 2018 Ford Ranger Wildtrak 3.2

My indie used WD40 but I guess a silicone spray would be a better bet as long as it will crawl into those minute gaps between the bush and the bar Robin
2008 Range Rover Sport TDV8
Gone:
Jaguar S-Type V8 4.2 Sport
MGZTT 190 2.5

The new ECU has solved the starting issues. Sorted.

Spraying the joints and around the bushes made no difference. Took it to a very reputable independent 4x4 specialist garage and they identified a leak in the front ACE bar and a worn front offside wheel bearing. To replace them both they've quoted just over 3k in total.  Barrie.
2017-Jan 2024: 2005 RRS 2.7TDV6. Best car I ever had - until now!
Current: 2018 Ford Ranger Wildtrak 3.2

Ouch!. If its any help, I just checked back and in Jan 2017 I had a front wheel bearing changed - cost £212. Never had the ACE changed so wouldn't know the price of that Robin
2008 Range Rover Sport TDV8
Gone:
Jaguar S-Type V8 4.2 Sport
MGZTT 190 2.5

Thanks @Eaters. The wheel bearing is about 230. No problems with the costings, just a bit gutted for him. It's a beautiful car and he wants to keep it. Once this is done he'd have paid out about as much on his 2012 in a few months as I have my 2005 in over 5 years. Barrie.
2017-Jan 2024: 2005 RRS 2.7TDV6. Best car I ever had - until now!
Current: 2018 Ford Ranger Wildtrak 3.2

If its any comfort, when I bought mine it went through many many fixes and replacements in the first few years. The last couple of years have been relatively quiet. I know there will be things coming up around the corner but am just glad for each day that passes without having to dip into my ever depleting wallet. I won't bore you with the full details of the spreadsheet I keep but my total outlay on spares, faults, repairs, tyres and servicing is currently £13,402. my warranty covered it for three years and so reduced this outlay by £2,318 so a net cost of £11,084. That's over 77 months ownership. I still have to call it my hobby as my head says buy a Vauxhall Astra - REALLY??? Robin
2008 Range Rover Sport TDV8
Gone:
Jaguar S-Type V8 4.2 Sport
MGZTT 190 2.5

 Barrie.
2017-Jan 2024: 2005 RRS 2.7TDV6. Best car I ever had - until now!
Current: 2018 Ford Ranger Wildtrak 3.2

BJH1959 wrote:

The new ECU has solved the starting issues. Sorted.

Spraying the joints and around the bushes made no difference. Took it to a very reputable independent 4x4 specialist garage and they identified a leak in the front ACE bar and a worn front offside wheel bearing. To replace them both they've quoted just over 3k in total.