In this guide, we take a look at common problems that trigger the check engine to come on and how to diagnose the problem yourself.

Land Rover check engine light or Engine Service Required message may come on due to a loose gas cap but it can also be an indication of an engine problem, EVAP system leak, or transmission malfunction.

Symptoms

Common symptoms you may notice when your Land Rover check engine light comes on:

• Service required warning message on dashboard
• Engine Rough running
• Engine Misfire or juddering
• Lack of power
• Poor throttle response
• Unusual sounds
• Smoke from the exhaust

In some cases such as EVAP leaks, the check engine light may come on but no performance issues seem present. Fuel consumption may be higher than normal.

How to Diagnose Land Rover Check Engine Light

With a check engine light on, the first thing you need to find out is what caused it. In this section, you will learn how to use an OBD-II scanner to read the diagnostic trouble codes. 

Procedure

1. Locate the OBD-II port under the dashboard. Plugin your scanner into the port.
2. Turn on the ignition but do not start the engine.
3. Select Land Rover from the main menu, then select the model.
4. Enter the Engine Control Module (ECM) by selecting Normal Aspirated Petrol or Diesel depending on your engine.
5. Scroll down to Read Codes and press enter. All fault codes will be displayed on the screen along with a short description of the problem.

Common Problems

Common issues that trigger the check engine light on Land Rover vehicles.

• Worn spark plugs
• Ignition coil
• MAF sensor
• Oxygen sensor
• Catalytic converter
• Loose gas cap
• EVAP leak
• Vacuum leak

In addition to the causes listed above the following problems are common issues that affect Land Rover vehicles.

• Timing Chaing - Newer 4.4-liter V8 engines are prone to timing-related problems, caused by chain guides that wear-out. Early symptoms are intermittent knocking and metallic rattling from the engine bay, usually more prominent during deceleration. With time, chain tension can decrease to the extent to cause a 'check engine' light. You might also experience a loss of power, sluggish acceleration, and poor idle. Although the most common code is a 'crankshaft/camshaft correlation', you might get some other timing related codes. Related DTC: P0016

• Crankshaft Position Sensor - If your Land Rover has intermittent starting issues, look for stored codes related to the crankshaft position sensor. The problem usually starts as an occasional crank-but-no-start situation, especially when the engine is hot. With time, it can display other symptoms, such as misfire, cutting out, and stalling. Related DTC: P0335

• Mass Air Flow Sensor - In case of a 'check engine' light triggered by various System too lean codes, the first thing to check is the MAF sensor. Although cleaning with special MAF fluid might help, in most cases the sensor will need to be replaced. Other possible causes for these codes are various vacuum leaks. Related DTC: P0170 “ P0174

• Fuel Pump -  Models with 4 cylinder TD4 diesel engines are known for going into limp mode without any apparent reason. When that happens, the engine will not go over 3000 RPM, there will be no boost from the turbocharger and you will notice a considerable loss of power. This issue can be caused by a faulty low-pressure fuel pump, located in the fuel tank. DTC: P1260

• Intercooler Hose  All Land Rovers with 2.2-liter diesel engines can have a damaged top intercooler hose. This is actually a design flaw, as the hose chafes on a nearby bracket. In addition to a 'check engine' light, you will experience a lack of power and acceleration, combined with a hissing sound from the engine bay.  When replacing, make sure to install a modified intercooler hose. Related DTC: P0101

• Shift Solenoids - With an automatic gearbox, you might have hesitation when shifting, or even intermittent inability to shift into 3th and 4th gear. This is caused by sticking shifting solenoids, which is a result of poor maintenance. Try changing gearbox oil and filter, and if that doesn't help, replace shift solenoids. Related DTC: P0783

Land Rover Check Engine Light Flashing

One more thing to be especially careful about is a flashing check engine light.

Flashing check engine light indicates a misfire on one or more cylinders.

Do not drive or keep the engine running if the check engine light is flashing. To prevent any additional engine or catalytic converter damage. 

Check engine light is present on all 1996 and newer Land Rovers including Discovery, LR2, LR3, LR4, Discovery, Evoque, Defender, etc.