Land Rover Frequently Asked Questions - Rennology Motor Sport, Chicago

Common Land Rover Problems

Check Engine Light or running rough? Here you will find some answers to the most frequently diagnosed Land Rover vehicle problems. We do not recommend you assume that the answer here directly relates to your Land Rover. And, you should know that often third parties will misdiagnose a car for what appears to be similar problems or related diagnostic codes.

Diagnosing Land Rover Problems

One of the most common misdiagnosis is where a customer says they need a new catalytic converter - a well known parts store told them they have an O2 sensor setting off a Check Engine Light! This can be an expensive and time consuming Land Rover mistake. Diagnosing a Land Rover problem requires more than just reading codes from an onboard computer.

Over the years we have heard and seen first hand the results of bad diagnosis, bad business practices or a simple lack of experience. You can read about the most recent and some of our all time favorites in our Horror Stories Section.

Below you will find answers to some of the more common Land Rover problems and potential solutions. Please be cognizant of the fact that you have one check engine light and hundreds of reasons why it could be triggered.

Land Rover Common Problems and Frequently Asked Questions

CHIRP NOISE ON ENGINE COLD START: On vehicles equipped with the 4.2L/4.4L V8 engine, a 'chirp' noise on engine cold start can sometimes be heard coming from the front end accessory drive belt. This is often caused by belt 'wandering' on the idler pulley. The repair requires the replacement of the idler pulley, the belt and a modification to a supporting bracket.
RIDE AND HANDLING OPTIMIZATION SYSTEM SHUDDER: Occasionally you may experience an under-car 'shudder' from the front or rear suspension, or an under-car rapid 'pulsing' noise. This typically does not last more than 5 seconds. This is caused by the Dynamic Response system control software performing an inaccurate estimation of the road surface conditions, resulting in overcompensation for what it perceives as very small changes in vehicle direction. This overcompensation causes fluctuations in the control pressure delivered to the stabilizer bar actuators producing the shudder. The solution to this problem is a software update to the control module.
SELECTION LEVER STIFF TO OPERATE: Commonly on Range Rovers the automatic transmission selector lever becomes very stiff to operate, or becomes difficult to select forward or reverse gears. This is usually caused by excessive friction and binding of the selector cable pivot bushing within the gear selector lever. This can be solved by replacing the bushing if available, but more usually by replacing the gear selector lever.
INTERMITTENT TRANSMISSION WARNING LAMPS: You may experience intermittent multiple warning lamps or a message display suggesting failure of Descent Control (HDC), Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS) or Dynamic Stability Control (DSC). The "Special programs Off" message may also be displayed intermittently. Under certain circumstances this can be caused by a problem in the transfer case clutch mechanism. The transfer box clutch actuator is operated through its normal range of travel to detect its relative position. If a low voltage occurs during this process, the clutch motor will stop before the end of its full range. When the voltage returns, the process begins with the motor starting from the stopped position rather than the beginning of its range. The motor will drive from the stopped position and reach an unexpected early end of range. The motor will then stall on the end stop and log codes. The solution to this problem is to replace and reprogram the transfer case control module. In some extreme cases, it may be necessary to replace the transfer case as well.
ONE CORNER OF THE TRUCK IS LOWER THAN THE REST: This is very common and is normally a result of a failure in a suspension strut. The system must be checked for leaks before the diagnosis is confirmed. The most common resolution is to replace the leaking strut and reset the suspension system.
LEAKING COOLANT OR LOW COOLANT LIGHT ON: Commonly, Land Rovers suffers from repeating cracks in the coolant bottle. Initially, this will begin as a small leak that is undetectable and only evident when the car is running. In short order, the leak will become substantial and could cause the engine to overheat. This can result in significant damage. Once a leak has begun, an early sign is a low coolant light - this means enough coolant has already escaped significantly affect the system. We recommend you have the leak diagnosed as soon possible. Of course, there are other common leaks in land rover engines - head gaskets may also leak - this kind of leak is usually more physically evident by a puddle underneath the truck.