Range Rover Engine Starting Issues

If you are experiencing difficulty starting the engine of your 2018 Range Rover Sport Autobiography, you’re not alone. Several Range Rover Sport owners have reported similar issues.

In this blog post, we will look into the causes of starting problems and how we successfully resolved the issue for a recent client at Shires Garage. Whether you’re an experienced Range Rover Sport owner or a first-time buyer, this post is a must-read for anyone grappling with engine start issues.

The Issue 

The 2018 Land Rover Range Rover Sport Autobiography is a luxury vehicle that offers a perfect blend of performance, comfort, and off-road capabilities, making it a popular choice among car enthusiasts. However, our client’s delight in driving their Range Rover Autobiography was replaced with frustration when it failed to start one morning.

The client took their vehicle to their previous garage, which identified a problem with the fuel system. However, despite replacing various parts, the problem persisted, indicating that the previous garage lacked expertise in handling Range Rovers.

Upon visiting Shires Garage, the client explained to our Range Rover specialist that the previous garage had replaced the fuel rail pressure sensor, high and low-pressure pumps, and the fuel filter. Yet these replacements failed to resolve the issue.

Right away, our technician confirmed that these previous fixes were not the right course of action for this Range Rover, so further inspection was needed. 

What We Found

Our highly skilled Range Rover technician began the diagnostic process. They carefully inspected the fuel system for any signs of leaks, assessed the fuel level in the tank, and observed the dashboard for any warning indicators.

Thankfully, no leaks were found in the fuel system. However, the Engine Management Light (EML) on the dashboard was on, indicating an issue that required further investigation using our manufacturer-specific diagnostic tool.

Our experienced specialist initiated our comprehensive 15-step diagnostic procedure, which is designed to deliver prompt and effective solutions for all our clients.

The Diagnostic Process

Our technician needed to further investigate the root cause of the illuminated Engine Management Light (EML) on the dashboard, so used the advanced SDD TOPIx diagnostic software, specifically designed for Range Rovers. The diagnostic scan revealed the following error code:

• P008721 – Fuel rail pressure system bank 1 too low.

The fault code identified the fuel rail as the potential culprit, a diagnosis that the previous garage had also made. However, their attempt to fix the issue proved unsuccessful, leaving our technician with the task of finding a reliable resolution.

Our Range Rover specialist performed comprehensive fuel pressure tests for both high and low pressure, confirming that the system was functioning correctly without any signs of failure. So, where was the underlying cause?

Determined to uncover the root of the issue, our technician delved deeper and discovered that the problem lay hidden within the DRV valve.

For readers who are technically inclined, the DRV is a diesel regulating valve which regulates the pressure fuel in the high-pressure fuel rail. It adjusts the fuel pressure based on driving conditions.

Upon removing the DRV valve, our technician made an interesting discovery. One end of the valve had snapped off into the fuel rail bank. In other words, the broken DRV valve was causing a malfunction within the fuel rail of the client’s Range Rover Sport.

While such issues should be uncommon in a high-end vehicle, the reality is that even the smallest components can experience wear and breakage over time, leading to more significant problems. In this case our client, unfortunately, encountered a faulty Range Rover Sport Autobiography.

The Repair Process

Our Range Rover technician talked through the diagnosis with the client, highlighting the need for a replacement fuel rail to restore the vehicle’s performance. Satisfied with the diagnosis and plan of action, the client permitted us to proceed with the necessary repair.

Without delay, our expert began the repair process by removing the defective fuel rail and installing a brand-new one. To ensure the highest quality replacement, our technician used a genuine Range Rover part. Following the installation, an adaptation reset was performed to make sure everything was working correctly.

Before taking the Range Rover Sport for a test drive, our technician conducted a final check for any fault codes. As no new codes were detected, they cleared out the old ones.

With all necessary fixes complete, our technician took the Range Rover on a test drive, carefully assessing the vehicle’s performance, power delivery, and overall handling.

The Range Rover Sport felt as good as new and was ready to hand back to our client. Our technician provided a reliable first time fix!

At Shires Garage, we take pride in delivering excellent repair services and ensuring that our customers receive the highest level of satisfaction. Rest assured that your Range Rover is in capable hands with our dedicated team.

Conclusion 

At Shires Garage, we recently had a Range Rover Sport Autobiography owner approach us, facing difficulties with starting up and driving the vehicle. Additionally, the Engine Management Light (EML) was illuminated on the dashboard.

Our skilled lead technician listened to the customer’s concerns and promptly initiated a comprehensive diagnosis.

Conducting a meticulous visual inspection, our technician found no fuel system leaks, prompting them to delve deeper into the issue. Following our rigorous 15-step diagnostic procedure, our technician swiftly identified the fuel rail as the faulty component, necessitating its replacement.

Once the new fuel rail was securely installed, we performed an adaptation reset to ensure seamless integration. To guarantee the vehicle’s optimal performance, a thorough test drive was conducted, confirming that all issues were resolved..

At Shires Garage, we take pride in delivering efficient and cost-effective solutions to our valued customers. We offer unparalleled value and service.

If you encounter any difficulties with your Range Rover Sport Autobiography or any other Land Rover model, don’t hesitate to reach out to us for expert diagnosis and repair. Contact us today and experience our exceptional service.

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