How We Fixed A Land
The Land Rover Defender stands as a symbol of rugged adventure, yet one of our more recent clients brought theirs to Shires Garage under less-than-ideal circumstances. Their Defender had unfortunately gone into ‘limp mode’, a safety feature that limits your vehicle’s speed to between 30-50mph to protect your vehicle from further damage.
Whilst it’s a great feature that can protect your vehicle’s engine, it’s far from ideal.
If your Land Rover goes into limp mode, it’s crucial to head to a trusted garage. Continuing to drive under these conditions can cause more issues, potentially leading to costly repairs down the road.
Upon arrival at Shires Garage, the client’s Defender was clearly in distress, signalled by the illuminated engine warning light and the restricted performance of limp mode.
Thankfully, our experienced technicians were familiar with such scenarios and quickly began diagnosing the issue to resolve it efficiently. At Shires Garage, we can identify and fix your vehicle’s problems during the first visit, saving you time, money and stress.
Initial Discovery
Upon initial assessment, our technicians pinpointed a decline in performance and poor idling in the vehicle; it was clear something was amiss. The Land Rover’s illuminated check engine light and its struggle to operate beyond limp mode were immediate red flags.
Limp mode is triggered by the vehicle’s onboard diagnostic system when it detects a potential problem that could lead to severe damage.
Had the Defender been used under harsh driving conditions or at higher speeds, the resulting damage could have been significant, potentially leading to hefty repair costs for our client.
Observing the check engine light and the notable drop in performance, our team wasted no time addressing the issue. One of the first things that stood out was the vehicle’s surprisingly low mileage, indicating that our client’s Land Rover Defender was primarily a show vehicle, seldom used throughout the year.
This steered our technicians toward several potential causes, enabling them to swiftly pinpoint and address the issue, ensuring the best outcome for our client.
What Was Causing the Land Rover to Enter Limp Mode?
At Shires Garage, we use our experience and detailed 15-step diagnostic process to pinpoint the cause of any issue your vehicle may have. This approach even allows us to identify any potential future problems while giving us what we need to advise on preventive repairs to avoid worsening conditions.
Our experts used their experience with Land Rover vehicles to conduct the diagnostic tests needed to swiftly reveal any fault codes present. During these tests, our Land Rover specialists found the following fault code:
P0183 – This indicated an issue with the fuel temperature sensor A circuit receiving too high an input.
Our technicians’ extensive experience with Land Rover fuel temperature sensors meant they could immediately interpret and address this fault code effectively.
To the untrained eye, fault codes may seem like mere numbers but they tell a detailed story to those who know how to read them.
In response to the high input detected by the sensor, our technician conducted a live data analysis. This advanced examination, supported by the use of a decade box to simulate various electrical conditions through resistors, capacitors or inductors, helped in diagnosing and planning the repair strategy.
The test is something most other garages wouldn’t perform but our experts like to be thorough with their diagnosis of your vehicle’s issues.
Additionally, we inspected the vehicle’s wiring for any damage or breaks that could contribute to the problem, ensuring a precise and efficient resolution.
We shared the insights from the live data analysis with our client, ensuring they fully understood the nature of the problem. Our investigation concluded that the temperature sensor had failed and needed replacement.
With the problem identified, our team knew what needed to be done and could proceed with the next stage of the repair process. But, there was one thing they needed to do first…
Fixing The Defender
Once the Land Rover’s issue had been identified, our team at Shires Garage called our client to discuss our findings and the recommended solution. By thoroughly discussing the situation, our technicians ensured the client was fully aware of the optimal solution to rectify the limp mode issue.
At Shires Garage, we prioritise the care of both our customers and their vehicles. You are always kept in the loop with us, and we only begin working on your car when you say so.
Given the pristine condition of this particular Defender, it was imperative to offer a repair that met the highest standards of quality and precision.
Once we receive the client’s approval, our technicians proceed with the work.
The defective sensor was meticulously removed, and a new one was promptly acquired through our extensive network of specialised parts suppliers. At Shires Garage, we only use genuine Land Rover parts or high-quality alternatives for your vehicle. You always get the quality needed to keep your car in peak working condition with us.
Following the installation of the new fuel temperature sensor, comprehensive tests were conducted to verify the functionality of the electrical circuits and the accuracy of the sensor.
Our technicians then proceeded to erase the fault code and conducted a thorough test drive to ensure that the limp mode was resolved and the vehicle performed as expected, with the check engine light remaining off.
The rigorous testing process ensures your vehicle leaves our garage without any lingering issues, providing you with peace of mind.
To our client’s delight, the replacement of the faulty sensor not only resolved the limp mode and checked engine light but also restored the Defender to its optimal working condition.
We handed the client their keys, and they drove away more than satisfied with the knowledge that they had received better than dealership value.
Summary
When our client brought their Land Rover Defender to our specialists, they faced a pressing issue which needed solving quickly. Their vehicle was stuck in limp mode, leaving it unable to exceed speeds of 50mph and had a glaring check engine light on the dashboard.
Luckily, the comprehensive diagnostic process conducted by our specialist Land Rover team pinpointed the root of the limp mode issue, enabling a swift fix.
Our Land Rover specialists traced the problem to a malfunctioning fuel temperature sensor.
Once the issue had been found, we contacted our client to inform them. A genuine Land Rover replacement part was then sourced and installed, ensuring the vehicle was repaired to the highest quality.
Thanks to the diligent efforts of our expert team at Shires Garage, the vehicle was fixed correctly on the first visit, solving the limp mode and extinguishing the check engine light.
At Shires Garage, we aim to provide a service that surpasses what you’d receive at a dealership, focusing on delivering unparalleled customer satisfaction. Our goal is to leave every client who visits our garage thoroughly pleased with the level of expertise applied to their vehicle repair.
Facing limp mode in your Land Rover? Don’t let it become a costly problem. Call Shires Garage today for all your vehicle’s repair needs.
