The Range Rover check engine light, also known as the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL), illuminates when the vehicle’s onboard computer detects a problem in the engine or emission control system.
It’s crucial to have the vehicle scanned for diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) by a mechanic or with an OBD-II scanner to identify and address the specific issue triggering the light.
Ignoring the check engine light can lead to potential performance and emissions problems.
Read on to see the signs and symptoms to the possible causes and how to fix it.
What models are affected?
- Land Rover Defender
- Range Rover Discovery
- Range Rover Evoque
- Range Rover Sport
- Range Rover Velar
- Range Rover Vogue
Signs and symptoms
The most obvious symptom, of course, is the check engine light illuminating your dashboard.
However, other symptoms include:
- Reduced fuel efficiency
- Engine misfiring or running rough
- Stalling or hesitation while driving
- A loss of power or acceleration
- Strange noises coming from the engine or exhaust
- Burning smells
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms in addition to the check engine light, it’s best to pull over when it’s safe to do so.
List of possible OBD codes
When you take your Range Rover to a mechanic to have the check engine light diagnosed, they will likely use an OBD (On-Board Diagnostics) scanner to retrieve the diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) that triggered the light.
Some common codes for the Range Rover check engine light include:
- P0171 – System Too Lean (Bank 1)
- P0174 – System Too Lean (Bank 2)
- P0300 – Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected
- P0301 – Cylinder 1 Misfire Detected
- P0302 – Cylinder 2 Misfire Detected
- P0303 – Cylinder 3 Misfire Detected
- P0304 – Cylinder 4 Misfire Detected
- P0442 – Evaporative Emission Control System Leak Detected (Small Leak)
- P0455 – Evaporative Emission Control System Leak Detected (Large Leak)
- P0420 – Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1)
- P0430 – Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 2)
Buying guide: Best Land Rover OBD2 scanner tools
Common causes
Now, onto the question everyone wants to know – what is causing the Range Rover check engine light to come on?
Here are some common causes:
1. Faulty oxygen sensor
The oxygen sensor measures the amount of unburned oxygen in your vehicle’s exhaust system and sends that information to the engine management computer.
A faulty oxygen sensor can cause a variety of issues, including poor fuel economy and reduced engine performance, which can trigger the check engine light.
2. Loose gas cap
Believe it or not, one of the most common causes of the check engine light is a loose or damaged gas cap.
The gas cap keeps the fuel system sealed and pressurized, and if it’s not working properly, it can cause the check engine light to come on.
3. Faulty spark plugs or plug wires
Spark plugs and plug wires are responsible for igniting the air/fuel mixture in your engine.
If one or more of these components fails or is faulty, it can cause the engine to misfire, which will trigger the check engine light.
4. Faulty catalytic converter
The catalytic converter is responsible for converting harmful emissions into less harmful emissions.
If it fails or becomes clogged, it can cause a variety of issues, including reduced engine performance and the check engine light.
5. Mass airflow sensor failure
The mass airflow sensor measures the amount of air entering your engine.
If it fails, it can cause a variety of issues, including reduced engine performance, poor fuel economy, and the check engine light.
Can it be fixed without a mechanic?
In some cases, you may be able to fix the issue causing the check engine light yourself, without the help of a mechanic.
However, this all depends on the cause of the check engine light. If it’s a loose gas cap or faulty oxygen sensor, for example, those are simple fixes that can be done at home.
However, if it’s a faulty catalytic converter, you’ll definitely need a professional to diagnose and repair the issue.
Parts you’ll need to fix it
Depending on the cause of the check engine light, you may need to purchase specific parts to fix the issue.
Some common parts include:
- New oxygen sensor
- Gas cap
- Spark plugs and wires
- New catalytic converter
- New mass airflow sensor
Tools you’ll need to fix it
In addition to the parts listed above, you’ll also need some tools to fix the issue.
These include:
- OBD scanner (to retrieve the diagnostic trouble code)
- Socket wrench set
- Pliers
- Screwdrivers
- Wire cutters/strippers (if replacing spark plug wires)
- Jack and jack stands (if working on the exhaust system)
How to fix it
In general, here are the steps to fix the Range Rover check engine light issue:
- Retrieve the diagnostic trouble code using an OBD scanner
- Determine the cause of the check engine light using the diagnostic trouble code
- Purchase the necessary parts (if required) and tools to fix the issue
- Replace the faulty component(s) as needed
- Clear the diagnostic trouble code using the OBD scanner
- Test drive the vehicle to ensure the issue has been resolved
Potential alternative causes
While the causes listed above are the most common reasons for the check engine light to come on, there are a variety of other issues that can cause the light to illuminate as well.
Some potential alternative causes include:
- Faulty battery
- Failed alternator
- Issues with the fuel injection system
- Vacuum leaks
- Wiring issues
If you’ve gone through all the steps to diagnose and repair the issue causing the check engine light, but it’s still on, it may be time to take your vehicle to a mechanic for additional inspection.
FAQs
What happens if you ignore the check engine light?
Ignoring the check engine light can lead to more serious issues down the road, including reduced fuel efficiency, increased emissions, and, in some cases, engine damage.
Can you still drive your Range Rover with the check engine light on?
It is generally safe to drive with the check engine light on, but it’s best to address the issue as soon as possible to avoid further damage or reduced performance.
How much does it cost to fix the check engine light on a Range Rover?
The cost to fix the check engine light will vary depending on the cause of the issue. Simple fixes like a loose gas cap will be less expensive than more complex issues like a faulty catalytic converter
Summary
In this article, we’ve detailed everything you need to know about the Range Rover check engine light, from its signs and symptoms to potential diagnostic codes, common causes, and how to fix it.
While seeing the check engine light can be stressful, with the right tools and know-how, you can get your Range Rover back to peak performance in no time.