Land Rover Defender Limp Mode
If you own a Land Rover Defender, you’ll know it’s robust, high-performing, and an excellent vehicle.
However, it can still suffer from the occasional issue, as do all vehicles.
A recent client discovered this when they brought their vehicle to our experts at Fitch Autos. They had been experiencing the dreaded “limp mode”, significantly limiting their vehicle’s ability.
Limp mode limits your driving speed to 30-50mph, which is far from ideal. Yet, it’s a crucial safety feature designed to prevent further damage to your vehicle.
If this happens, visit a specialist like us promptly. Continuing to drive in limp mode can lead to more significant problems and cause frustration as you struggle to reach your destination.
Ignoring it could also result in costly repairs down the road, which is the last thing you want to happen, right?
Alongside limp mode, our client’s Defender had a warning message on their dashboard.
Fortunately, our experienced Land Rover specialists had seen this situation before and immediately began diagnosing the issue.
Initial Discovery
Initially, our technicians observed the Defender’s poor performance and rough idling, with the vehicle sounding quite unwell. The check engine light was on, and the car was confirmed to be in limp mode, as it could barely reach 40mph.
Talk about a nightmare.
Typically, a car enters limp mode when the onboard diagnostics system detects an issue that could cause serious damage. While it’s annoying, the client’s vehicle entering limp mode has likely saved them from further damage and a significant repair bill.
With the Land Rover’s check engine light on and performance heavily reduced, our technicians immediately began their work. They first noted the Defender’s remarkably low mileage, revealing the customer mainly used the vehicle for shows and didn’t use it too often.
Our experts wanted to perform a deeper inspection to get to the bottom of the issue.
What Was Causing the Land Rover to Enter Limp Mode?
At Fitch Autos, we follow a thorough 15-step diagnostic process to ensure we identify all potential issues within your vehicle. This comprehensive approach can reveal faults that could arise later, allowing us to recommend preventative repairs.
By doing so, we not only resolve your vehicle’s problems but also lower the chances of other issues cropping up in the near future. With us, you save time, money, and stress.
As your local independent Land Rover specialists, we have access to the same technical data as the main dealerships. We can offer dealership-level care for better value.
Using the data, we performed a complete diagnostics test on the client’s vehicle to see if any error codes appeared.
The Land Rover Defender displayed the following fault code:
- P0183 – fuel temperature sensor A circuit high input.
Our technicians, with decades of experience working on all Land Rover models, have encountered this issue before. They had seen this issue before and knew exactly how to address this particular fault code.
While fault codes may seem like a bunch of random numbers, they give our Land Rover specialists a clear picture of what could be causing your vehicle’s problems.
Now that our team knew this sensor was experiencing a high input, our technicians performed a live data check on the sensor.
From the live data testing, we devised a plan to diagnose and fix the fault code. This involved a bypass check with a decade box, which allows us to replicate different electrical values using a series of resistors, capacitors, or inductors.
We also reviewed the vehicle’s wiring for any signs of damage or breaks within the circuit to identify the fault quickly and effectively.
Using the live data information, we summarised our findings and explained them to the customer so they fully understood the issue. Our specialists concluded that the Land Rover’s temperature sensor had failed and needed to be replaced to restore full functionality to the client’s car.
Fixing The Defender
At Fitch Autos, our experts always keep you well-informed throughout the repair process. We only begin working on your vehicle when you say so. You’re in complete control of the situation.
After offering the client a solution for their Land Rover’s limp mode problem, they quickly gave our experts the go-ahead to fix their vehicle.
Once the client approved, our technicians carefully removed the faulty sensor and quickly sourced a new genuine Land Rover replacement part. At Fitch Autos, we use only Land Rover-branded or high-grade alternatives to ensure your vehicle receives the best quality parts for every repair.
After installing the new fuel temperature sensor, we tested it to confirm the electrical circuits were functioning as they should and that the fuel temperature readings were accurate.
Thankfully, with the new sensor installed, the vehicle was no longer in limp mode.
To 100% confirm that the problem was solved, our technicians cleared the fault code and test-drove the Land Rover. – The vehicle performed flawlessly with no sign of limp mode, and all warning messages were cleared.
The customer was happy to have their Land Rover Defender back in complete working condition. They left our garage with a smile, knowing their vehicle was working perfectly.
Summary
When a recent client arrived at our local independent Land Rover garage in a state of worry, their vehicle was stuck in the dreaded limp mode.
To make matters worse, the problem was accompanied by a dashboard warning message.
Through our in-depth 15-step diagnostic procedure, our Land Rover specialists quickly identified the cause of the issue. The fault was traced to a faulty fuel temperature sensor.
Our team efficiently sourced a replacement sensor and carefully removed the old one, replacing it with a genuine Land Rover part.
Once the part had been replaced, the client’s vehicle worked perfectly, fully resolving the limp mode and check engine light issues.
At Fitch Autos, we pride ourselves on delivering service that exceeds dealership standards. You get dealership-level servicing for better value. What more could you ask for?
Is your Land Rover stuck in limp mode? Call our Land Rover specialists today for a quality, first-time solution.
