Range Rover Limp Mode
The Range Rover Sport is a perfect blend of luxury, performance and style. But these vehicles are not perfect and sometimes they can break down and cause issues. Our client recently experienced the dreaded limp mode and visited our workshop for diagnosis and repair. Sometimes the carefully crafted machines do break down, but fortunately, we were there to fix it.
Limp mode activates when a serious engine malfunction occurs. Limp mode is designed to protect the vehicle by preventing you from driving at high speed and limiting power output. Usually, in limp mode, you cannot exceed 30-50mph and the car informs you that you need to visit a garage immediately.
When our customers entered our workshop they immediately told us it had poor performance and had a warning light illuminated on the dashboard.
Diagnosing the Problem
As soon as the Range Rover entered our workshop, our team of experts immediately addressed the poor performance, they knew something was up. The engine management light was on, but the vehicle was in limp mode and had low power.
Our specialist team dug deeper into the possible causes and began the 15-step diagnosis procedure we always perform for our customers.
This enables us to understand the issue quickly and get to the root cause, not leaving anything to chance. We began by using a specialist diagnostics machine which tapped into the engine control unit. This identifies any fault codes that reveal why a vehicle has entered limp mode.
From this diagnostics test, our technician found the following fault code:
- P006A-00 manifold absolute pressure – mass air flow correlation
The technician knew straight away what this meant and which area they had to check – the mass air flow sensor. The mass air flow sensor is mounted onto the inlet manifold (or throttle body) of a vehicle within the engine bay. It is a tiny, delicate sensor which needs to be handled and maintained carefully. A mass air flow sensor helps identify the rate of flow of air and is used as an integral part of the engine management system.
The airflow is carefully measured to enable the Land Rover engine control module to work out the precise amount of fuel to inject into the cylinders for optimum efficiency. If the airflow sensor is reading insufficient air flow, then the vehicle has to adjust the amount of fuel injection to compensate, leading to limp mode – the exact issue our customer was experiencing.
This is when our experience and know-how shined. With the technician’s expertise, they went deep into the vehicle computer and checked live data for the mass air flow sensor using advanced diagnostics equipment.
Continuing our 15-step process, they performed a visual examination of the throttle flap and housing for any signs of damage. Then, after no clear signs of damage on the throttle body or flap, the technician discovered the root cause and why the Range Rover entered limp mode.
The induction system was leaking.
With further investigation, the technician concluded that there was an issue in the inlet manifold that caused air to leak.
The inlet manifold is responsible for channelling air from the outside into the engine to be mixed with fuel and ignited. Its careful design allows for maximum efficient air flow and filtering. It’s important to ensure that the engine is receiving efficient airflow, and any leaks will reduce fuel efficiency and potentially cause expensive repairs.
Steps to Fix The Issue
After performing thorough tests to diagnose the mass air flow fault code, the technician knew what was required.
The right side inlet manifold needed replacing.
This new manifold would switch off any fault codes as the system would no longer leak. Ultimately providing the optimal airflow into the customer’s Range Rover Sport engine.
As soon as the technician knew the recommended repairs needed, we contacted the owner of the Range Rover Sport and took them through everything we did to diagnose the issue. Then, before carrying out any work, we outlined the repair steps required to fix the mass air flow sensor fault code and sought approval from the client.
Once the client was happy for us to complete the work, our technician began working on sourcing the replacement part right away.
At Garden City Garage, we only use genuine or recommended parts for our repairs. With our extensive parts suppliers and close network, we were able to source a replacement right inlet manifold the same day.
The technician performed the following repair procedure:
- Removing the surrounding parts to access the faulty inlet manifold.
- Remove the faulty right-hand side inlet manifold from the engine bay
- Carefully install the new replacement inlet manifold.
- Assembling all components that were removed to make the engine bay look as it should.
From here, the technician cleared the fault code using advanced diagnostics equipment before taking the customer’s vehicle on a test drive.
The test drive proved to be very conclusive, as the technician was pleased to find out that the fix had been successful. There were no indications of the vehicle entering limp mode, no warning lights on the dashboard and after checking the live data of the mass air flow sensor, the readings were normal.
We always make sure that no further issues appear and ensure our customer’s vehicle will not have a related issue later down the line, causing expensive repairs. Not many other garages go above and beyond for their customers which is why at Garden City Garage, we have such a fantastic track record for customer repairs.
The customer was able to collect and drive away their vehicle the same day. This is not possible with a lot of main dealerships as the lead time for components is long, and they may have many other vehicles in for repair which are subject to warranty claims, extending repair time.
If the customer had left their Range Rover Sport in the dealer’s hands then it would have significantly delayed their repair and cost 40% more.
Summary:
Limp mode is not what drivers want to experience. Fortunately, our customer immediately came to us at Garden City Garage. As soon as the Range Rover Sport entered our workshop, our technicians knew what to do to diagnose the issue and began working right away.
Using our 15-step diagnostics process, our expert team uncovered a fault code relating to the mass air flow sensor, responsible for measuring airflow into the engine. After further analysis, our team found an issue with the inlet manifold on the right-hand side, causing air to leak. Any further issues were investigated too and the tests carried out concluded that a new right side inlet manifold would fix the issue.
Upon contacting our customer, and communicating the tests and results, they were happy to go ahead with the recommended repair of a new inlet manifold.
Ensuring our customers are always in the loop, Garden City Garage takes pride in customer service. Indicating costs, repair time and work required to repair their vehicle, always seeking approval before beginning any work.
Only using genuine Land Rover parts, we ensure every customer has the best quality repair possible too, leaving nothing to chance.
We always aim to beat main dealer lead times and pricing with our repairs. Along with our clear communication, Garden City Garage’s team of Land Rover Experts are here to assist you. Contact us today if your Range Rover, or any Land Rover model, enters limp mode and needs repair.
