Land Rover Repair: 96 range rover-Check Engine light on, mechanical state, rangie

Question
Hi,
I am considering to purchase a '96 Range Rover with only 37,xxx miles on it. I have inspected the car and it's in prestine condition. However, the owner said he accidentaly put reg fuel one day and car wouldn't drive. At service they told him it was a catalytic converter that went out and they fixed it. Now, a "CHECK ENGINE"  light is on and I was wondering if O2 sensor is out.
Please tell me what to do. Should I take it to LR service or take steps to figure out problem myself?


Answer
Hi Bailey,

I've never seen an engine react like this to a tank of reg. fuel (89 octane).  Its possible that the cat. would be affected but I don't think it would happen after just one filling.  Its true that excess fuel from misfires can damage a cat. but this would have been after many incidents.  Strange indeed...

As for the Check Engine, it could be totaly unrelated to the cat. problem you describe.  Reading the OBDII code would help narrow the possible causes...if you suspect HO2 sensors, its quite possible.

IN YOUR CASE, you should have the vehicle inspected by a reputable LR mechanic.  Take the Rangie to a LR dealer and have them run a barage of tests.  It will cost you up front BEFORE your purchase BUT you will have a much better description of the vehicles mechanical state.  

Have the dealership list the possible causes AND the cost to repair.

Simply reading the OBDII codes is not enough to determine if something more sinister is lurking in the background.  Could be MAF, could be HO2, could be headgasket, could be....


Best of luck,

JohnMc