Land Rover Repair: 2000 Disco II misfire, spark plug wires, engine management system

Question
John,
I have a 2000 Discovery II w/ 78K miles.  2 weeks ago, the engine started hesitating slightly.  I added some STP to the fuel, but no luck.  It got worse.  Today, the "check engine soon" light came on.  My local LR dealer looked at it today.  One spark plug wire was loose. (I should have caught that one!) Even after snugging it up, slight hesitation was still noticeable.  We also noticed a small tick tick noise, which he thought might be a short in one of the wires.  The diagnostics codes came back with multiple misfires (he did not give me code numbers).  The recommended solution is to replace the wiring from the distributor to all the plugs (lots of labor given the location) and replace the plugs.  Total = $953.54.  Ouch!  Any thoughts on alternatives.  I feel stuck with no other local repair shop to turn to!  Thanks.

Answer
Hi Dan,

WHAT!  $953 to replace your spark plug wires?  What are they made of ... GOLD?

You can buy a set for about $100 from that same dealer.  If you go to Advance Auto, they'll sell you a set for about $50.  NGK or Champion plugs are about $3 to $5 each.

Installation is so simple.

Misfires could be due to O2 sensors or its wiring.  Series II engines do have exhaust valve problems that often require a valve job.  This problem often starts with loss of power and hesitation, even misfires.  A valve job can run to about $2000.

What you don't want to happen is that after throwing $950 at the problem...the problem still exists.  That's when the dealer says "Oh...well...you needed new plugs and wires anyway!".  Now the real cause has to be found. "oh...we found that the X was bad too!  That'll be another nnn$".

If you can, do the plugs and wires yourself.  On your Disco, you'll have to have the engine management system monitored thru a "testbook" that is often found only at LR dealerships or those mechanics who specialize in European autos.  Once you've done some of the work, then schedule an appointment to have your engine analyzed.

Make sure you buy the best wires that you can find.  Don't go for a cheap set...they'll wear out in no time.

Best of luck,

JohnMc

NB:  write to me if you need some advice on changing your plugs and wires.

$950 to change your plugs and wires...if I was your neighbour, I'd do it for a coke and pizza!  Cheese platter?  I like danish blue.