QuestionHello,
1989 automatic land rover discovery, bought used and has since acquired several problems. "Check Engine", "ABS" & Service Engine" lights are ALWAYS on! ( the original owner said "check engine" was on when she bought it, and they told her it was faulty wiring and to ignore it!
I just read your column about resetting these lights, I've got to to try it. Thought I'd mention it actually states in the manual when the rover hits 200,000 km's the Service Engine light pops on and only a "trained LR mechanic" can shut it off!
Also, I'm not sure where you live but in Canada gas has been disgustingly expensive, therefore we thought we'd scrimp a little and use the lower octane fuel. Rover don't dig it.
Within the month we noticed a serious loss of accelleration power, the engine will rev and not be able to find the correct gear. I've been told $3000 and that the injectors and fuel filter is very clogged. We've since changed back to the highest octane possible ( generally 91%).
I'd like an opinion as to any other reason why this is happening?
Please HELP! We're being passed by VW van's uphill.
: )
AnswerHi Jennifer,
I'm in Quebec, Canada and I can confirm that fuel costs are a horror here too!
Our Disco's need to have high octane fuel in order to function better. Lower octane fuels are more difficult to ignite and its residue of afterburn chemicals tend to 'gum' up the combustion chambers and leave deposits on and around the exhaust valves. These valves begin to stick and eventually can cause all sorts of nasty problems, like loss of power, misfire and stalls. Even after a single fuel tank of regular unleaded and I could tell the difference.
If you have a Sunoco station nearby, try their 94 octane ULTRA fuel product. Whenever I'm in Ontario or the US, I gas up with this. My Disco (Simba) responds better under acceleration and the exhaust sound improves. I would imagine with the higher octane and the faster burn, there are less chemicals to leave behind and foul-up the system. Even the all-important catalytic converts prefer higher octane fuels. The Y-pipe on our Disco is about $1200 CDN and has two 'cats' that are very touchy! Using lower grade fuels can turn into a big problem very quickly and cost you much more in the long run. Also, a valve-job can run about $3000 CDN or more. I think its worth the extra .10 cents for the best fuel.
I hope this helps a bit. Unfortunately, if you need a valve job, little can be done after the fact. The exhaust side of the problem (sticking exhaust valves) can only be rectified by extreme cleaning or replacement of fouled valves. So don't bother with expensive aftermarket valve cleaning products as they only burn-up and add to your problem.
As for the ABS, Check Engine and Service Engine lights, these are problems that have plaqued Disco owners for many years. Most of the time, the lights are functioning accurately and indicating that trouble areas have been detected. Many owners have been told to remove the ABS lightbulb or to ignore the Service Engine light. I do not.
Check Engine is the more important light and indicates that a fault has been 'trapped' and an existing code is displayed on a OBD (on board diagnostic display unit) found under the passenger seat. It is about the size of a box of childrens crayons.
When the Check Engine light is on, take a look under the seat. The OBDII can be moved out about 6 to 8 inches for easier reading because it has a extended wire. Turn your ignition off then turn the key back on to the last possible postion BEFORE the engine is ignited. Leave the key there and then take a look at the OBDII unit under the passengers seat.
If you see a code(s) just send me a note and I'll look it up for you. You can also talk to your local mechanic and most will tell you the OBDII readings (a convention adopted by most car manufacturers). The code will narrow the possible problems down to certain components. A good mechanic can then perform further tests to isolate the trouble and correct it.
I hope this helps.
Best of luck,
Regards,
JohnMc
NB: Right now, Supreme gas is selling at 92.9 cents per litre. I've seen it as high as 101.9 cents this past summer. Ouch!
