Land Rover Repair: Check engine light, bad hair day, code translation

Question
Hi! How are you? Well I have a 99 disco II. And recently i went thru several deep puddles. Soon after my check engine light came on but the LR was still driving like a champ. Then the check engine light started flashing then went off for a couple of days. Then it came back on.Now I notice the engine seems to be running a bit rough, and the check engine light is constantly flashing.  It seems as if the engine is sputtering. There is not a LR mechanic here. How can I get the codes to see what the problem is? We have an auto zone and they checked it and said my spark plugs are misfiring. nearest LR mechanic is a 2 hrs away.

Answer
Hi Valerie,

I know from off-roading with other LR owners, sometimes in deeper water or when playing in deep puddles (we're like kids in the rain!) water can splash up into the engine compartment and get the alternator and spark amplifier module wet.  If the spark amplifier gets wet, your engine could begin to experience hesitations, misfires and even stalls.  A LR dealer would have the best tools to diagnose this problem.  

Meanwhile, under your passenger seat is a small box with a LED readout.  When you turn your ignition key on (not quite to to point where the engine turns over) you could then check this box and it should have a code (so long as the Check Engine light is on).  This small box is call the OBDII or On Board Diagnostic reader (version II).  Take the code to your local parts store (AutoZone or Advanced Auto) and they might be able to give you the code translation.  You could always send me a followup message and I'll give you the translation too.

The fact that your spark plugs are missing indicates it could be the SAM, coil or coilpack.  

Someone once mentioned that a hair dryer can fix more than just a bad hair day...it can dry out the electronics on your engine too!

Best of luck,

JohnMc

NB:  have the parts guys reset your code by disconnecting the negative cable on your battery.  Reattach and see what codes are trapped afterwards.  You'll have to re-enter the security code for your radio-CD player.