QuestionWell I did what you said and took the disco to advance auto parts and they had the obdII scanner and found code P1179 the only code that was present. Any help???
Thanks again for all of your help
Norm-------------
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Followup To
Question -
I had the disco tuned less than a year ago with new plugs and wires. Let me re-phrase the bucking. It doesn't do it all the time just on occassions. Under normal highway driving conditions it drives like a dream. The disco starts and drives fine with no indications of something being wrong. I searched under the passenger seat and have not found the obd. Is there any other way of getting a code??? Thanks
Followup To
Question -
Last night on my way home from work the check engine light and the anti lock light both came at the same time. Trying to find out how to reset codes or ??? any help will help. I did notice yesterday that will driving around town and letting off the gas pedal the engine would start to buck and then smooth out when it got down to about 10 mph. could this cause the above lights to come on??
Thanks for your help,
norm
Answer -
Hi Norm,
your '97 Disco I sounds like its having firing trouble (bucking) and perhaps this jerking motion triggered the ABS sensor.
Did you check to see what code was issued? Next time, turn your key to the point just before the engine fires THEN look at the OBD under the passenger seat. You should see a small square-like device that has a red LED with a number (only when check engine light is solid). If more numbers, they should show too! For example, a code 45 indicates air intake quality and usually can be reset.
Your problem could be related to spark plugs, fuel, fuel filter, distributor, coil pack, TPS (throttle position sensor) failure. Something is interferring with the correct firing during normal operation.
By disconnecting the battery for a few seconds, this should have wiped out the codes from the OBD buffer. If the check engine light reappears after reconnecting the battery and starting, the problem is more severe and needs immediate attention.
I hope you have a OBD reader under your passenger seat. Let me know the code(s) and I'll help you further. Right now, I'd look at adding some injector cleaner to see if it helps right away. Did you buy some ?Q? fuel somewhere? If so, add fuel cleaner and consider replacing fuel filter.
When was the last time you tuned your Disco? Replace your plugs and wires, distributor cap and rotor (or coil pack if you have one).
Spark amplifier modules on series I have been known to fail intermittently. If your have a rough idle, high rev's then next to nothing, consider your TPS as the possible cause.
Let know what codes you have and I'll help some more...
Regards,
JohnMc
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Hi Norm,
with random hesitations (bucking) it has to be related to the ignition system in some way. Either your fule is cutting out OR ignition is being hindered. As mentioned, it could be the TPS (I've had this fail), fuel pump, vacuum failure, clogged injectors, overall loss of spark (spark amplifier module), coil problems. These are common problems with our Disco series I. ECU failure could be at fault (hope not! $3000+). Some other sensors could be sending wrong signal to ECU. MAF (Mass air flow) could do this. O2 sensors could be giving wrong readings too. Reading the code would help isolate the cause.
The LR dealer can connect a remote OBDII reader and get the codes. Its a shame that you don't have one permanently attached. Was this used vehicle? Next time your at the dealer, see how much it would cost to have one installed. Or perhaps yours is located some other place - doubtful though. Normally found under the front seat.
You might have some luck if you contact your local autoparts store...some of them, like Advance Auto, may have OBD readers for your Disco. On a recent trip back from Miami, I had an Advance Auto store test my Alt - free of charge! pardon the pun.
Local euro-mechanics can check this out too. They might invoice you for this. PEP boys were not too helpful for me so far. LR seems too complicated for them.
Last resort is to drive into your local LR dealer and have them check it for you. They'll charge you for a full diagnostic but at least you'll have your answer. NOTE: TPS related problems are hard to track. My dealer ran a bill up to $5000 before he actually solved this problem - TPS replacement was about $550...so you'll understand why I use the dealer as a last resort.
Best of luck,
JohnMc
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Hi Norm, great! I'm glad Advance was able to help you out.
All 4.0SE and 4.6HSE and newer Range Rovers and ALL 1996 and newer Discoveries use OBD II compatible diagnostics for the engine management system. OBD II is a diagnostic protocol supposedly shared by all carmakers as of the 1996 model year. Inexpensive scanners are available to read and reset OBD II codes - most of the time! Some cheaper ones don't.
The code P1179 is a Land Rover specific OBD II code. P1 indicates that it is a "manufacturers specific" code but generally, the P0 (P zero) code applies to all European car manufacturers and is considered equivalent. It should apply for your Disco.
P0179 is Fuel Composition Sensor Circuit High Input detected. This code is within the fuel problem range of codes.
Now the bad news,
it sounds like you are experiencing the beginning of a common problem with pre-98 Disco engines - the sticking exhaust valve. Carbon deposits on your exhaust valves are causing your engine to misfire. The codes that are triggered can be like the one above, it can also be codes for speed sensor failure, and a few other related codes.
Pouring sludge remover additives to your oil won't affect the exhaust portion of the engine - not that much anyway. The carbon deposits are the result of the burn...so any product you try to add is usually burned up and removed. The only fix is $2000 valve job. Ouch. Sorry.
Since this is just starting, you may not have that much of a problem with misfiring. It will become worse...I just don't know how and when. I've been told that the problem is worse on hot humid summer days, when the Disco has been running for long periods and the engine is super hot.
I wish is was better news...
Had this been detected while under warranty, LR was doing the repairs for free. If you have been a "loyal" customer and you complain to LR, they may cut you a deal and split the bill in some way. They do this for original owners who have carefully followed the service agreements. If you are a 2nd or 3rd owner, you will have trouble getting any help with the cost.
Find a local dealer or get some quotes from euro-mechanics who hand LR experience. This is not a DIY project that can be done over a weekend and a few Corona's. The cleaning process is exact and if you decide to keep your Disco, take it to a dealer.
Best of luck, Norm.
Now...back to my poor '95 Disco and the bleeding power steering pump problem.
JohnMc
