Land Rover Repair: 2001 Land Rover Discovery - Theft Mode, land rover discovery, starter solenoid


Question
My son drives a 2001 Land Rover Discovery and recently the transmission failed while driving.  I have had the transmission replaced, but the unit will not start...it won't even turn over. The mechanic says it is stuck in theft mode and we need a code to clear it.  I managed to get a "generic" code (1515), but that  hasn't cleared the problem.  I don't know where else to go to get this problem corrected.  Any advice?

Answer
Hi Ron,

it might be the immobiliser but it could be a problem with the ignition, the mechanics did not disengage the alarm system before repairs, starter solenoid is fried, ...  The only theft mode that I know is EKA sequence below.  Before doing that you could check if the fuel cutoff switch on the firewall of your Disco - looks like a handheld button mounted on the wall - push down on top and it will reset.

The security system is controlled by the Body Control Unit BCU and the workshop manual states:

The BCU also receives inputs from the following components:
Ignition key in sensor.
Ignition switch.
Fuel cut off switch (mentioned above)
Fuel flap release switch.

The BCU also interacts with the following components:
Starter relay.
Vehicle horns.
Direction indicators.
Fuel flap release actuator.
Courtesy lamps.

Here is the EKA procedure:

Emergency key access
If the handset fails to operate, the engine can be remobilised by using the key to enter a unique four digit Emergency Key Access (EKA) code.

There are three configurations for emergency key access:
EKA not active (no immobiliser fitted).
EKA active.
EKA with super locking on receiving good passive remobilisation exciter coil signal.

The code is recorded on the security information card and is entered as follows:

1. Using the key, turn the driver's door lock to the UNLOCK position and hold in this position for at least 5 seconds.

An audible warning is then emitted to indicate that the body control unit is ready to accept the code. Return the key to the centre position. It is now possible to use the key to enter the separate numerical values of the four digits that make up the EKA code.

2. Enter the first digit of the code. If the first digit is 4, turn the key to the UNLOCK position 4 times. Ensure the key is fully returned to the centre position after each turn of the key.

3. Enter the second digit of the code. If the second digit is 3, turn the key to the LOCK position 3 times. Ensure the key is fully returned to the centre position after each turn of the key.

4. Enter the third digit of the code. If the third digit is 2, turn the key to the UNLOCK position twice. Ensure the key is fully returned to the centre position after each turn of the key.

5. Enter the fourth digit of the code. If the fourth digit is 1, turn the key to the LOCK position once. Ensure the key is fully returned to the centre position after each turn of the key.

6. Finally, turn the key to the UNLOCK position and back to the centre position, a double bleep will indicate that the code has been entered correctly. A single bleep indicates that the code has been entered incorrectly.

Then, before opening the door, wait 5 minutes for the alarm and immobiliser to be de-activated. During the 5 minute wait for the alarm and immobiliser to be de-activated, the alarm indicator LED in the instrument pack continues to flash (one flash every 2 seconds). DO NOT OPEN THE DOOR OR ATTEMPT TO ENTER THE CAR until the full delay period has elapsed.

When the 5 minute wait has elapsed, the alarm indicator LED stops flashing. Immediately open the door, insert the key in the ignition switch and turn the switch to position II. If the ignition switch is not turned to position II within 30 seconds of the end of the 5 minute wait, the engine is automatically immobilised again.

The EKA code will not be recognised if there is an interval of 10 seconds or more between key turns or if the key is held turned for 5 seconds or more during the procedure.

In some system configurations a successful EKA code entry is indicated by the audible warning device pulsing twice for a period of 50 ms on, 200 ms off. The theft deterrent LED is switched on for 1 second, all doors unlock, the alarm disarms and the vehicle is remobilised allowing the engine to start.

If an incorrect code is entered, an audible warning is emitted and the procedure must be repeated. Up to a maximum of 10 attempts to enter the code is possible. After 10 attempts, the BCU will not allow any further codes to be entered for a period of 10 minutes.


Hope this is helpful,
JohnMc