Land Rover OBD Fault Codes

What Is Land Rover OBD?

Even if you are not an automotive enthusiast, you have nonetheless probably heard the term OBD.  

OBD stands for On-Board Diagnostic System, and is a standard electronic monitoring device that keeps track of all vehicle functions. However, the primary purpose of an OBD is to report whenever something is wrong, providing the vehicle owner with the specific code that diagnoses the problem.  

The OBD was first introduced in the late '60s, but became mandatory in all vehicles by the 'early '90s. Interestingly, the first mass-produced vehicle to use an early OBD-type diagnostic system was the VW Beetle, which was a fairly simple car that didn’t need a complicated electronic monitoring system. However, the industry followed, and by 80s, it was a common feature.  

In 1996, the more advanced OBD II became the standard due to advancements made in vehicle electronics and modern in-car systems.  

When it comes to Land Rover and Range Rover vehicles, the OBD has been present since the late '80s and early '90s, and OBD II is standard in more modern models. Therefore, we at Westminster Motors have a lot of experience with Range Rover services and reading the codes, understanding the readings, and repairing potential issues.  

Why Use The OBD?

The LR OBD 2 system is extremely useful regardless of the type of vehicle it is in, as it consists of a network of sensors throughout the car, all linked with the ECU. If and when something goes wrong, the system will immediately recognize it, generate a fault code, and report it to the driver either through a light on the dashboard or store it in computer memory. When the vehicle is attached to the OBD reading tool, it will display all the fault codes in letter/number format, which will then be translated and connected to a specific issue.  

The value of the Land Rover OBD 2 system is enormous, since it helps note any potential faults in real time, keeps an eye on all systems, and prevents major breakdowns. It also helps technicians diagnose issues, making potential repairs more accessible and faster. 

What do OBD fault codes mean in real life?

Most drivers have experienced the check engine light turning on on their dashboard. This is the most common manifestation of the OBD system, signalling that something is wrong with the motor. However, the check engine light itself cannot say what the exact deficiency is, and only when you plug the diagnostic device into the OBD jack will the fault code will appear, telling you exactly why the check light came up and why you should be worried.  

How Do I Know If My Land Rover Has an OBD System?

Since the OBD wasn't mandatory in its early years, it wasn't standard until the 1991 model year for North American spec cars. However, the mid to late '80s models still had fault code displays that were located underneath the right front seat, and were connected to the ECU. This served the same purpose, but didn't have an OBD jack and therefore wasn't readable with the OBD tool.  

1996 and up models currently all have a standard OBD II diagnostic system, located underneath the steering wheel. It consists of a specific, 16-pin OBD jack - where you plug in the OBD diagnostic and connect to ECU to read fault codes. For Range Rovers, the Land Rover Discovery, or the Evoque, the OBD II is always located in the same spot.  

 It’s also important to keep in mind that since thieves sometimes use the OBD II port to steal vehicles, some owners have relocated the OBD II port to a more secluded place. Therefore, if you are purchasing a second-hand Land Rover and you can't find the port in its usual spot, ask the owner for its location and why it was moved.

Land Rover and Range Rover OBD II Trouble Codes

Since the OBD monitors almost all processes inside your vehicle, its complete list of trouble codes is enormously long: over a thousand points. However, some of them are rarely shown, which is why we have compiled a list of the most common problems and crucial codes you must look for.  

All of these OBD trouble codes work for the Land Rover Discovery, Land Rover Discovery Sport, Land Rover Defender, Land Rover Freelander, Range Rover Discovery, Range Rover Evoque, Range Rover Sport, Range Rover Velar, Range Rover Vogue, and other Land Rover and Range Rover sport utility vehicle models.

FAQ about LR OBD 2

How To Read Land Rover OBD-II Codes?

In order to read OBD fault codes, you will need to plug the diagnostic device into a specific OBD port and start scanning for the codes. On some DIY devices, the codes will appear in elemental form (letter/number). Meanwhile, on official diagnostic tools like the ones we have at Westminster Motors, the codes will come with an explanation, which makes it easier to read and diagnose the problem.  

If you have a proper jack, you can plug it into your smartphone and, using some free apps, you can scan your Land Rover for fault codes. You can also get the Range Rover OBD 2 jack on Amazon and download any OBD-reading app. However, before you do this, you should know that these free OBD apps are not exact, and can often misread the trouble codes list from your vehicle.  

For the most accurate readings, you should always use professional and official tools which will provide you with not only the exact fault code but also an explanation for it.  

How Often Should I Check My Land Rover OBD System

There is no specific interval for checking the OBD codes on your Land Rover. You can do it periodically just to be sure that everything is in order, or you can do it every couple of weeks or months. However, an OBD scan will be a part of any significant service, and it will be performed by our technicians just to be sure that your vehicle is clear of codes and that there aren't any unknown faults.  

You can also check the OBD whenever you see a check engine light, or you suspect some vehicle problems, hear strange noises, or experience loss of power. In these cases, the OBD will show precisely what the problem is and whether or not you should take your Land Rover immediately for service.  

What Is an OBD Error?

Experienced mechanics know that OBD readings can sometimes display errors that are not faults and don't represent mechanical or electrical problems, but instead common "hiccups" of the system.  

LR OBD-2 error codes are often faulty readings of the sensors resulting from various factors: for example, you have changed the oil but forgot to reset the board computer, and now you have an error regarding the oil level or oil quality. In this case, the system will have an error reading, which is not realistic, so you will need to erase the error code.  

Most OBD diagnostic systems have this function, and you can simply erase the codes that you know are irrelevant or fake. You can also search for specific error codes and subnormal readings. For some newer models, there is also a list of error codes.  

What Causes an OBD Failure?

Even though the OBD is an easy system to use, there are sometimes still problems with its readings, or the OBD may simply fail to communicate with the diagnostic tool.  

In order to avoid experiencing such issues, we suggest you check the following before you plug your OBD-reading device into your Land Rover.  

In most cases, the ignition key must be present, or the vehicle needs to be turned on for the OBD to communicate with the diagnostic tool or computer. Be sure that the software is updated and that you are using the proper diagnostic device.  

Due to the fact that codes are not universal, and that each manufacturer has its own way of listing codes, diagnostic tools also need to be able to support the specific brand, model year, or model.  

If the system is still out of order and has insufficient communication or deficient charge, check the OBD cables, voltage and vehicle's battery. There can also be cases of hung ECM, missing or bad data, and incorrect communication protocol between OBD and the reading tool. Make sure to check if the OBD port itself is damaged in some way.  

How Do I Fix OBD Error Codes?

Error codes can be easily erased with proper diagnostic tools. However, you should always be very careful, since erasing the error will not solve your problem, and it's entirely possible that the error code will appear again if not correctly and mechanically solved.  

Also, be sure to understand why and what error codes appear, since they might be a sign of a bigger problem which you will want to address early on. Sometimes, erasing an error is enough, but other times, the issue needs to be investigated more.  

Conclusion

All in all, the OBD system is a crucial component in the monitoring of all of your vehicle's processes and helping resolve issues as they appear. Since its introduction, it has helped millions of owners diagnose faults and act quickly before failures become too expensive or complicated - that’s why all Land Rover and Range Rover owners need to be aware that a simple check engine light could mean that the vehicle is about to break down, and that it may need to be checked by an experienced technician at Westminster Motors.  

Addressing this issue in a timely manner can seriously reduce your servicing and Range Rover Evoque repair costs or Range Rover Sport repair costs, since it can prevent more significant problems and catastrophic failures down the road. 

 At Westminster Motors, we maintain hundreds of Range Rover and Land Rover SUVs, and our team members know those models inside and out. With a team of skillful mechanics, a stock of original parts and components, and the best tools in the industry, we can sort out any problem and give you valuable advice on how to keep your favourite SUV running good as new. To fully understand your OBD codes and how your car communicates with you, reach out to our team at Westminster Motors today.

Author: Avo Demirjian