20 documented faults
Engine & fuel system
7 documented faults — symptoms, causes and workshop fixes.
Loss of engine power.
Defender, →VIN 2A 622424.
Discovery, →VIN 2A 736340.
What you'd notice
Black smoke from exhaust.
The repair
Turbocharger (TC) to intercooler hose separated internally causing a blockage. Turbocharger (TC) to intercooler hose split.
Workshop instructions & parts2 parts
Workshop procedure
- Fit new turbocharger (TC) to intercooler hose.
| Part | Part number | Qty |
|---|---|---|
| Hose - Defender | PNH102070 | 1 |
| Hose - Discovery | PNH102100 | 1 |
Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 2.
Engine misfire.
Defender, →VIN XA 173796.
Discovery, →VIN XA 907212 (system 1).
Discovery, →VIN XA 222559 (system 2).
What you'd notice
Engine malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) illuminated. Failure to start. Poor engine performance.
The repair
Poor sealing of engine harness to injector wiring harness connector.
Workshop instructions & parts4 parts
Workshop procedure
- Check fuel injector wiring harness multi-plug for oil contamination Fig.101876 .
- If oil is found fit new engine wiring harness and fuel injector wiring harness.
- Check engine control module (ECM) multi-plug for oil contamination.
- If contaminated clean ECM multi-plug terminals with electrical contact cleaner before fitting new harness.
- View View more information
| Part | Part number | Qty |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel injector harness | AMR6103 | 1 |
| Engine harness - Defender, with AC | YSB106901 | 1 |
| Engine harness - Defender, without AC | YSB106902 | 1 |
| Engine harness - Discovery Series II | YSB108710 | 1 |
Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 3.
Engine malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) illuminated.
All models.
What you'd notice
Accelerator pedal operation may be reinstated when ignition is turned OFF and ON. Engine stays at idle. No response from accelerator pedal.
The repair
Wiring harness multi-plug not correctly latched to accelerator pedal position (APP) sensor.
Workshop instructions
Workshop procedure
- Ensure that wiring harness multi-plug is fully engaged and latched to APP sensor Fig.101865 .
- View View more information
Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 4.
Engine misfire.
Defender, →VIN YA 181359.
Discovery, →VIN XA 907212 (system 1).
Discovery, →VIN YA 244688 (system 2).
Moulding defect in injector harness multi-plug outer casing prevents connector from latching correctly.
Workshop instructions & parts1 part
Workshop procedure
- Locate faulty injector and confirm failure to catch Fig.101882 .
- Remove connector outer casing and fit new connector outer casing.
- View View more information
| Part | Part number | Qty |
|---|---|---|
| Casing | YPC115190 | 1 |
Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 5.
Lack of power.
All models.
What you'd notice
Black smoke from exhaust.
The repair
Exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) solenoid filter blocked.
Workshop instructions & parts1 part
Workshop procedure
- Defender: Disconnect filter from EGR solenoid Fig.101881 .
- Discovery: Disconnect filter from EGR solenoid Fig.101880 .
- If condition is rectified, replace filter.
- View View more information
- View View more information
| Part | Part number | Qty |
|---|---|---|
| Filter | ESR4323 | 1 |
Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 7.
Water-in-fuel warning lamp illuminates when driving.
Defender: VIN XA 159810-1A 199999/VIN 1A 600000-1A 610263.
Discovery: VIN XA 900012-XA 907212/VIN XA 200412-1A 299999/VIN 1A 700000 -1A 713257.
Water-in-fuel sensor is oversensitive.
Workshop instructions & parts2 parts
Workshop procedure
- Clean area around water-in-fuel sensor.
- Drain fuel filter.
- Clean new sensor electrodes, seal and mating surface.
- Ensure no fingerprints are present on these areas.
- Fit modified sensor.
| Part | Part number | Qty |
|---|---|---|
| Water-in-fuel sensor - Defender | WKW000030 | 1 |
| Water-in-fuel sensor - Discovery | WKW000020 | 1 |
Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 8.
Failure to start.
All models.
In-tank fuel pump (FP) faulty.
Workshop instructions
Workshop procedure
- Replace component if necessary.
Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 13.
Suspension & drivetrain
3 documented faults — symptoms, causes and workshop fixes.
Vehicle leans to one side.
All models with self-leveling suspension (SLS).
Suspension ride height sensor faulty.
Workshop instructions
Workshop procedure
- Replace suspension ride height sensor.
Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 12.
Vehicle leans to one side.
All models with self-leveling suspension (SLS).
Internal fluid leak in suspension adjustment valve block.
Workshop instructions
Workshop procedure
- Replace suspension adjustment valve block.
Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 14.
Vehicle leans to one side.
All models with self-leveling suspension (SLS).
Suspension control module requires re-programming.
Workshop instructions
Clutch & gearbox
2 documented faults — symptoms, causes and workshop fixes.
Transmission warning lamps flash continuously.
All models.
Water/dirt ingress into transmission wiring harness multi-plug. Engine control module (ECM) requires software upgrade.
Workshop instructions
Workshop procedure
- Check transmission wiring harness multi-plug (located on top left-hand side of gearbox), clean contacts if required.
- Re-program ECM with upgraded software.
Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 16.
Poor AT gear shifting.
All models with automatic transmission (AT).
What you'd notice
Trouble code stored in transmission control module (TCM) fault memory: 2.
The repair
Open/short circuit or high/low resistance in wiring harness of transmission valve block.
Workshop instructions
Workshop procedure
- Repair/replace wiring as necessary.
Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 20.
Air conditioning & heating
4 documented faults — symptoms, causes and workshop fixes.
Poor heating performance from cold start.
Freelander with engine coolant heater, VIN 1A 576764-1A 599999/1A 300000→.
Discovery with engine coolant heater, VIN XA900012-XA907214/XA200412-1A299999/1A700000→.
Wide tolerance range of outside air temperature sensor can cause engine coolant heater not to start until ambient temperature is at 0 °C.
Workshop instructions & parts1 part
Workshop procedure
- Fit modified outside air temperature sensor (green).
| Part | Part number | Qty |
|---|---|---|
| Outside air temperature sensor | JWL000020 | 1 |
Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 1.
Erratic engine performance under load.
All models, →VIN XA 900012-XA 907212/XA 200412-XA 277020.
What you'd notice
Engine malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) illuminated. Erratic air conditioning performance.
The repair
Turbocharger (TC) and/or air conditioning wiring harness chafing on compressor.
Workshop instructions
Workshop procedure
- Check wiring harness Fig.101883 .
- Confirm damage to wiring harness.
- Repair damage to wiring harness.
- Protect wiring harness with convoluted plastic conduit.
- Reroute wiring harness behind air conditioning connecting block and beneath air conditioning pipes Fig.101883 .
- View View more information
Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 6.
Vibration from AC/heater blower motor on high blower speed.
All models.
Sound insulation material from plenum chamber enters heater ducting, fouling AC/heater blower motor fan.
Workshop instructions
Workshop procedure
- Remove AC/heater blower motor and clean sound insulation material from fan.
- Ensure no sound insulation material loose in heater ducting.
- Renew sound insulation material in plenum chamber.
Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 10.
Loss of coolant.
All models.
What you'd notice
Engine overheats.
The repair
Cylinder head gasket faulty. Radiator leaks. Heater matrix leaks.
Workshop instructions
Workshop procedure
- Pressure test cooling system.
- Replace cylinder head gasket as necessary.
- Replace radiator as necessary.
- Replace heater matrix as necessary.
Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 17.
Body & trim
2 documented faults — symptoms, causes and workshop fixes.
Excessive noise from rear seat backs whilst driving.
All models.
Excessive play between stops on seat frame.
Workshop instructions & parts1 part
Workshop procedure
- Fit anti-rattle washer kit.
| Part | Part number | Qty |
|---|---|---|
| Anti-rattle washer kit | HTP 100080 | 1 |
Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 18.
Water ingress into spare wheel well.
All models.
Tailgate seal leaking.
Workshop instructions
Workshop procedure
- Remove and discard tailgate seal.
- Apply sealant to tailgate flange.
- Fit new tailgate seal.
Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 19.
Other
2 documented faults — symptoms, causes and workshop fixes.
Alloy wheels difficult to remove.
All models with alloy wheels, →03/01.
Corrosion between hub spigot and wheel centre.
Workshop instructions & parts1 part
Workshop procedure
- Clean corrosion from wheel contact surfaces.
- Apply anti-seize grease to wheel contact surfaces.
| Part | Part number | Qty |
|---|---|---|
| Anti-seize grease | RYL105020L | 1 |
Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 9.
Poor active cornering enhancement (ACE) performance.
All models.
What you'd notice
ACE fluid loss.
The repair
Fluid leak from ACE high-pressure pump. Fluid leak from ACE valve.
Workshop instructions
Workshop procedure
- Tighten ACE high-pressure pump union.
- Replace ACE high-pressure pump seals.
- Replace ACE valve seals.
Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 11.
Take it with you
Before you view one
Land Rover Discovery II 2.5 TD5 (1999–2000)
Each documented fault as a quick check for a viewing or test drive — tick them off as you go.
A little workshop vocabulary
Workshop terms used on this page
Definitions for the technical language used in these bulletins.
- MIL
- Malfunction indicator lamp — the engine warning light on the dashboard
- ECM
- Engine control module — the car's engine computer
- VIN
- Vehicle identification number — 17 characters, found at the base of the windscreen and on the V5C logbook
- EGR
- Exhaust gas recirculation — feeds some exhaust gas back into the intake to cut emissions
- ACE
- Active Cornering Enhancement — a hydraulic anti-roll system that stiffens the suspension in corners
- FP
- Fuel pump — the pump that supplies fuel from the tank
- SLS
- Self-levelling suspension — keeps the ride height even when the vehicle is loaded
- TC
- Turbocharger — the exhaust-driven compressor that boosts engine power
- TCM
- Transmission control module — the gearbox computer
- AC/Heater
- The heating and air-conditioning system
- Accelerator Pedal Position
- The sensor that tells the engine computer how far the accelerator is pressed
- Anti-Seize
- Grease that stops mating parts (like a wheel on a hub) from corroding together
- Control Module
- A computer that runs one of the car's systems (engine, gearbox, brakes, body, and so on)
- EGR Solenoid
- The electrically operated valve that controls exhaust-gas recirculation
- Fault Memory
- The list of stored trouble codes in a control module
- Heater Matrix
- The small radiator behind the dashboard that provides cabin heat
- Hub Spigot
- The raised centre of the hub that locates the wheel
- In-Tank Fuel Pump
- The fuel pump mounted inside the fuel tank
- Multi-Plug
- A multi-pin electrical connector on a wiring harness
- Re-Program
- Update the software on a control module using the manufacturer's diagnostic tool
- Ride Height
- How high the vehicle sits; on air suspension this can be raised or lowered
- Solenoid
- An electrically operated valve or actuator
- Trouble Code
- A standardised fault code stored by a control module, read with a diagnostic tool
- Valve Block
- The set of solenoid valves that directs air or fluid in the air-suspension or gearbox
- Water-in-Fuel
- Water contamination in diesel, collected in the fuel filter
- Wiring Harness
- The bundled cables that carry power and signals around the vehicle
- Blower Motor
- The fan that pushes air through the heater and air-conditioning
- Head Gasket
- The seal between the cylinder head and the engine block
- Intercooler Hose
- The pipe that carries pressurised air between the turbocharger, intercooler and engine
- Recirculation
- Air-conditioning mode that recirculates cabin air instead of drawing in outside air
Common questions
Using this guide.
What are the common faults with the Land Rover Discovery II 2.5 TD5?
Garages and workshops regularly encounter 20 documented faults on the Land Rover Discovery II 2.5 TD5 — seven concern the engine and fuel system and four the air conditioning and heating. Each fault above lists the symptoms, cause, fix and any parts needed.
Does every Land Rover Discovery II 2.5 TD5 have these faults?
No. These are patterns documented across the model by workshops, not predictions for an individual car. Where a fault applies only to certain vehicles or VIN ranges, that is listed with the fault.
Can I check for Land Rover Discovery II 2.5 TD5 faults when viewing one?
Many of them, yes — the documented symptoms are things you can see, hear or feel on a viewing or test drive. The 'Before you view one' checklist above turns each documented fault into a quick check you can tick off as you go.