Reading and Clearing Diagnostic Trouble Codes
FAULT DIAGNOSIS PROCEDURETo extract fault codes, a Bosch KTS 300 Pocket System Tester or the Land Rover "Testbook*" should be used.
If diagnostic equipment is not available the following procedure can be carried out using the Blink Code and a multi-meter. Faults are stored in the ECU memory in code form. The information can be retrieved by initiating and reading a series of flash and pause sequences on the ABS warning light.
Use of the blink code will determine the location of the fault prior to carrying out a multi-meter check, thus reducing multi-meter checking time.
Additionally the blink code can be used exclusively where a fault has occurred, and no other diagnostic equipment is available.
Recommended Equipment
A female plug to fit the diagnostic plug, prewired to connect ECU pin 14 to ground by bridging the black/pink and black diagnostic plug wires.
Initiate the Blink Code - carry out the following procedure:
1. Switch OFF ignition.
2. Remove the seat side trim to gain access to the ECU and relays, and on early vehicles the diagnostic plug. Unclip the access plate from the seat base front trim panel. Pull the blue diagnostic plug from its clip through the opening. Note that the diagnostic plug and fuse condition on early vehicles is shown.
3. Remove the ABS warning light relay.
4. Switch ON ignition, ABS warning light will illuminate.
5. Connect the prewired plug to the diagnostic plug.
6. Five seconds after connecting diagnostic plug the ABS warning light will extinguish, indicating the start of the blink code cycle.
7. START PHASE: Observe the ABS warning light, the start phase consists of:
- Pause 2.5 secs (long)
- Flash 2.5 secs (long)
- Pause 2.5 secs (long)
- Flash 0.5 secs (short)
Flash sequence at start of blink cycle
8. FIRST PART OF CODE NUMBER: A pause of 2.5 secs precedes a series of short flashes. Count the flashes until the next long pause occurs, the number obtained is the first part of the code number.
9. SECOND PART OF CODE NUMBER: A pause of 2.5 secs occurs between first and second parts, before a second series of short flashes occurs. The number of flashes forms the second part of the code number.
Flash sequence for code number 3-3
10. The sequence of start phase, first and second parts will continue until terminated by the operator, thus allowing the code obtained to be rechecked.
11. To terminate the sequence disconnect the prewired plug from the diagnostic plug. Wait for cycle to end before code will clear.
NOTE: Termination will clear the memory of that particular fault. Do not terminate the sequence if unsure of the code number.
12. The memory is capable of storing more than one fault. To search the memory, reconnect the diagnostic plug, and await the next start phase.
13. Repeat procedure until no further faults are stored in the memory. The memory is cleared when a long pause of 7.5 secs occurs after start phase.
14. After completing the test, be sure to refit the relay that was removed in step 3.