Why Does My Range Rover Say "Restricted Performance"? Here's Why!

The "Restricted Performance" problem has been raised numerous times in numerous forums and even on Land Rover's official website. Sadly, even the automaker has no clear-cut explanation as to what specific part is triggering the error message in the Range Rover.

Restricted performance message highlights

• Common reasons:fault codes in the ECU, powertrain problems
• How to fix:read the codes, look at other warnings
• Possible consequences:engine loses power, engine may stall
• Priority level:High
• Can you drive?Carefully
• DIY repair:Impossible
• Repair price range:$200-$1,500

Possible Causes and Solutions to the Problem

Since the information about this issue is a bit vague even on the official pages of Land Rover, we have gone out of our way to investigate the issue further. So, based on our interviews with owners who have successfully trumped the problem and mechanics familiar with the matter, here are the most likely causes and solutions to this particular issue:

1. Condensation Build-up in the Air Induction System

Most owners and mechanics pinpoint the cause of the "Restricted Performance" error with condensation build-up within the air induction system of the Range Rover. This is because condensation can cause water to enter the engine, which can lead to serious mechanical problems.

Possible causes of this include a clogged air filter, a blocked air intake, or a faulty air compressor. The likely solutions include cleaning the air filter, clearing the air intake, or replacing the air compressor.

If you are having this problem, it is best to take your car to a mechanic to have it diagnosed and repaired. In most cases, if the mentioned parts are already damaged, they will have to be replaced immediately.

2. Water Ingestion in the Engine Cylinder

One more probable cause of the "Restricted Performance" error message on your Range Rover could be due to water ingestion in the engine cylinder. This can happen if the vehicle is driven through a deep puddle or if it sits for a long period in wet conditions. When water gets into the cylinder, it can cause the engine to misfire and trigger the error message.

There are a few ways to fix this problem. One is to simply dry out the cylinder by removing the spark plug and letting it air out for a few hours. This will usually get rid of any water that may have gotten in.

If water ingestion has caused damage to the engine cylinder, then the only solution may be to replace the cylinder. Water can lead to corrosion and damage the internals of the engine. If this is the case, then the only option may be to replace the entire cylinder.

If you are experiencing this problem, it is best to take your vehicle to a qualified mechanic who can diagnose the issue and recommend the best course of action.

3. Spark Plug Moisture Contamination

Another possible cause of the "Restricted Performance" error on your Range Rover could be due to moisture contamination in the spark plug. The possible causes of moisture contamination include driving in wet or humid conditions, not regularly cleaning and replacing the spark plugs, and faulty spark plug seals.

To fix it, you'll need to clean the spark plugs and replace the seals. You may also need to adjust the gap on the plugs. However, if the spark plug has already been fouled, you will have to change it with a new one. Be sure to consult a qualified mechanic before attempting any repairs.

4. Ignition Coil Fault

If you're driving a Range Rover and you see the "Restricted Performance" error message, one factor to consider is a problem with your ignition coil. Ignition coil problems can cause all sorts of symptoms, from engine misfires to a loss of power.

If you're experiencing any of these problems, it's important to get your ignition coil checked out as soon as possible. In some cases, a faulty ignition coil can cause permanent damage to your engine.

There are different things that can cause an ignition coil to fail. One possibility is that the coil itself is simply worn out. This is especially common in older vehicles. Another possibility is that there's a problem with the electrical connection to the coil. This can be caused by loose wiring or a corroded connector.

If you suspect that your ignition coil is failing, the best thing to do is take your vehicle to a qualified mechanic for diagnosis and repair. They'll be able to pinpoint the problem and get your car back on the road.

5. Fuel Injector Malfunction

The "Restricted Performance" error message could mean trouble with your fuel injectors, too. Fuel injector problems can cause all sorts of engine performance issues, from reduced power to poor fuel economy. In extreme cases, they can even cause the engine to stall.

The most common fuel injector problem related to this is moisture contamination. Moisture can enter the fuel system through the gas tank or from condensation in the fuel lines. It can cause corrosion and deposits in the injectors, which can restrict their flow and cause misfires.

The best way to prevent moisture contamination is to use good quality fuel and to keep the gas tank at least half full. If you do get moisture in the fuel system, you can try using a fuel additive to disperse it. If that doesn't work, you may need to have the injectors cleaned or replaced.

Other possible causes of fuel injector problems include clogged filters and carbon deposits. In the early stage of these problems, the solution may only involve cleaning the contaminated components. Damaged parts will have to be replaced right out though.

If you're having trouble with your fuel injectors, take your car to a qualified mechanic for diagnosis and repair. Don't try to fix the problem yourself unless you're confident in your abilities. Otherwise, you could end up doing more harm than good.

6. Shorted Fuse

A blown fuse could be the culprit behind the "Restricted Performance" error message as well. Before zeroing in on this specific part though, it is important that you should find the faulty electrical component that has caused the shorting of the fuse.

This could be something as simple as a loose wire or a damaged connector. If you suspect that one of these is causing the problem, you should have your vehicle checked by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible, and have the faulty component replaced.

Following that, you may proceed with the fuse itself. If it has been damaged due to corrosion or electrical overload, it should be replaced with a new one that has the same amperage.

Whatever the cause is, it's important to get the problem fixed as soon as possible. Driving with a blown fuse can damage your vehicle and put you at risk of an accident or fire.

7. EMS Falsely Sensing a Misfire

Lastly, the "Restricted Performance" error may only be due to a problem in your engine management system (EMS). If every part of your Range Rover is functioning well, yet the warning persists, then it may only be a false alarm in your system due to misbehaving software.

Since an EMS issue tends to send the wrong signals to the various components of your vehicle, it may lead to reduced power, loss of torque, poor engine response, and increased fuel consumption. These problems can be caused by a faulty component of the EMS, including a specific problem with the engine control unit (ECU), issues with the wiring, or faulty sensors.

If you're experiencing any of these problems, you should take your car to a mechanic and have them troubleshoot the issue. They will likely check the engine wiring and make sure that all the connections are secure. Then, they will make sure that the ECU is properly seated in its connector.

If the issue is merely because of a glitch in the system, the diagnostic codes may only need to be cleared by a scan tool. For more serious problems, the ECU may need to be flashed or reset. On the other hand, if it is proven to be a hardware-related issue, the only way to go would be to replace the problematic module, if possible, or the entire ECU.

You may also want to read the article about the Charging System Fault message in RR - these two errors may be connected, so have a look here.

Conclusion

After a thorough investigation, we found out that there are plenty of factors that could trigger the "Restricted Performance" error in the Range Rover. As seen here, these can range from electrical to mechanical issues. The problem also has the tendency to spread out if the source of the issue is not addressed in a timely manner.

Regardless of the source of the problem, we highly recommend bringing your vehicle to an experienced mechanic or a certified Land Rover service center for further diagnosis if you find yourself facing the error message. Doing so will save you a lot of trouble along the way and ensure the best performance of your Range Rover for a long time.