DPF Faults P2463 & P246B

One minute, Mr J’s Land Rover Discovery Sport was running smoothly. The next, it had dropped into limp mode. Stripped of power, unable to keep up on the M6, and flashing the dreaded DPF and Engine Management lights across the dashboard.

For Mr J, this wasn’t just inconvenient. His Land Rover was a car he relied on and took pride in, and now it felt like it had lost its strength overnight. Worse still, the fear of an expensive repair bill and potential long-term engine damage loomed large.

When he brought his Discovery Sport to Fitch Autos in Brownhills, he needed answers. No guesswork. No experimental fixes. Just a precise diagnosis and the expertise to restore his Land Rover at the first time of asking.

But before we explain how our team went about fixing Mr J’s Land Rover, it’s worth looking at the Diesel Particulate Filter itself. What it does, why it’s critical, and how it can create exactly the kind of failure that left our client’s car sidelined.

Land Rover Diesel Particulate Filter – The DPF in a Nutshell

Modern Land Rover diesels are fitted with a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF), a vital piece of technology that keeps your engine running cleaner and helps safeguard the environment. Every time your engine burns fuel, tiny soot particles are produced. Left unchecked, these would build up in the exhaust and be released into the air. The DPF captures those particles, storing them until the system can heat up enough to burn them away in a process known as regeneration.

It’s a clever bit of engineering, but it relies on the right conditions to work. If the car spends too much time on short or low-speed trips, the exhaust never reaches the temperature needed to complete a regeneration. That soot then starts to pile up inside the filter. Once blocked, the DPF can’t do its job, triggering dashboard warnings and, if ignored, eventually forcing the engine into limp mode.

That’s why DPF issues shouldn’t be taken lightly. What starts as a small issue can quickly escalate into a severe restriction that risks engine performance and costly repairs.

Our Initial Evaluation – Fault Codes P2463 & P246B

When Mr J’s Discovery Sport arrived at our Garage in Brownhills, he reported two serious warnings on the dashboard: the Engine Management Light and the DPF warning light. The vehicle had already dropped into limp mode, leaving it underpowered and frustrating to drive.

Our first step was to connect our dealer-level diagnostic equipment. This revealed two stored fault codes: 

• P2463-00, Diesel Particulate Filter restriction – soot accumulation. This confirmed that soot levels had risen beyond a safe limit, and the filter was heavily restricted.
• P246B-00, Vehicle conditions incorrect for DPF regeneration. This indicated the DPF had been unable to regenerate, usually because short, low-speed journeys prevented the exhaust from reaching the temperatures required.

For an experienced technician, these codes are important clues, but they never   01543 452630l the whole story. That’s why we treat fault codes as the beginning of the diagnostic process, not the end. 

To protect the engine and avoid unnecessary part replacement, our next task was to run a structured investigation, checking every factor that could have led to the blockage and pinpointing the true root cause before carrying out the correct repair.

Deeper Inspection – Finding the Root Cause

With the initial codes confirmed, our next task was to investigate step by step and uncover what had caused the Land Rover to go into limp mode. At Fitch Autos, that means working through a structured diagnostic evaluation and not jumping to conclusions.

Here’s how our technicians approached the case:

• Engine oil check – A blocked DPF can lead to fuel seeping into the oil during failed regeneration attempts. In the case of this Land Rover, our technician could see that the oil showed signs of contamination. It also highlighted that an oil and filter service would be essential later in the repair to protect the engine from long-term damage. 
• Air filter inspection – A clogged or damaged filter can restrict airflow, forcing the engine to run rich and produce excess soot. The air filter was in good condition, ruling this out as a contributing factor. 
• DPF pressure readings – Using dealer-level equipment, we measured the differential pressure across the filter. Results confirmed that soot build-up was creating significant restriction, consistent with the DPF light and limp mode Mr J had reported. 
• Internal DPF check – We examined the filter for structural issues such as cracks or melting. None were found, so replacement was not required. 
• Intake and boost system inspection – Finally, we looked for leaks or weaknesses that could have contributed to the blockage. No faults were detected.

By methodically working through each of these checks, we could eliminate potential causes and confirm that the issue was a soot overload rather than a secondary fault. With the root cause identified, we were ready to move on to restoring the Discovery Sport’s performance.

If your Land Rover is showing similar symptoms, call our team on 01543 452630 to book a diagnostic evaluation and stop the problem before it escalates.

Fixing the Discovery Sport’s DPF Issue

With the evidence pointing to a genuine soot overload and clear signs of oil dilution, we moved on to restoring the vehicle to full health. At this stage, accuracy matters. The fix required a controlled, professional approach.

Here’s how we carried out the repair:

• Oil and filter service – Because our inspection had revealed diluted oil, we carried out a full oil and filter change. This ensured the engine was no longer running with contaminated oil, reducing the risk of accelerated wear.
• DPF clean and regeneration – We performed a controlled procedure to safely burn away the built-up soot and clear the restriction inside the filter.
• Adaptations reset – Once soot levels returned to the manufacturer’s specifications, we reset the system’s learned values. This step told the ECU the DPF was clean and prevented false warnings, allowing the car to manage future regenerations correctly.
• Fault memory clear and validation checks – We cleared the stored fault codes and ran post-repair checks to confirm that all systems were operating as intended. With no warning lights present and the filter back in working condition, Mr J’s Discovery Sport was ready to return to the road.

As part of the handover, we also discussed with Mr J the best way to drive his DPF-equipped Land Rover, explaining how certain driving conditions can help prevent the risk of recurrence.

The Result – Back to Full Performance

With the repairs complete, the Land Rover Discovery Sport was restored to full working order. The dashboard warnings cleared, limp mode was lifted, and the car once again delivered the performance its driver expected.

The difference was immediate. Instead of facing the inconvenience of limp mode, Mr J drove away in a vehicle that felt as it should: responsive, reliable, and back to its best.

That’s the advantage of specialist expertise; identifying the true cause and applying the correct repair. For Mr J, it meant that his DPF system was functioning normally again, and his Land Rover could be driven with confidence again.

Book a Specialist Technical Evaluation Today

If your Land Rover’s DPF light has come on, don’t take chances. These systems are complex and need a professional assessment. At Fitch Autos in Brownhills, our technicians specialise in pinpointing the true cause of DPF problems and applying the correct fix first time.

We combine years of expertise with the same equipment and technical information used by Land Rover dealerships, but at independent garage rates. That means you get the highest standard of care and genuine peace of mind, without paying dealer prices.

Why drivers choose Fitch Autos :

• Dealer-level expertise and repair procedures
• Skilled technicians with the expertise to find the real cause first time
• Premium vehicle care at independent garage value
• Itemised quotes tailored to your car. No hidden costs

Join the {{review-count}} customers who’ve given us a {{average-rating}}-star Google rating for expertise, value, and service you can trust.

Whether it’s a warning light, a loss of power, or a DPF issue, trust us for a premium repair service that delivers results. Call us now on 01543 452630 to arrange your appointment and get your Land Rover back to the performance you expect.

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