DPF Faults P2463 & P246B
One minute, Mrs P’s Land Rover Discovery Sport was driving as it should. The next, she was stuck in limp mode. Power had dropped off, the car couldn’t keep pace on the motorway, and both the Engine Management and DPF lights were glaring across the dashboard.
For Mrs P, this wasn’t just frustrating. Her Land Rover was a car she depended on every day, and now it felt like its reliability had vanished overnight. The thought of a hefty repair bill and the possibility of long-term engine damage only added to the anxiety.
When she brought her Discovery Sport to Gents Garage in Sittingbourne, she needed clarity. No trial fixes. No guesswork. Just an expert diagnosis and the right repair, first time.
Before explaining how we got Mrs P back on the road, let’s take a closer look at the Diesel Particulate Filter itself, why it’s so important, and how it can lead to the kind of failure that sidelined her Land Rover.
Understanding the Land Rover DPF – The Basics
Modern Land Rover diesels are all fitted with a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF). This component captures the microscopic soot particles created every time fuel burns, preventing them from being released into the atmosphere. Once captured, the filter holds the particles until the exhaust system reaches high enough temperatures to burn them off in a process called regeneration.
The system is highly effective, but it’s also dependent on suitable driving conditions. If the car is repeatedly driven on short, low-speed trips, the exhaust may never get hot enough for regeneration to complete. When this happens, soot begins to build inside the filter. Eventually, the DPF becomes blocked, dashboard warnings appear, and if ignored, the vehicle is forced into limp mode.
That’s why DPF warnings must never be overlooked. A minor build-up can escalate quickly into something more significant, damaging your vehicle’s performance and risking costly repairs.
Fault Code Discovery – P2463 & P246B
When Mrs P’s Land Rover Discovery Sport arrived at our workshop, two serious warning lights were already active on the dashboard: the Engine Management Light and the amber DPF light. The vehicle had dropped into limp mode, making it sluggish and difficult to drive.
Our first step was to connect our dealer-level diagnostic equipment to the Land Rover’s control unit. The scan revealed two stored codes:
- P2463-00 – Diesel Particulate Filter restriction, soot accumulation. This confirmed the filter was heavily restricted, with soot levels beyond safe operating limits.
- P246B-00 – Vehicle conditions incorrect for DPF regeneration. This indicated that the DPF had been unable to regenerate, most likely due to short or low-speed journeys that prevented the exhaust from reaching the required temperature.
While these codes gave us important information, they were only the beginning. At Gents Garage, we never stop at reading codes alone. They’re clues — not answers. To protect the engine and prevent unnecessary part replacements, our technicians carried out a full diagnostic evaluation to uncover the exact root cause before moving to the repair stage.
In-Depth Checks – Tracing the True Cause of the DPF Issue
With the fault codes confirmed, our next step was to conduct a structured investigation into why Mrs P’s Land Rover had entered limp mode. This meant looking at every factor known to contribute to a blocked DPF.
- Engine oil condition – One of the first things we examined was the oil. When a regeneration attempt fails, fuel can pass into the oil, leaving it contaminated. In Mrs P’s case, there were clear signs of dilution. Left unresolved, this would have put her engine at serious risk of accelerated wear. It also confirmed that a complete oil and filter service would be required later in the repair.
- Air filter inspection – A blocked or damaged air filter can restrict airflow, forcing the engine to run rich and produce excess soot. This can accelerate DPF blockage. Here, however, the air filter was in good condition, allowing us to rule it out as a contributing factor.
- DPF pressure readings – Using our dealer-level equipment, we checked the differential pressure across the filter. The readings confirmed there was a heavy restriction, entirely consistent with the warning lights and limp mode Mrs P had reported. This gave us solid evidence that soot overload was at the heart of the problem.
- Internal DPF examination – We carefully inspected the filter for signs of physical damage such as cracking, melting, or collapse. Any structural issue would have required outright replacement. Fortunately, none were present, meaning the filter itself remained intact.
- Boost and intake system check – Finally, we looked for leaks or weaknesses in the intake and turbo system that could be contributing to excess soot or preventing regeneration. No faults were found, which helped us eliminate another common cause of repeated DPF warnings.
By working through each of these checks step by step, we could confidently rule out secondary issues and confirm the fault as a genuine soot overload. With the underlying cause identified, we were ready to move on to the repair stage and restore the Discovery Sport’s performance.
Restoring The DPF on Mrs P’s Discovery Sport
With the diagnosis complete, the evidence was clear: the DPF was severely restricted, and the engine oil was diluted. At this stage, precision was critical. What was needed was a controlled and professional repair.
- Oil and filter service – To protect the engine, we carried out a full oil and filter replacement. This step ensured the engine would no longer be running on contaminated oil, eliminating the risk of accelerated internal wear.
- DPF clean and regeneration procedure – We then performed a controlled regeneration to burn away the soot and restore flow through the filter. This process was carefully managed to ensure temperatures were correct and the filter was cleaned thoroughly, without risking further damage.
- System adaptations reset – Once soot levels had returned to manufacturer specifications, we reset the system’s adaptations. This was essential to let the ECU know the DPF was clean, preventing false warnings and allowing the system to handle future regenerations properly.
- Fault memory clear and validation – Finally, we cleared all stored fault codes and ran a series of validation checks. This confirmed that every system was operating as intended and that the Discovery Sport was back to full working order.
Before handing the Land Rover back, we also spoke with Mrs P about how her driving patterns might have contributed to the issue. By explaining which driving conditions allow the DPF to regenerate effectively, we gave her the knowledge to help prevent future blockages.
The Result – Full Power Restored
With the repair completed, Mrs P’s Land Rover was fully restored. The warning lights disappeared, limp mode was cleared, and her Discovery Sport once again delivered the performance she expected.
For Mrs P, the difference was immediate. Instead of the frustration of limp mode, she left our workshop with a vehicle that felt strong, responsive, and dependable again.
This is the value of professional expertise. By identifying the true cause and applying the correct fix, we ensured her DPF was functioning as it should, giving her confidence in her Land Rover once more.
Why Drivers Trust Gents Garage
If your Land Rover’s DPF light has appeared, don’t ignore it. These systems are complex and need specialist attention. At Gents Garage in Sittingbourne, our technicians combine dealership-level expertise with independent garage value to resolve DPF issues first time.
Why choose Gents Garage:
- Dealer-level diagnostic tools and repair processes
- Technicians trained to find the real cause, not just the symptom
- Premium vehicle care at independent rates
- Clear, itemised quotes with no hidden costs
We have a {{average-rating}}-star Google rating from {{review-count}} happy customers who trust us for expertise, value, and service.
Whether your Land Rover is in limp mode, displaying a DPF warning, or simply losing performance, call us today on 01795 425999 to arrange your specialist evaluation.
