'97 D1 "check eng", misfire codes, runs like crap

[95Classic]

65,000 mi. Driving on the highway, and engine intermittently sort of cuts out briefly. It's like someone is flicking a light switch on and off (2 seconds on, 2 seconds off). It started last week here and there, and now it's more frequent along with the amber "check engine" light on steady. When it cuts out and I hit the gas, it shudders a little. Seems like a lack of spark, some module gone bad maybe? Service shop told me about 3 engine codes, 300, 314, 316 I think. I've changed the plugs last year, but that's about it for electrical upkeep. Anybody got any ideas??

 

[Jeff Discos]

Sounds like possibly the VSS, vehicle speed sensor. If it is very intermittent, and continuously intermittent at near highway speeds, that's a good bet.

Just a suggestion, others will hopefully chime in as well.

 

[95Classic]

Thanks for the tip Jeff. I just ordered the VSS from Rover Connection, they have pretty good prices. I think it was $90 bucks. I'll report back after i test it out. If anyone else has an idea, I'd really appreciate it....

 

[Jeff Discos]

oh, um...

Maybe I should have that 'rover guru' thingy taken off of my name. I just hope that new VSS works, or I will be feeling bad. There are other things that could cause that problem, I am sure.

In any case, good luck.

 

[95Classic]

No worries! I can only thank you for your input. Even if that isn't the problem, now I have a new VSS, big deal. One less thing to worry about down the road. I'm pleased you didn't suggest the "coil pack" initially. $560 is a little tougher to swallow! But seriously, thanks again for the tip....

 

[gelby]

same problem here

i'm having same problem eric, someone also mentioned speed sensor, so i bought one today but have no friggin clue where it goes...any help anyone???

 

[gelby]

Sounds like possibly the VSS, vehicle speed sensor. If it is very intermittent, and continuously intermittent at near highway speeds, that's a good bet.

Just a suggestion, others will hopefully chime in as well.

hey guru, any idea where the speed sensor goes on my 96 dicovery?

 

[disco1]

I'm no guru, but you will find the speed sensor on the side of the transfer case behind the transmission brake.

 

[gelby]

thanks for quick reply friend, im really limited in auto area...is speed sensor easy to getr too? we're heading to disneyland and i need to figure this out by tommorw..is it on right or left side sir? thanks again for everythingyou can tell me.
p.s. i want to learn everything i can about my rover. this is the first car in my life that i truly love aqnd i want to fix it when it breaks.. but i have no clue what a transfer case is or a transmission brake. can you describe if you have time what tey might look like so that i can repair it tommrw when the suns out? thanks again, feel free to email me
[email protected]

 

[disco1]

I'll try and guide you to it. If you go to the rear diff and follow the drive shaft towards the front of the vehicle you will come to a disk like object at the end of the drive shaft (park brake drum).
leading into the 'PBD' (transmission brake) is the park brake cable. Adjacent to this cable you will find a electrical lead (with two wires in it), at the end of the lead is the sensor. I have never had to replace this so be careful when removing it.
Good luck.