DPF Faults P2463 & P246B
Mr D’s Land Rover Discovery Sport was performing as expected when, without warning, it slipped into limp mode. Power was reduced, the car struggled to cope on the A470 heading towards Cardiff, and both the DPF and Engine Management lights appeared on the dashboard.
For Mr D, this was more than just inconvenient. His Land Rover was the vehicle he relied on daily, and suddenly, it was falling short of the performance he needed. On top of that came the concern of a large repair bill and the risk of long-term engine damage.
When he brought his Discovery Sport to Ystrad Service Centre in Ystrad Mynach, trusted by drivers across Caerphilly and Cardiff, he wanted confidence in the repair. No guesswork. No wasted costs. Just a clear diagnosis and the right solution, first time.
Before we explain how our technicians restored his Land Rover, it’s worth looking at the Diesel Particulate Filter itself, why it matters, and how it can trigger the kind of limp mode problem Mr D faced.
Your Land Rover’s DPF – The Essentials
Every Land Rover diesel is fitted with a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF). Its purpose is to capture the fine soot produced during combustion and prevent it from being released into the environment. Once trapped, the soot remains in the filter until the exhaust gets hot enough to burn it away in a process known as regeneration.
The system is effective, but it relies on the right driving conditions. If the vehicle is used mainly for short trips or slower journeys, the exhaust may never reach the temperature needed for regeneration to complete. When this happens, soot starts to build up inside the filter.
As the build-up increases, the filter becomes restricted and struggles to function correctly. Warning lights then appear on the dashboard — and if left unresolved, the car will eventually enter limp mode to safeguard the engine.
That’s why DPF warnings should always be taken seriously. What begins as a minor build-up can soon turn into a major problems, with your engine performance reduced and repair costs up.
What the First Scan Showed – P2463 & P246B
When Mr D brought his Land Rover to us, the dashboard was already lit with the DPF light and the Engine Management Light. The vehicle had slipped into limp mode, leaving it lacking power and difficult to drive.
Our first step was to connect the Land Rover to our dealer-level diagnostic equipment. The scan displayed two stored codes:
- P2463-00 – Diesel Particulate Filter restriction, soot accumulation. This confirmed that soot levels in the filter were far beyond the safe limit, leaving it badly restricted.
- P246B-00 – Vehicle conditions incorrect for DPF regeneration. This showed that the filter had not been able to regenerate, often the result of frequent short trips where the exhaust never reaches the temperature required.
For our technicians, these codes gave a clear direction, but they weren’t full picture. A fault code reveals the symptom but not the cause. At Ystrad Service Centre in Ystrad Mynach, we use codes as the start of the diagnosis, not the finish.
The next step was to carry out a full investigation — checking each system that could have contributed to the DPF issue before moving forward with the repair.
The Detailed Evaluative Process That Pinpointed the Fault
With the diagnostic codes identified, the next step was to uncover the true cause of Mr D’s Land Rover’s problems. At Ystrad Service Centre, we take a structured approach, carefully checking each area that could have contributed to the DPF issue rather than relying on codes alone.
Here’s how our technicians approached the job:
- Engine oil check – A blocked DPF can lead to failed regenerations, which in turn allow fuel to seep into the oil. In this Discovery Sport, the oil showed signs of dilution, making a complete oil and filter change essential later in the repair.
- Air filter inspection – A clogged or damaged air filter can restrict airflow, making the engine run rich and create excess soot. The filter here was clean and in good condition, so we ruled it out as a cause.
- DPF pressure readings – Using dealer-level diagnostic equipment, we measured the pressure across the filter. The results confirmed that soot build-up was causing a major restriction, matching the problems Mr D described.
- Internal DPF check – We inspected the filter for damage such as cracks or melting. None were present, which meant the DPF could be restored rather than replaced.
- Intake and boost system inspection – Finally, we checked for leaks or weaknesses in the intake and turbo system. No faults were detected.
By carrying out this detailed evaluation step by step, we confirmed that the issue was a soot overload rather than a secondary fault. With the root cause identified, we could move ahead with the repair.
If your Land Rover is showing a DPF warning or suffering from reduced performance, call our team on 01443 540460 before the issue becomes more serious.
The Repair: Resolving the DPF Problem
With the investigation confirming a soot overload and evidence of fuel dilution in the oil, our next task was to bring Mr D’s Discovery Sport back to full working order. At this stage, accuracy was key — the repair had to be carried out in a structured way to ensure the issue was properly resolved.
Here’s how our technicians completed the repair:
- Oil and filter service – Because the oil had been contaminated with fuel, we performed a complete oil and filter replacement. This protected the engine from premature wear and ensured it was running cleanly again.
- DPF clean and regeneration – We carried out a controlled regeneration to safely burn away the soot build-up and restore normal flow through the filter.
- Adaptations reset – Once soot levels were back within the manufacturer’s limits, we reset the system’s adaptations. This told the ECU that the filter was clean and ensured future regenerations would take place as designed.
- Fault memory clear and validation checks – Finally, we cleared all stored fault codes and carried out validation checks. With no dashboard warnings and the DPF fully restored, the Land Rover was ready to return to the road.
Before returning the car, we also explained to Mr D how his driving patterns had contributed to the issue. By understanding the conditions needed for regeneration, he could reduce the risk of the same problem recurring.
Why Drivers in Ystrad Mynach Turn to YSC
If your Land Rover’s DPF light is on, don’t take chances. These systems are complex and need expert knowledge to put right. At Ystrad Service Centre in Ystrad Mynach, our technicians use dealer-level diagnostics and specialist skill to find the real fault and repair it correctly, first time.
We deliver main dealer standards of precision, but with the value and service of a trusted independent garage.
Why drivers choose Ystrad Service Centre:
- Dealer-level diagnostic tools and repair procedures
- Skilled technicians who identify the root cause, not just the symptom
- 12-month parts and labour guarantee on all repairs
- Courtesy cars available to keep you mobile
- Clear, itemised quotes with no hidden extras
We’re proud of our {{average-rating}}-star Google rating from {{review-count}} customers who trust us for reliable, expert service.
Whether your Land Rover is stuck in limp mode, showing a DPF fault, or down on performance, call our team on 01443 540460 to book your appointment.
