Thread: 2012 90 - malfunction indication light and limp mode

I was going to suggest you should check the throttle body hose (small elbow on the passenger side) ..... but if you have the 2.4 I don't think you have this hose ?

Otherwise, check out that intercooler as you suggest.

Good luck.

Originally Posted by Ninety

Hi all,

Hopefully this isn't a duplicate thread. My other one seems to have disappeared.

My 2012 90 went into limp mode when giving it some throttle to merge with freeway traffic.

I managed to get to my destination and plug in my nanocom which showed the following code.

CODE: P0101
Mass or volume air flow - circuit range/performance.
(INTERMITTENT)

I reset the code and drove home a different route (60km/h max limit) and the malfunction light stayed off but the 90 didn't feel 100%

I checked all the intercooler hoses (BAS silicone) and they are all clamped tight and have no rub through.

I cleaned the MAF sensor with MAF cleaner and also replaced the air and fuel filters.

None of these seemed to have worked as the malfunction light keeps coming on after resetting it.

I am thinking there may be a hairline crack in the intercooler but i haven't been off road in a while so am not sure how it would of happened.

Basic servicing and changing a hose or two is the extent of my mechanical knowledge so any help is appreciated.

I have done 141,000km if that helps.

Cheers

or even MAF itself needs replacement after 140k, A loose connector (i forgot to clip it in properly) resulted in a similar code for me aswell, so check the cable.

You may want to share MAF reading here also.


cheers

Originally Posted by Ninety

Hi all,

[...]

CODE: P0101
Mass or volume air flow - circuit range/performance.
(INTERMITTENT)

[...] am thinking there may be a hairline crack in the intercooler but i haven't been off road in a while so am not sure how it would of happened.

[...]
Cheers

Recently had similar symptoms as you described in the full post, checked the hoses as you did. In my case the "hairline crack" in my (aftermarket, larger to match tune) allisport intercooler was more than 3" long and 1/2" at its widest.

Hi all,

So it's lucky i have a spare vehicle to use as i haven't had the time/money to fix my 90 as yet. I was under it today and found this...

As my knowledge is limited, can someone please confirm if what i have highlighted is a split in the intercooler and if so what options should i look at when replacing, Land Rover, BAS etc.

Many thanks

Paul

Split.jpg

Originally Posted by Ninety

Hi all,

So it's lucky i have a spare vehicle to use as i haven't had the time/money to fix my 90 as yet. I was under it today and found this...

As my knowledge is limited, can someone please confirm if what i have highlighted is a split in the intercooler and if so what options should i look at when replacing, Land Rover, BAS etc.

Many thanks

Paul

Split.jpg

Judging by your photo, where the tank meets the core looks bulged out (where you've circled on the tank). This area has a tendency to bulge and crack over time. Run your finger along the seam there and see if oil comes off. Your intercooler will have at-least some oil from blowby / egr recirc process. If your finger has oil, there is a crack around there.

Mine is currently bulged and cracked. Good thing is, my brother also owns a defender and i can use his car as reference.
I've done the same as you and tried to diagnose the P0101 error by cleaning air filter, cleaning the MAF sensor and finally crawling under the car to see the crack on the intercooler tank.

You are either up for a new aftermarket or a used one.
There should be plenty of used ones around as people have upgraded. It is also fairly cheap as nobody seems to want used LR ones as most opt to upgrade. (can be found for <$100)
If you go the aftermarket, i believe the latest B.A.S is the way to go. It has cast tanks and CNC milled internals. Note they only offer 1 year warranty.
Allisport is another common named brand who previously supplied B.A.S however their tanks are bent and welded. They do stand by their product, having previously had issues with manufacturing and have sent out replacements instantly. They do give lifetime return to manufacturer warranty (food for thought)

Good luck if you are going to tackle the job yourself.
I've cleaned out my brothers intercooler before and it is quite the pain. I'm in for round #2 with my car when i've sourced an intercooler.
Take it slow, have some beers on hand and a swear jar.
I wouldn't say it's a hard job as a few people have written up some how to change intercoolers. It's just very finicky and tight / frustrating.

Example of mine for reference.

IMG_6739.jpg

Thanks Mello,

I ordered a BAS intercooler a couple of weeks ago and am going to install it this weekend.

There is a few good step by step guides online so fingers crossed its not too difficult.

Cheers