Thread: Interesting LR Bulletin on Engine chipping

I saw this letter over on a UK forum, and thought it was interesting that they are looking for evidence of engines being chipped when they do warranty work.

Here's the text of the letter:

To: All National Sales Companies and Importers
For the Attention of: The Managing Director
Copies to: The Service/After-Sales Director/Manager
The Parts Director/Manager

Dear Colleagues,
Installation of Unauthorized Power Upgrades (Add-on or ECM 'Chipping')
This Policy Letter replaces Policy Letter NSC/LR/0137, issued in May 2003
A number of major power-train units received through the normal Warranty Returns process have been damaged by the installation of unauthorized power upgrades to Engine Management systems.

Changes to the vehicle's power characteristics have far-reaching consequences on many systems including the entire driveline, braking system, emission control devices and in particular the Diesel Particulate Filter circuit (DPF). The DPF undergoes regular regeneration cycles to clean lodged particulates by means of increasing the temperature within, and this operation is not completed satisfactorily with non-production engine management software.

The installation of unauthorized upgrade packages appears to be particularly prevalent on Diesel variants of Freelander, Freelander 2, Discovery 2, Discovery 3 and Range Rover Sport, where investigation of catastrophic failures has shown significant numbers to be attributed to unauthorized power upgrades. The Warranty Returns Centers will monitor the following failures:
• TD5 Engine – Discovery
• TD4 Engine – Freelander 1
• TDV6 Engine - Discovery 3
• TDV6 & V8 Engine - Discovery 3 and Range Rover Sport
• Intermediate Reduction Drive (IRD) – Freelander 1
• Automatic transmission – Freelander 1 & 2
• Automatic transmission – Discovery 3 and Range Rover Sport
• Damage to the Diesel Particulate Filter
Power upgrades are typically achieved either through the download of unauthorized and potentially illegal calibration files into the Engine Control Modules, or through add-on hardware. Other power upgrades may also be available, and in all cases, warranty responsibility on any affected component does not lie with Land Rover.

The resulting power increase is achieved at the expense of:
• Engine and transmission longevity
• Increased fuel consumption
• Increased pollutant emissions

We would also draw your attention to the following statement from the Owner's Handbook:
'The fitting of non-approved parts and accessories, or the carrying out of non-approved alterations or conversions, may be dangerous and could affect the safety of the vehicle and occupants, and also invalidate the terms and conditions of the vehicle warranty.'

Please take actions to ensure that Authorized Repairers are not in any way involved in the promotion, marketing, or installation of such unauthorized power upgrades. Remind your Repairer bodies that evidence of upgrade is almost impossible to conceal, even when original equipment is refitted following unit failure. Any major unit failures suspected to be resulting from unauthorized power upgrades will be thoroughly investigated and warranty payments will be withheld or withdrawn as appropriate.

Yours faithfully
K Phelps

Doesn't mention Defenders !!

A mate of mine is into Subaru's,if their is so much as a mark on the screws holding the covers in place for the engine control units you can kiss your warranty good buy. Pat