2020 Discovery Sport - Rough Idle and Engine Misfire, P0301 Code

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Christine P. · rep 0 · May 22, 6:28 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2020 Land Rover Discovery Sport

Hey everyone,

I'm having some trouble with my 2020 Land Rover Discovery Sport, 2.0L Ingenium engine. Lately, it's developed a really rough idle, especially when I'm stopped at a light. It feels like the engine is shaking more than usual, and sometimes I notice a slight hesitation when accelerating from a stop.

The check engine light came on yesterday, and I used my OBD scanner to pull the code. It's showing a P0301, which indicates a misfire in cylinder 1. I'm not sure if this is something I can tackle myself or if it's a bigger issue.

Has anyone else experienced this with their Discovery Sport or other Ingenium engines? What were the common culprits? I'm trying to figure out the best course of action before taking it to the dealership, as I know Land Rover service can be pricey. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

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ClearTheCode admin answer:

Hello John,

A P0301 code on your 2020 Land Rover Discovery Sport, indicating a misfire on cylinder 1, is a common issue with several potential causes. It's good that you've already pulled the code, as it helps narrow down the diagnostic process.

Here are the most common causes and diagnostic steps:

  1. Ignition System Issues:

    • Spark Plug: A worn, fouled, or damaged spark plug in cylinder 1 is a very frequent cause of misfires. Land Rover recommends specific spark plug replacement intervals; if you're due, this is a good place to start.
    • Ignition Coil: The ignition coil for cylinder 1 could be failing. You can often test this by swapping the coil from cylinder 1 with a coil from another cylinder (e.g., cylinder 2). If the misfire code changes to P0302, then the coil is faulty.
  2. Fuel System Issues:

    • Fuel Injector: A clogged, dirty, or failing fuel injector for cylinder 1 can prevent the cylinder from getting enough fuel, leading to a misfire. This can sometimes be diagnosed by listening to the injector with a stethoscope or performing a fuel pressure test.
    • Fuel Pressure: Less commonly, overall low fuel pressure due to a failing fuel pump or clogged fuel filter could cause misfires, though this usually affects multiple cylinders.
  3. Engine Mechanical Issues:

    • Compression Loss: Low compression in cylinder 1 due to issues like a worn piston ring, damaged valve, or blown head gasket can cause a misfire. This requires a compression test.
    • Vacuum Leaks: A vacuum leak near cylinder 1 could lean out the air/fuel mixture, causing a misfire. Inspect vacuum lines and intake manifold gaskets.

When to See a Shop:

If you've checked the spark plug and swapped the ignition coil without resolving the issue, or if you're not comfortable performing these diagnostics yourself, it's best to take your Discovery Sport to a qualified Land Rover specialist or dealership. A professional shop has specialized diagnostic tools to accurately pinpoint the root cause, especially for fuel injector testing, compression tests, or more complex electrical diagnostics. Continuing to drive with a persistent misfire can lead to further damage, particularly to the catalytic converter.