Change Car Glow Plugs Land Rover Discovery

Change Car Glow Plugs

Intermediate 0h45–5h00 ~75–500£
Estimated time 0h45–5h00
Estimated labour cost ~75–500£
Difficulty Intermediate
Vehicles
Discovery I 1989-1999 3
  • 2.5 TDI 200 Diesel (21L/12L/17L)
  • 2.5 TDI 300 Diesel (19L)
  • 2.5 TDI 300 Diesel (19L)
Discovery II 1999-2005 2
  • 2.5 TD5 Diesel (10P)
  • 2.5 TD5 Diesel (15P/16P)
Discovery III 2005-2009 1
  • 2.7 TDV6 Diesel (276DT)
Discovery IV 2009-2018 4
  • 2.7 TDV6 Diesel (276DT)
  • 3.0 TDV6 Diesel (306DT)
  • 3.0 TDV6 Diesel (306DT)
  • 3.0 TDV6 Diesel (306DT)
Discovery V 2017-2025 4
  • 2.0 TD4 Diesel (204DTA)
  • 2.0 TD4 Diesel (204DTD)
  • 3.0 TDV6 Diesel (306DT)
  • D250 (3.0 MHEV) 48V (MHEV),Diesel (DT306)

What is the role of Land Rover Discovery glow plugs?

Glow plugs are used in diesel engines to preheat the combustion chamber before starting, particularly in cold weather. Unlike petrol engines that use spark plugs to ignite the fuel, diesel engines rely on compression ignition. Modern glow plugs also remain active after starting to reduce emissions and noise during the warm-up phase.

When should you change your Land Rover Discovery glow plugs?

Generally, glow plugs last between 80,000 and 160,000 km. Symptoms of failing glow plugs include: difficulty starting in cold weather, white or grey exhaust smoke on start-up, rough idle during warm-up, the glow plug warning light remaining illuminated, and increased fuel consumption.

How do I know if the Land Rover Discovery glow plugs need changing?

Via the EOBD diagnostic system, faulty glow plugs will trigger fault codes (typically P0380–P0384 for glow plug circuit faults). Individual glow plug resistance can be measured with a multimeter (typically 0.5–2 ohms for a good plug).

Is it difficult to change Land Rover Discovery glow plugs?

Difficulty level 3/5: intermediate. Glow plugs can seize in the cylinder head over time due to heat and corrosion, making removal difficult and risking breakage. Key steps: warm the engine first, apply penetrating oil, use the correct glow plug socket, unscrew carefully (do not force — a broken glow plug requires specialist extraction).

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5 models covered

Model Year Range Engines covered Fuel
Discovery I 1989-1999 1989-1999 2.5 TDI 200 Diesel (21L/12L/17L), 2.5 TDI 300 Diesel (19L), 2.5 TDI 300 Diesel (19L), 3.5 V8 Petrol (22D/36L/38L), 3.5 V8i Petrol (24D), 3.9 V8i Petrol (36D) Diesel, Petrol
Discovery II 1999-2005 1999-2005 2.5 TD5 Diesel (10P), 2.5 TD5 Diesel (15P/16P), 4.0 V8 Petrol (10D/12D/94D), 4.0 V8 Petrol (56D) Diesel, Petrol
Discovery III 2005-2009 2005-2009 2.7 TDV6 Diesel (276DT), 4.0 V6 Petrol (406PN), 4.4 V8 Petrol (448PN) Diesel, Petrol
Discovery IV 2009-2018 2009-2018 2.7 TDV6 Diesel (276DT), 3.0 TDV6 Diesel (306DT), 3.0 TDV6 Diesel (306DT), 3.0 TDV6 Diesel (306DT), 3.0 V6 S/C Petrol (306PS), 5.0 V8 Petrol (508PN) Diesel, Petrol
Discovery V 2017-2025 2017-2025 2.0 Si4 Petrol (PT204), 2.0 TD4 Diesel (204DTA), 2.0 TD4 Diesel (204DTD), 3.0 TDV6 Diesel (306DT), 3.0 V6 SC Petrol (306PS), D250 (3.0 MHEV) 48V (MHEV),Diesel (DT306) 48V (MHEV), Diesel, Petrol

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