Defender 2.2 Turbo Failure! and Transfer Box Upgrade

When it comes to vehicle maintenance, it’s essential to address issues as soon as they arise. This is especially true when it comes to turbo failures, as they can cause a chain reaction of problems throughout the vehicle. In this blog post, we will discuss a recent case where a 2.2 engine was having issues after a turbo replacement, and how we were able to resolve the problem and get the vehicle running like new again.

The first thing we noticed when we were asked to help with this vehicle was that the engine management light was on and the vehicle was in limp mode, logging DTC’s P0030 & P0427. This is a clear indication that there is something wrong with the vehicle and that it needs to be addressed immediately. We knew that we needed to take a closer look to figure out what was causing the issue.

Upon further in-depth inspection, we found that the sensor was completely dead, which was very odd. So we ordered a genuine sensor and when the old one was removed, it looked like it had been hit with something very hard causing the tip to be all dented and deformed (See Pic). This was surprising to us, as it’s not something that you would expect to see. We also noticed that the story was the same for one of the EGT (exhaust gas temperature) sensors. It was so damaged that it almost didn’t come out of the exhaust and a repair to the thread was needed.

The turbo failure caused the exhaust system to fill with oil, so the DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) had to be sent away to be cleaned thoroughly before being installed again. This was to ensure that we got most of the oil out of the system. This is an important step, as oil in the exhaust system can cause damage to the DPF and other components of the vehicle.

As you can see in the pictures, this vehicle is running 37-inch Maxxis M-8060 Trepador Mud Terrain tires and still has the standard drive train ratios. With a remap, it’s ok, however, to get it back to driving as it should, a replacement transfer box with a 1.4 ratio was installed. It’s surprising how much of a difference this actually made. The transfer box upgrade helped the vehicle perform at its best and made a significant improvement in the overall driving experience.

The transfer box is an essential component of the drivetrain, and it’s responsible for transferring power from the engine to the wheels. It’s a fairly simple piece of machinery, and when it’s not working correctly, it can cause all sorts of problems. In this case, the standard drivetrain ratios were not sufficient to handle the increased size of the 37-inch Maxxis M-8060 Trepadors, and a replacement transfer box with a 1.4 ratio was needed to get the vehicle performing as it should.

In conclusion, it’s important to address any issues that arise with your vehicle as soon as they occur. A turbo failure can cause a chain reaction of problems throughout the vehicle, and it’s essential to address them promptly to avoid further damage. Additionally, upgrading your transfer box can make a significant difference in the performance of your vehicle. In this case, we were able to resolve the issues and get this 2.2 engine running like new again. It’s always great to see the difference that the proper maintenance and upgrades can make in a vehicle’s performance. It’s important to note that regular maintenance and inspections are crucial to keep your vehicle running smoothly and to avoid costly repairs in the future. And if you’re unsure of what’s wrong with your vehicle, it’s always best to take it to a professional to have it inspected and repaired.