Bulkhead Workshop › Land Rover models › Range Rover P38 4.0 / 4.6 V8 › Workshop guide › Plugs, leads & ignition timing

Range Rover P38 4.0 / 4.6 V8: plugs, leads & ignition timing

Ignition · Range Rover P38 (1994–2002) · 1994–2002

How often: every 12,000 mi or year, whichever comes first. Eight plugs and long HT leads: misfires on a V8 are easy to miss until fuel use climbs.

Work safely: support the vehicle on axle stands, never a jack alone; let it cool first. Check figures against your workshop manual. You do this work at your own risk.

Parts

• 8 × Spark plugs (Gap and type per the handbook for your engine management (GEMS 1994–98, Bosch Motronic 'Thor' 1999–2002))
• Distributor cap & rotor or coil packs (if worn)

Tools

• Plug socket with extension
• Code reader
• Multimeter

Step by step

1. Remove and check plugs one at a time so the HT leads stay in the right order.
2. Gap or renew plugs (Gap and type per the handbook for your engine management (GEMS 1994–98, Bosch Motronic 'Thor' 1999–2002)). Check each lead (or coil pack boot) for cracks and resistance.
3. Distributor engines (14CUX): check the cap and rotor for cracks and tracking. Coil-pack engines (GEMS / Bosch): the timing is set by the ECU; read any misfire codes instead.

More Range Rover P38 4.0 / 4.6 V8 servicing