As we know, the oil level sensor in the SDV8 is mounted within the sump itself and is prone to failure. This causes engine oil to track it's way along the loom to the turbo actuator, resulting in an expensive repair bill.

When servicing the L405 the other day, I decided to unplug the sensor connector to inspect it. Low and behold, I found evidence of oil seepage within the connector...

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Mine went in to my dealer earlier this year to have this mod done under warranty. I wonder if they were as conscientious as you Kev, I've got my doubts!

Great post  2017 SDV8 Autobiography

LR have initiated a campaign to fit the harness to the SDV8 engine in all L405 and L494 regardless of age.

I assume that only applies to vehicles under warranty though Graeme? Kev

2014 L405 RR Vogue SE 4.4 SDV8 in Corris Grey
2010 L320 RRS HSE 3.0 TDV6 in Stornoway Grey

It has been showing on Topix for MY13 L405s.

Yes, of course. As per the N357 is a service instruction, it applies to all SDV8s across all VIN ranges.

I assume LR will only cover this, if under warranty though? There is no associated safety recall is there? Kev

2014 L405 RR Vogue SE 4.4 SDV8 in Corris Grey
2010 L320 RRS HSE 3.0 TDV6 in Stornoway Grey

Mine was called a “Recall” by the dealer when I said I wanted it doing. All done FOC, granted mine is under warranty. it is technically a TSB so as you say I doubt it would be covered, however as a do it while it’s in for a service job, it would probably incur a small charge for the part and 1/2 hr labour on older cars.....

It’s always worth the ask tho.....

Like the OP i was going to get the part and do it in lockdown but after ringing the dealer and them telling me they would do it FOC I didn’t see the point  There is nothing that can't be fixed with a hammer😜😜
FFRR 4.4 SDV8 Autobiography Santorini Black.
Fiat 500x 1.4 multiair Lounge 2015
2010 LR D4 Commercial 2.7 TDV6

It is listed as a campaign against each vehicle so should be FOC. However I expect that the campaign notice will be removed after a while even if not done, as is the usual LR practice.

northernmonkeyjones wrote:

Mine was called a “Recall” by the dealer when I said I wanted it doing. All done FOC, granted mine is under warranty. it is technically a TSB so as you say I doubt it would be covered, however as a do it while it’s in for a service job, it would probably incur a small charge for the part and 1/2 hr labour on older cars.....

It’s always worth the ask tho.....

Like the OP i was going to get the part and do it in lockdown but after ringing the dealer and them telling me they would do it FOC I didn’t see the point

Yes, I completely agree. If it's covered under warranty, get them to do it  Kev

2014 L405 RR Vogue SE 4.4 SDV8 in Corris Grey
2010 L320 RRS HSE 3.0 TDV6 in Stornoway Grey

Hi all, is this easy to find? I want to check if mine has been done.

Yes, just put your car up on ramps or stands and have a look on the sump for the sensor. Kev

2014 L405 RR Vogue SE 4.4 SDV8 in Corris Grey
2010 L320 RRS HSE 3.0 TDV6 in Stornoway Grey

I have noticed on my 4.4 2019MY that the mod has been done,. but when i checked you could see oil residue around the new wiring (not a leak as such just damp with oil) unplugged the wiring at the turbo actuator and found large amount of oil there, so cleaned out with brake cleaner and refitted for time been. i have not got any running problems or fault codes as yet, but would like to stop a problem before arises. is it a case you should just do the mod again and replace the short harness?

I trust JLR has investigated this properly, but has anyone had the sump off a 4.4 with this problem?

This is a 3.0 we done last week. I wonder if both engines suffer the same issue. The internal looms between the 3.0 and 4.4 are different, but the "repair" loom on the 4.4 is the same as the 3 0 internal...

I feel that the N357 service instruction and wiring loom extension is a sticky plaster over the whole issue of the oil level sensor problem.

Yes, it stops the migration of oil through the loom and prevents another problem, but does nothing to address the critical error of putting an oil level sensor that was designed to be mounted externally to the engine, right inside with the hot oil and expecting it not to fail. As design errors go, it is almost as bad as failing to fit a coolant level sensor to the 4.6 P38s and wondering why so many of them overheated resulting in the liners slipping. You'd have thought JLR would have learnt...

For more information on the oil level sensor design error, have a look at this thread:

www.fullfatrr.com/forum/topic56693.html Current:
- 2017 L405 3.0 V6 Autobiography
Sold:
- 2013 L405 4.4 TDV8 Vogue
- 2004 L322 4.4 Vogue (BRC LPG)
- 2002 L322 4.4 HSE (having fixed timing chain guides)
- 2000 P38 4.6 Vogue (BRC LPG)
- 1981 2-door In-Vogue
- 1980 Ex-Army SIII LWB
- 1976 SIII LWB
- 1968 SIIA
Stripped for parts:
- 2003 L322 4.4 Vogue

Thanks for the thread link. I had the oil leak diagnosed to be the oil level sensor. I had the job turned down by my Land Rover select warranty as removal of the sump was not a major component. After reading the link to find several major components had to be removed to get to the sump, i was able to go back to the warranty company who reversed their decision and authorised the work. Which had been quoted at £1800+.
Excellent forum.