Clogged throttle body on the 3.0 diesel
The throttle body on 3.0 diesel Discovery models is known to clog and cause a restricted performance message. Left alone, it can stop DPF regeneration and lead to a DPF full warning.
Discovery · L462 · 2017–present
Discovery 5 parts and spares
The aluminium-bodied fifth-generation Discovery, launched in South Africa in July 2017 with Td6 diesel and Si6 petrol V6 engines.
Discovery 5 parts by system
Each system page explains what is specific to the Discovery 5 before you narrow down to the part.
Discovery 5 engine parts 4 known issues in this system
Discovery 5 brakes
Discovery 5 suspension
Discovery 5 air suspension
Discovery 5 electrical
Discovery 5 lighting
Discovery 5 exhaust 2 known issues in this system
Discovery 5 transmission
Discovery 5 cooling
Discovery 5 fuel system
Discovery 5 body parts
Discovery 5 interior
Parts commonly needed for the Discovery 5
Discovery 5 owners mostly buy diesel intake and emissions parts: throttle bodies, intake manifolds, NOx sensors, AdBlue components, DPFs and EGR parts, plus timing belt kits for the 3.0 V6 diesel. Air suspension parts, front lower arms and brake components are the main chassis orders. Because the Td6, Si6 and later D300 engines are different, and some faults are covered by recalls, send your VIN before ordering. Owners of late vehicles with the AJ20-D6 diesel should confirm with a dealer whether the idler pulley recall has been done before ordering oil pressure sensors or chasing an oil leak, because the recall repair is free.
About the Discovery 5
The fifth-generation Discovery reached South Africa in July 2017 with a lighter aluminium body, a softer look and a choice of two 3.0 V6 engines: the Td6 turbodiesel and the Si6 supercharged petrol, both with an eight-speed automatic. Four trim levels were offered, S, SE, HSE and HSE Luxury, plus a small run of First Edition models. Later updates brought newer six-cylinder engines such as the D300. For parts buyers the Discovery 5 is a very different vehicle from the Discovery 4 it replaced. Many engine-bay parts carry over from the V6 diesel family, including the timing belt, throttle body and plastic intake manifold, but the chassis, suspension and body parts are specific to the L462. Diesel versions carry both a diesel particulate filter and an AdBlue selective catalytic reduction system, and these emissions systems generate a steady share of warning lights and repair bills as the vehicles age. Most early Discovery 5s have now left their maintenance plans, so owners are pricing service and repair parts independently for the first time. Give us the VIN and the engine designation on your licence document or badge, because a Td6, a D300 and an Si6 need different parts.
Discovery 5 engines
Engine parts are rarely shared between these units, so quote the engine code or number with every engine-related enquiry.
| Engine | Code / family | Fuel |
|---|---|---|
| Td6 3.0 V6 turbodiesel | — | Diesel |
| Si6 3.0 supercharged V6 petrol | — | Petrol |
| D300 3.0 six-cylinder turbodiesel (later models) | — | Diesel |
Known Discovery 5 problems
The faults owners and specialists report most often on this generation, and where to look for the parts involved.
Cracked plastic intake manifold or rocker cover leaks
Leaking gaskets or cracked plastic inlet manifolds are another cause of restricted performance on the 3.0 diesel, especially when the fault appears under load.
AdBlue system and NOx sensors
All diesel Discovery 5 models use SCR with AdBlue. The system is sensitive: running out immobilises the vehicle, and faults in the NOx sensors are a common repair.
Diesel particulate filter blockage
DPFs need regular high-speed driving to regenerate. Short-trip use leads to blocked filters, forced regenerations and eventually cleaning or replacement.
3.0 diesel timing belt interval
The 3.0 V6 diesel uses a timing belt that must be replaced on schedule; a snapped belt lets the pistons strike the valves.
AJ20-D6 idler pulley recall on late models
An NCC-published recall covers selected Discoverys sold from March 2024 to April 2026 with the AJ20-D6 engine, where the auxiliary belt idler pulley can damage the oil pressure sensor. Dealers fix it free.
Recall work is carried out free by Land Rover dealers. Check your VIN with a dealer before buying parts for this.
Keeping a Discovery 5 running
The Discovery 5's 3.0 V6 diesel uses a timing belt that must be replaced on schedule. Throttle bodies can clog and plastic inlet manifolds can crack, both causing restricted performance warnings and interfering with DPF regeneration. All diesels carry an AdBlue selective catalytic reduction system, so keep the AdBlue topped up without overfilling. The air suspension, front lower arms and anti-roll bar bushes are the main chassis wear items.
Discovery 5 questions
Which engines were sold in the Discovery 5 in South Africa?
At its July 2017 South African launch the Discovery 5 was offered with a 3.0 Td6 turbodiesel (190kW, 600Nm) and a 3.0 supercharged V6 Si6 petrol (250kW, 450Nm), both with an eight-speed automatic, in S, SE, HSE and HSE Luxury trims. Later updates introduced newer engines such as the D300.
Why does my Discovery 5 show a restricted performance warning?
On the 3.0 diesel, common causes are a clogged throttle body and a leaking or cracked plastic inlet manifold or rocker cover. Left alone, a clogged throttle body can stop the DPF regenerating and lead to a DPF full warning, so a diagnostic scan early is cheaper than waiting.
Need a part for your Discovery 5?
Send the part name, your VIN and engine number. The SparesBoyz parts team checks fitment for your L462 before quoting.