I have just bought a 2007 3.6TDV8 HSE with only 10,000 miles on the clock. The previous owner died and the vehicle lay unused for a few months until his widow decided to sell it. The vehicle drives perfectly except that I am getting three intermittent messages: coolant level low (it isn't), water in fuel (not even specified as a message in the handbook) and engine system fault, at which point the vehicle goes into reduced power mode for a minute or two before the message disappears and normal service resumes. Before I subject myself to the cost of main dealer investigation, can anyone tell me whether these are likely to be linked to it having stood idle for four months.

Welcome. Haven't had these issues on my recently acquired 2007 TDV8 (I'm a newcomer too) but have been avidly reading the posts on this great resource and noted that apparently random messages can be associated with a poor battery. If the battery can't deliver a voltage close to normal then some electronics just don't work properly. I first experienced this many years ago after converting my Mk 1 Escort Mexico to contactless ignition; it was possible for the battery to turn over the engine but without at least 12.0 volts the ignition system didn't produce a spark. Have you put a voltmeter on the battery after the car has stood unused overnight? A good battery will show up to about 13 volts and a poor one 9 volts or even less. According to an engineer friend this is the best way to assess a battery's health. If your car was left standing until the battery was totally drained it is unlikely that the battery will ever be restored to full health by charging. If you shop around a good battery can be had for less than a LR dealer will charge but make sure it has exactly the recommended specifications. 2008 MY Java Black TDV8 HSE

Paddi,

Thanks for the advice. I have not checked the battery, but will do so before I start handing out money.

slightly off topic sounds like a superb buy, just might be worth visiting a dealer to ensure all recalls have been done & its on latest software etc  Paul

L405 Loire Blue
Swift Conqueror 645
Abarth 500c

I'd bet on the battery or alternator.

Have you got a warranty? If not, you really are well advised to get one!  2012 SDV6 - it's missing a couple of cylinders
2008 TDV8 - it was a labour of love and is much missed

Low coolant level warning is a common fault , it needs the water bottle and sensor to be replaced as the floats are hopeless and deteriorate very quickly giving the false "Low coolant level" warning

I think around £30 for the parts

Thanks to everyone for the suggestions. It does look like the battery and possibly the coolant sensor/bottle need to be investigated. I am curious about the "water in fuel" warning which isn't even in the handbook list of possible messages. I think, on balance, I'll take it to an independent LR specialist and have it plugged in to the diagnostic kit. Will report back on the findings.

"Water in fuel" could well be that the water sensor in the fuel filter has triggered.
There is a drain on the bottom of fuel filter.
I am pretty sure that the 2007 has the electronic water sensor on the fuel filter.
If so have it drained ASAP as you don't want the water getting through to the HP pump and injectors.
Regards
Barryp 2017 Range Rover Sport TDV6 L494 SE Fuji White
2011 Range Rover Sport SDV6 L320 SE Fuji White Loved but GONE
2010 TRAKKA Motorhome Fiat Ducato GONE (What a dud, don't buy one)
2006 Discovery 3 SE TDV6 Automatic Chawton White/Ebony. Loved but GONE
2006 BMW X5 diesel White/Charcoal, Bought new, Gone after 12 years! Was Excellent.
Ex Member Range Rover Club NSW

There is indeed a electronic water sensor on the fuel filter. If this has corroded, then it will give a false reading, triggering the low power mode, drain the filter, or better still, take it to an indie, and get them to do a full service on it, that way they will change the filter anyway, and oil, and give it an inspection. I did that with mine when i first bought it, regardless of it having a full service history 07,TDV8,Black, Black Heated leather all round, Rear Entertainment with Headpones & Remote, TV, DVD, Pure Dab Digital Radio, Sidesteps, Adaptive Headlights, sunroof, now working fuel burning heater )))

Its also possible that as it was not being used for "some months" that water has settle out of the fuel in the tank and has been sucked through to the fuel filter.
Regards
Barryp 2017 Range Rover Sport TDV6 L494 SE Fuji White
2011 Range Rover Sport SDV6 L320 SE Fuji White Loved but GONE
2010 TRAKKA Motorhome Fiat Ducato GONE (What a dud, don't buy one)
2006 Discovery 3 SE TDV6 Automatic Chawton White/Ebony. Loved but GONE
2006 BMW X5 diesel White/Charcoal, Bought new, Gone after 12 years! Was Excellent.
Ex Member Range Rover Club NSW