Range Rover Evoque 2.7 TDV6 Loud Cold Start Rattle & Power Loss Repair

The Problem Every 2.7 TDV6 Owner Fears

The search query was clear, and one we see often: “Range Rover Evoque loud rattling noise on startup, goes quiet when warm, check engine light on.”

When this 2010 Range Rover Evoque arrived at our workshop, the owner’s concern was palpable. They described a distressing, loud, rapid knocking from the top-front of the engine only during the first few seconds of a cold start. Once the engine warmed up, the noise would largely disappear, but a persistent lack of power and an illuminated check engine light remained. Their primary worry wasn’t just the noise—it was the fear of catastrophic engine failure and the desire for a repair that would last, not just a temporary fix. They needed a definitive diagnosis and a transparent, long-term solution.

Our Diagnostic Process: Finding the Root Cause in the Range Rover 2.7 TDV6

As the lead technician on this job, my first step was to verify the reported symptoms. On a cold start the following morning, the characteristic loud, metallic rattle was unmistakable—it lasted for about 3-4 seconds. This is a classic auditory signature of the Ford/PSA 2.7L TDV6 engine.

Our diagnostic protocol for this symptom is methodical:

1. Code Scan & Live Data: We connected our Land Rover-specific diagnostic system (SDD/Pathfinder). It stored multiple fault codes, most critically P0016-00 (Crankshaft Position - Camshaft Position Correlation - Bank 1) and P0021-00 (Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Advanced - Bank 2). Live data showed significant deviation in camshaft adaptation values.
2. Physical Inspection: Removing the upper engine covers and inspecting the timing chain area with a borescope revealed the tell-tale signs: excessive plastic debris from the timing chain guides in the oil sump (visible during an early oil change inspection) and slight visible slack in the primary timing chain.
3. Oil Pressure Test: Using a mechanical gauge, we confirmed that base oil pressure was within specification. This is a critical step, as low oil pressure can mimic these symptoms but requires a different repair strategy.

The Critical Factor Often Overlooked

A common industry approach is to replace only the visibly failed components—typically the primary chain, guides, and tensioners on the front of the engine. However, our two decades of experience with this engine family shows that stopping there is a significant gamble. The root cause of premature failure is a combination of oil flow characteristics and component material stress.

The primary chain tensioners are oil-pressure actuated. Over time, the specific design of the oil feed passages and the original tensioner material can lead to slow response on cold start, allowing momentary slack—"chain slap." This slap destroys the plastic guides. Crucially, this instability affects the entire timing system, including the often-ignored secondary chains and balancer shaft gears at the rear of the engine, which are equally susceptible to wear.

In simple terms: Think of the engine's timing system like a bicycle chain. If the front sprocket's tensioner fails and the chain goes slack, it doesn't just damage the front guide—it causes a whip effect that stresses and damages the rear sprocket and its guide as well. Replacing only the front part leaves a worn component in the system, risking a repeat failure.

Our Repair Strategy: The Most Comprehensive Solution for Long-Term Reliability

Based on our diagnosis, we presented the customer with three clear options:

Our Repair Strategy: The Most Comprehensive Solution for Long-Term Reliability

Faced with confirmed low oil pressure and timing chain failure, a vehicle owner typically has three broad options:

1. Basic Front-End Repair: Replace only the primary chain kit. Lower initial cost, but high risk of recurring issues from unseen rear gear wear.
2. Used Engine Assembly: A gamble on unknown history and potential to inherit the same latent problem.
3. Comprehensive Timing System Overhaul: Address all known failure points in one procedure for guaranteed, long-term reliability.

The customer chose the comprehensive solution—the only one we recommend for lasting peace of mind.

The Procedure in Detail:

• Engine Preparation & Removal: The engine was carefully removed from the vehicle to allow full 360-degree access—a necessary step for the rear components.
• Full Timing System Replacement: We installed a complete timing kit from a premium OE supplier (INA or Corteco), which included:
  • Primary and secondary timing chains.
  • All hydraulic tensioners and guide rails.
  • Critical: The updated balancer shaft gears and drive chains at the rear of the engine. These revised gears have a more durable composition.
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• Supporting System Service: Concurrently, we performed a full engine oil and filter service using approved 5W-30 C1 fully synthetic oil, and replaced the oil pump as a preventative measure due to its integral role in system pressure.
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• Precision Reassembly & Calibration: Every component was torqued to exact manufacturer sequences. Once reassembled, the engine was reinstalled. The final, crucial step was using our Land Rover SDD system to perform a full timing correlation reset and ECM software recalibration, ensuring the engine management system was perfectly synced with the new mechanical components.

Results & Proof of Repair

Upon completion, the immediate difference was night and day. The cold start rattle was completely eliminated. The engine started with a clean, consistent note. Post-repair diagnostics confirmed:

• Zero fault codes after multiple drive cycles.
• Camshaft adaptation values within ±0° of ideal.
• Stable, correct oil pressure across all temperature ranges.

Repair Summary:

• Core Problem: Failed primary & secondary timing chain tensioners and guides, with associated balancer shaft gear wear, causing cold start rattle and timing correlation faults.
• Solution: Complete engine-out, full timing system overhaul with updated components, oil pump replacement, and OEM software recalibration.
• Outcome: Noise eliminated, full power restored, check engine light off. A repair designed to last the life of the vehicle.