Land Rover P1590: Causes and Fixes

TechRoute66 TeamApril 4, 20234 min read

Updated on June 13, 2026

Table of content

What is P1590?
P1590 Symptoms
P1590 Causes
P1590 Fixes

What is P1590?

P1590 is a diagnostic trouble code that indicates a malfunction in the engine control module (ECM) or transmission control module (TCM). It specifically refers to a communication error between the two modules, which can result in a variety of symptoms. Some common symptoms of P1590 include an illuminated check engine light, rough idling, poor acceleration, transmission shifting issues, and harsh shifting.

If you own a Land Rover, then you probably know about the various codes that can pop up on your dashboard from time to time. One such code is P1590, which can be a bit alarming if you don’t know what it means. In this article, we’ll discuss what P1590 means, the possible causes, and the various fixes for it.

Symptoms of P1590

The symptoms of P1590 can vary depending on the specific issue that’s causing it. However, some common symptoms include:

Illuminated check engine light
Rough or uneven idling
Poor acceleration or overall performance
Transmission shifting issues
Harsh shifting or slipping gears

Causes of P1590

There are several potential causes of P1590, including:

Faulty ECM or TCM: The most common cause of P1590 is a faulty ECM or TCM. If either of these modules is not functioning correctly, it can cause communication issues between them, resulting in the P1590 code.

Wiring Issues: Damaged or corroded wiring can also cause communication errors between the ECM and TCM, leading to the P1590 code.

Bad Ground: A bad ground connection can also cause communication problems between the two modules, leading to the P1590 code.

Software Issues: In some cases, the P1590 code can be caused by software issues within the ECM or TCM. These issues can often be fixed with a software update or reprogramming.

Failed Sensors: Failed sensors can also cause communication issues between the ECM and TCM, leading to the P1590 code.

Fixes for P1590

The fixes for P1590 will depend on the specific cause of the code. Here are some common solutions:

Replace Faulty ECM or TCM: If the ECM or TCM is faulty, it will need to be replaced to fix the communication error and clear the P1590 code.

Repair Wiring: If the issue is due to damaged or corroded wiring, the wiring will need to be repaired or replaced to restore proper communication between the two modules.

Check and Fix Grounds: If a bad ground connection is the culprit, then identifying and fixing the ground connection can clear the P1590 code.

Update or Reprogram Software: If the issue is due to software, then a software update or reprogramming may be necessary to fix the problem.

Replace Failed Sensors: If the communication issue is caused by a failed sensor, the sensor will need to be replaced to restore proper communication between the ECM and TCM.

Can I drive my Land Rover with P1590?

It’s generally not recommended to drive your Land Rover with the P1590 code present. This code indicates a communication error between critical modules that control the engine and transmission of your vehicle.

Driving with this code present could result in further damage to your vehicle’s systems and may lead to costly repairs. It’s best to have the issue diagnosed and repaired by a qualified technician before continuing to drive your Land Rover.

FAQs:

Q: What should I do if my Land Rover is showing the P1590 code?
A: If your Land Rover is showing the P1590 code, it is recommended that you take it to a qualified technician for proper diagnosis and repair.

Q: How much does it cost to fix the P1590 code?
A: The cost of fixing the P1590 code will depend on the specific cause of the issue. It is best to have a qualified technician diagnose the problem and provide an estimate for repairs.

Q: Can I drive my Land Rover with the P1590 code?
A: It is not recommended to drive your Land Rover with the P1590 code as it can lead to further damage to the vehicle. It is best to have the issue diagnosed and repaired before continuing to drive the vehicle.

Q: How long does it take to fix the P1590 code?
A: The time it takes to fix the P1590 code will depend on the specific cause of the issue and the required repairs. It is best to have a qualified technician provide an estimate for both time and cost.

Q: Can the P1590 code be prevented?
A: While it is not always possible to prevent the P1590 code, regular maintenance and check-ups can help identify and prevent issues that can lead to the code. It is important to follow the recommended maintenance schedule for your Land Rover.

Q: Will the P1590 code reset itself?
A: The P1590 code will not reset itself. It is important to have the issue diagnosed and repaired to clear the code and restore proper operation of your vehicle.

In conclusion, if you encounter the P1590 code on your Land Rover, it’s essential to have it properly diagnosed by a qualified technician. This will help identify the specific cause and the necessary fix to clear the code and restore proper operation of your vehicle.

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