Diagnostic tools

Nodge68 said:

If I'd realised the limitations of the IID on the FL2, I'd have never bought another one. It's basically a posh code reader, with some CCF modification capabilities.
It could probably program various modules too, if Gap could be bothered to write the software they've been promising for a decade, but alas nothing has been released for the IID on the FL2 for years, it can't even put the clock on the dash, or add auto hold on the brakes, both of which I'd really like.

SDD is JLR dealer diagnostic software, so can access and program every module on later JLR vehicles, although it take some getting used to the way it works.

I have an Icarsoft I930 in the glove box, which is quick and easy to use at the side of the road if necessary.

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gstuart said:

see there’s just been an update for the D3 and assumed there would also be an update for the FL2 , great u have the SDD

must admit I looked at FL2 but the D3 came up as to be honest that’s really the only other landy I’d buy , if I had the money would buy a new defender but there silly money , will be interesting to see how they hold the value in the upcoming years, at least then in theory teething issues would be resolved of known

know since owning the D3 I’ve had to get a lot more tools, access as u know can be very challenging , out of curiosity does the FL2 also have a timing belt or chain please, is it just the haldex that u need to look out for , many thks

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gstuart said:

see there’s just been an update for the D3 and assumed there would also be an update for the FL2

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Datatek said:

The interior seems to fall to bits, at least it has on the 2 I've seen close up and I've heard on here of diff failures. Shame as it's otherwise a nice size practical car.

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gstuart said:

must admit on the D3 I’ve found the interior generally good , often think to myself of why I’ve stayed with Land Rover for so long , all different models seem to have their traits , biggest fear of course is the crank issues on the D3 and often thought about changing it for either a FL2 or a D3 with the jag 4.4 V8 , but then again heard the 4.4 can have timing tensioner issues

didn’t realise about the diff issues , but suppose it’s better than an engine failure , did test drive a few FL2 and must say they were nice to drive , but do like the D3 , how long I’ll keep it will be another question , plus do very low mileage

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Nodge68 said:

There probably is, but as my IID doesn't seem to connect to the PC via USB, or to my Android via BT, I can't tell if it needs an update or not. The Gap App hasn't updated in months though.

I had to get SDD (it's only a copy), as I need to replace the ECM to eliminate the starting on 3 cylinder issue (which turned out to be a sticking exhaust valve )

The FL2 is a nice vehicle, and a good second or cheaper choice to a D3. The FL2 is faster, handles better, is just as well equipped, has a higher EuroNcap rating, and is cheaper to tax, insure and fuel.
The only down sides to the FL2 are lack of 7 seats, lack of low range, and limited towing capacity, otherwise its a good vehicle, and more reliable than the D3, without the dreaded fear of failing oil pump covers, or crank failure.


It uses a standard timing belt, which takes about 2-3 hours to change, and only needs doing at 150k or 10 years, except for the SD4 which is 105k or 7 years.

The Haldex is fine, as long as it's serviced correctly and much more often than LR say, the rear diff is a weakness, but is an easy (for me anyway) DIY repair, and should last with timely oil changes. The PTO (the FL2s equivalent to the FL1 IRD) is also prone to failure, but this is mainly down to Haldex issues causing overloading, which can be reduced by timely Haldex servicing.

Otherwise the rest of the vehicle is pretty good, I definitely don't worry about using it, which is a confidence that the D3 never gave me.

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Datatek said:

I like the D3 it's a good practical shape, just don't like the accessibility for DIY maintenance and the fragile engine. Generally I'm not a fan of V engines.

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gstuart said:

indeed couldn’t agree more with regards to accessing some parts on the D3 , don’t mind admitting is my favourite so far due to mainly how nice it drives , tons of room for candy to stretch out on the middle seats and a nice big boot

this is the first V engine I’ve had , one of my favourite engines was in my old triumph , a 2.5 straight 6 , that was really nice

Would like to own a V8 once in my life, lol

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Datatek said:

I've had the Triumph straight six it came with the troublesome Lucas Pi, I converted it to twin carbs, smooth!. I have had one V8, a Daimler Jag Mk2, decided never again due to accessibility.

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