Problem starting from cold

Hi,

I've owned my Freelander now for 3 months and its great, especially since most of my teething problems have been sorted under warrenty!

But I'm having problems starting from cold first thing in a morning. Its a 2.0 xedi, I presumed it would be the heat plugs so I took it in this week and was right in so much as two where dead, one was at half strength and 1 was a 3/4 strength (this one being the one obstructed by the fuel pump).

So I had three changed and I'm still having problems, even now the weather has warmed up slightly.

What should I look at fixing/replacing next? I guess maybe the battery to make sure enough power is getting through but could do with some guidance before heading back to the garage and getting fleeced for parts I don't need!

After the intial start of the day it starts first time every time no problem even after its been left standing for a few hours, its just that long stationary period overnight that causes an issue.

Hi Shrek. . .Check to see if the fuel filter has been changed,if not worth a try, pig of a job ,as its in a silly plastic cowel and so if ya do it yourself, spray with anti seize and leave for a week then hopefully should slide out. . . Ming

hmmm dunno if this applies to freelander, but on the rangie, there can be an issue with the fuel return valve. ie, not enough fuel getting through to start it up, but once warm, starts fine. get ur fuel lines cleaned out.

Hi,

Thanks for the really quick replies, would it be worth trying to clean out the fuel lines before replacing the fuel filter?

Is cleaning the fuel line out as easy as going to halfords and buying some treatment and then adding it next time I fill up?

It was mean't to have been serviced when I bought it which was about 6000 miles ago, so I don't know if it would have been done then.

I doubt I'd try and change the fuel filter myself, my intentions are good, but I'm pretty clueless in mechanical matters so would probably make a hash of it!

Dont be silly easy to change the filter,its in the right hand side of engine bay,remove top hose clips back far enough to twist pipes off undo 8mm bolt holding filter in bracket put in new filter and put pipes on the right way round there is an arrow on top for dirrection of flow then tighten filter clamp then undo 8mm nut on top of filter grab rubber ball on the inlet pipe and hand prime the filter(keep squeezing that sucker) when fuel comes out of top of filter tighten up 8mm on top of filter there you go you have changed the filter,also check the fuel return pipes on top of injectors as if these leak you will also get poor starting,they are normally good engines it only has the main diesel pump on the engine so no other pumps involved but glow plugs will make all the difference hope this helps tiga

hi. shrek.
your problem sounds like mine. my td4 will not start when it is cold. It started when i was going up the motorway and she cut out on me and would not start, it went to the garage, but they could not find the fault. so they sent it to landrover but low and behold they also could not find the fault. Once up and running my td4 is fine. I am taking it back to the garage tonight, to recommend that they look at the fuel pump/ filter (after reading some off the posts on this forum)i think that they wil try to wiggle out if fixing it . Buy the way is your engine mangement light on , as mine is now on costantly.
markone
ps i will let know how i get on.

Hi . . .If ya engine light is staying on read thread [help me] by myself Ming , it went on for some time ,to long to give all the info here but worth a read ,could save you a packet i got help from this site, it twas some time ago but scan down and you'll find it . . . Ming

Hi,

Thanks again for the replies, markone I don't have any additional lights showing on the dash board, like I say once it started it was fine for the rest of the day.

Its strange the last three mornings its been fine, but it has been noticably warmer than previous weeks. I have also added something made by STP that was recommended to help clear fuel lines so I'm not sure if that will have made a difference, I'm always sceptical of £4.99 solutions! After adding it to a full tank we did do a 250 mile trip so I guess that would have given it plenty of scope to do what ever it does!

If that doesn't do the trick then I'll follow your instructions Tigapiglet and have a go at changing the fuel filter myself, it doesn't sound to hard..................!!!

Hi Shrek,
If you have a look on the forum, I posted a similar problem on the 13 October, 2005. My TD4, still under warranty and had been struggling with exactly the same problem without the dealers been able to pin point the problem. After Landrover South Africa issued a list of extensive tests that had to be carried out, I am pleased to say that my problem was identified and repaired. Unfortunately the bad news is that it required extensive repair.
On testing two cylinders were found to be moist. The top was removed and decarbonized and they fitted new seals , rings and bearings ( the vehicle has done only 60000 km's. They also replaced a new fuel pump. Prior to trying to sort out the problem they replaced all four injectors twice as well as a low pressure diesel pump. Received the vehicle back on the 27 December,2005 and she starts like a dream now. The after sales service received from Landrover SA has been superb! But I chudder to even think what It would have cost me If I had to pay for these repairs out of my own pocket.
Notwithtanding it remains a super vehicle to drive

Regards

Denniss