Land Rover Freelander Owners Handbook Lrl 18 02 50 501 Rover

Starting & Driving
111
Cold climates
At temperatures down to -15oF (-26oC), the 
engine should start within 5 to 8 seconds. 
Below this temperature, engine cranking times 
will increase significantly and the starter motor 
may need to be operated continuously for as 
long as 30 seconds before the engine will start. 
For this reason, ensure that all non-essential 
electrical equipment is switched off. 
In very cold climates the oil pressure warning 
light may take several seconds to extinguish. 
Cylinder...

Starting & Driving
112
NOTE: Red warning lights are of particular 
importance; illumination indicates that a 
safety-related problem or potentially serious 
mechanical fault exists. If a red light 
illuminates, always stop the vehicle and seek 
qualified assistance before continuing.
Warming-up 
DO NOT warm-up the engine by allowing it to 
idle at a slow speed.
In the interests of fuel economy, it is advisable 
to drive the vehicle straight away, remembering 
that harsh acceleration and labouring the...

Starting & Driving
113
FUEL ECONOMY
Fuel consumption is influenced by two major 
factors: 
•How your vehicle is maintained.
•How you drive your vehicle.
To obtain optimum fuel economy, it is essential 
that your vehicle is maintained in accordance 
with the manufacturers service schedule. 
Items such as the condition of the air cleaner 
element, tire pressures and wheel alignment 
will have a significant effect on fuel 
consumption. But, above all, the way in which 
you drive is most important. The...

Catalytic Converter
114
Catalytic Con verterCATALYTIC CONVERTER 
The exhaust system on your vehicle 
incorporates a catalytic converter, which 
converts poisonous exhaust emissions from 
the engine into environmentally less harmful 
gases. 
WARNING
Severe damage to the catalytic converter 
could occur if the engine is stopped for any 
length of time when being driven through 
water whose level is above the exhaust 
tailpipe.
Catalytic converters can be easily damaged 
through improper use, particularly...

Catalytic Converter
115
Vehicle maintenance
•Any engine misfire, loss of engine 
performance or engine run-on, could 
seriously damage the catalytic converter. 
For this reason, it is vital that unqualified 
persons do not tamper with the engine, and 
that regular systematic maintenance is 
carried out by a Land Rover Retailer.
•DO NOT run the engine with a spark plug or 
HT (plug) lead removed, or use any device 
that requires an insert into a spark plug. 

Fuel System
116
F uel Sy stemFUEL TYPE
WARNING
On vehicles fitted with a catalytic converter, 
serious damage to the catalyst will occur if 
LEADED fuel is used.
Fuel specification: See ‘ENGINE’, page 260.
The RON value (octane rating) and type of 
petroleum (unleaded or leaded), available at 
gas stations will vary in different parts of the 
world.
During manufacture, engines are tuned to suit 
the fuel supplies commonly available in the 
market for which the vehicle is destined. 
However, if a vehicle...

Fuel System
117
NOTE: An occasional, light ‘engine knock’ 
during acceleration, or when climbing a hill, is 
acceptable.
Octane enhancers
The use of octane enhancers is not 
recommended, and may invalidate the vehicle 
warranty.
NOTE: Reformulated gasoline, and gasoline 
that contains detergent, anti-corrosion, and 
stability additives are recommended. These 
additives will help to maintain the correct 
emission level from your vehicle.
Driveability
If you encounter driveability, starting or stalling...

Fuel System
118
GAS STATION SAFETY
WARNING
Petroleum gases are highly inflammable and, 
in confined spaces, are also extremely 
explosive. 
Always place portable gasoline containers on 
the ground while filling. A fire may result if 
gasoline is pumped into a container that is 
inside a vehicle.
Always take sensible precautions when 
refuelling: 
•Switch off the engine.
•Do not smoke or use a naked flame or light.
•Do not use, or allow passengers to use, any 
mobile communications equipment whilst...

Fuel System
119
FUEL FILLING
WARNING
DO NOT attempt to fill the tank to its maximum 
capacity. If the vehicle is to be parked on a 
slope, in direct sunlight, or high ambient 
temperature, expansion of the fuel could 
cause spillage. 
Gas station pumps are equipped with automatic 
cut-off sensing to avoid fuel spillage. Fill the 
tank SLOWLY until the filler nozzle 
automatically cuts-off the supply. DO NOT 
attempt to fill the tank beyond this point or 
spillage could result due to expansion of the...

Fuel System
120
EMPTY FUEL TANK
Petrol engine vehicles
In the case of petrol engine vehicles equipped 
with a catalytic converter, running the fuel tank 
dry could create an engine misfire capable 
of damaging the catalytic converter. DO NOT 
RUN THE FUEL TANK DRY. Contact your Land 
Rover Retailer before attempting to start the 
engine.
FUEL CUT-OFF SWITCH
WARNING
ALWAYS check for fuel leaks before resetting 
the switch. 
The fuel cut-off switch is a safety device which, 
in the event of a collision or...