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 block heaters
Only approved cylinder block heaters restricted 
to a maximum of 400 W should be used. 
Cylinder block heaters that exceed this output 
may damage the emission control components.
Sump heater (Canadian specification only)
*
If the vehicle is left in temperatures of -15oF 
(-25oC) or lower, the sump oil heater should be 
used to improve the engines starting 
characteristics.
The heater plug connector is clipped up behind 
the lower radiator grille. Unclip the cable 
adjacent to the plug, and pull the plug through 
the grille. Remove the protective cover from the 
plug, then connect it to an appropriate electrical 
supply cable socket.
The cover should always be refitted when the 
heater is unplugged from the mains socket to 
prevent ingress of dirt, snow, or other 
contaminates. It is also recommended that the 
cable and plug is cable tied to one of the grille 
supports for easy use if the heater is to be used 
regularly.
DRIVING
WARNING
Vehicle stability
Your vehicle has a higher ground clearance, 
and hence, a higher centre of gravity than 
ordinary passenger cars to enable the vehicle 
to perform in a wide variety of different 
off-road applications. An advantage of the 
higher ground clearance is a better view of 
the road, allowing the driver to more easily 
anticipate problems. Inexperienced drivers 
should take additional care, remembering 
that your vehicle is not designed for cornering 
at the same speeds as conventional 
passenger cars, any more than a low slung 
sports car is designed to perform 
satisfactorily in off-road conditions. As with 
other vehicles of this type, failure to operate 
your vehicle correctly may result in loss of 
control or even vehicle rollover.
WARNING
Vehicle height
The overall height of your vehicle exceeds 
that of ordinary passenger cars. Always be 
aware of the height of your vehicle and check 
the available headroom before driving 
through low entrances. This is particularly 
important if the vehicle is fitted with a roof 
rack or if the sunroof is tilted open.
Instruments and warning lights
Before driving it is important to fully 
understand the function of the instruments and 
warning lights see ‘INSTRUMENT PANEL’, 
page 63. 
						

							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 
engine before the normal operating 
temperature has been reached can damage the 
engine.
Parking
WARNING
After bringing the vehicle to a stop, ALWAYS 
apply the Parking brake and select neutral (P 
for vehicles with automatic transmission), 
before releasing the foot brake and switching 
off the engine.
WARNING
Cooling fans may continue to operate after the 
engine is switched off. When the engine is 
hot, the cooling fans may also COMMENCE 
operating after the engine is switched off and 
continue operating for up to 8 minutes. Keep 
clear of all fans while working in the engine 
compartment.Breaking-in 
Proper breaking-in will have a direct bearing on 
the reliability and smooth running of your 
vehicle throughout its life.
In particular, the engine, transmission, brakes 
and tires need time to bed-in and adjust to the 
demands of everyday motoring. During the first 
621 miles (1000 km), it is essential to drive with 
consideration for the breaking-in process and 
heed the following advice:
•LIMIT maximum road speed to 68 mph 
(110 km/h), or 3,000 rev/min. Initially, drive 
the vehicle on a light throttle and only 
increase engine speeds gradually once the 
running-in distance has been completed.
•DO NOT operate at full throttle or allow the 
engine to labour in any gear.
•AVOID fast acceleration and heavy braking 
except in emergencies.
After the breaking-in distance has been 
completed, engine speeds may be gradually 
increased. 
						

							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 following hints 
may help you to obtain better value from your 
motoring: 
•Avoid unnecessary, short, start-stop 
journeys.
•Avoid fast starts by accelerating gently and 
smoothly from rest.
•Do not drive in the lower gears for longer 
than necessary.
•Decelerate gently and avoid sudden and 
heavy braking.
•Anticipate obstructions and adjust your 
speed accordingly well in advance.
•When stationary in traffic, select neutral to 
improve fuel economy and air conditioning 
performance.
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM
WARNING
Exhaust fumes contain poisonous substances 
which can cause unconsciousness and may 
even be fatal.
•DO NOT inhale exhaust gases.
•DO NOT start or leave the engine running 
in an enclosed unventilated area, or drive 
with the taildoor open.
•DO NOT modify the exhaust system from 
the original design.
•ALWAYS repair exhaust system leaks 
immediately.
•If you think exhaust fumes are entering the 
vehicle have the cause determined and 
corrected immediately.
Land Rover vehicles are fitted with emission 
and evaporative control equipment necessary 
to meet a number of territorial requirements.
In many countries it is against the law for 
vehicle owners to modify or tamper with 
emission control equipment, or to sanction the 
unauthorised replacement or modification of 
this equipment. In such cases the vehicle owner 
and the repairer may both be liable for legal 
penalties.
It is important to remember that all Land Rover 
Retailers are properly equipped to perform 
repairs and to maintain the emission control 
system on your Freelander. 
						

							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 if the 
wrong fuel is used, or if an engine misfire 
occurs. For this reason it is VERY IMPORTANT 
that you heed the precautions which follow.
Fuel
ONLY use fuel recommended for your vehicle, 
see ‘ENGINE’, page 260. 
Starting the engine
•DO NOT continue to operate the starter after 
a few failed attempts (unburnt fuel may be 
drawn into the exhaust system, thereby 
poisoning the catalyst), and do not attempt 
to clear a misfire by pressing the accelerator 
pedal - seek qualified assistance.
•When starting a COLD engine, DO NOT drive 
if a misfire is suspected and do not attempt 
to clear a misfire by pressing the accelerator 
- seek qualified assistance.
•Do not attempt to push or tow-start the 
vehicle.Driving
•If a misfire is suspected, or the vehicle lacks 
power while driving, then provided the 
engine has reached its normal operating 
temperature, you may drive SLOWLY (at 
risk of catalyst damage) to a Land Rover 
Retailer for assistance.
•NEVER allow the vehicle to run out of fuel 
(the resultant misfire could damage the 
catalyst).
•Consult your Retailer if your vehicle is 
burning excessive oil (blue smoke from the 
exhaust), as this will progressively reduce 
catalyst efficiency.
•On rough terrain do not allow the underside 
of the vehicle to be subjected to heavy 
impacts which could damage the catalytic 
converter.
•DO NOT overload or excessively rev the 
engine.
•DO NOT switch off the engine when the 
vehicle is in motion with a drive gear 
selected.
WARNING
Exhaust system temperatures can be 
extremely high - DO NOT park on ground 
where combustible materials such as dry 
grass or leaves could come into contact with 
the exhaust system - in dry weather a fire 
could result.  
						

							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 is later exported to a 
different country, or is used to travel between 
different territories, the owner should be aware 
that the available fuel supplies may not be 
compatible with the engine specification. If in 
doubt, consult a Retailer for advice.
IN AN EMERGENCY (and only if the correct fuel 
is unavailable), lower octane rated fuel can be 
used for very limited periods of moderate, or 
low speed motoring, provided engine 
knocking does not occur.
NOTE: An occasional, light, engine knock while 
accelerating or climbing hills is acceptable.Octane requirements
Unleaded gasoline with a LCLC or AKI 
minimum octane rating of 87 is recommended.
NOTE: Federal law requires that gasoline octane 
ratings be posted on the pumps. The Cost of 
Living Council (CLC) octane rating, or Anti 
Knock Index (AKI) octane rating shown, is an 
average of the Research Octane Number 
(RON), and the Motor Octane Number (MON).
NOTE: Engine performance and fuel economy 
may increase if a higher octane fuel is used.
Using unleaded fuel with a lower octane rating 
than 87 may reduce performance and fuel 
economy, and can also cause persistent, heavy 
engine knock (a metallic rapping noise). If 
severe, this can lead to engine damage.
If heavy engine knock is detected when using 
the recommended octane rating fuel, or, if 
engine knock is present whilst maintaining 
steady speed on a level road, contact your 
retailer for advice.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
USE ONLY UNLEADED FUEL
•Unleaded fuel is essential for proper 
operation of the emission control 
system.
DO NOT use leaded fuel. Your vehicles 
engine is designed to use unleaded fuel 
only.
•Even a small quantity of leaded fuel will 
damage your vehicle’s emission control 
system and could invalidate the 
vehicle’s warranty.
Fuel system cleaning agents should not 
be used as many of these products can be 
harmful to materials used in the fuel 
system. 
						

							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 
problems you should seek advice from your 
retailer as soon as possible.
Gasoline/oxygenated fuel blends
To avoid invalidating the vehicle warranty, use 
ONLY fuels blended within the following limits:
•Up to 15% of Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether 
(MTBE) and unleaded fuel mix.
•Up to 15% of Ethyl Tertiary Butyl Ether 
(ETBE) and unleaded fuel mix.
•Up to 10% of Ethanol (Ethyl or grain 
alcohol) and unleaded fuel mix.Methanol/unleaded fuel blends
In some areas, it is possible to buy unleaded 
fuel that is blended with up to 5% Methanol 
(Methyl or wood alcohol), cosolvents, and 
corrosion preventatives. Using these blends 
can cause driveability problems and damage to 
fuel system components. Their use may also 
invalidate the vehicle warranty. Wherever 
possible, avoid using fuel containing Methanol.
WARNING
Automotive fuels can cause serious injury or 
death if misused.
Methanol/unleaded fuel blends, can cause 
blindness and death if swallowed, even in 
small amounts. Additionally, take 
precautions to prevent methanol from coming 
into contact with the skin. 
						

							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 
refuelling.
•Take care not to spill fuel.
•Do not overfill the tank.
•Do not fill gas cans in the vehicle.
•Use only the hold-open latch provided on 
the gasoline pump. Never jam the trigger 
open with any other object.
•Wherever possible avoid breathing in the 
gasoline fumes whilst filling the tank. If 
children, or other passengers are in the 
vehicle whilst it is being refuelled, ensure 
that all the vehicles windows are closed 
during refuelling.
FUEL FILLER
WARNING
Use only the recommended fuel. Serious 
damage to the catalytic converter will occur if 
an incorrect fuel type is used.
The fuel filler is located in the rear right-hand 
fender. Insert the key in the lock, turn it 
anti-clockwise and allow any pressure inside 
the tank to escape, before removing the cap.
NOTE: The key cannot be removed from the 
filler cap unless the cap is correctly positioned 
in the filler neck.
H5114 
						

							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.
The fuel filler neck will accept ONLY a narrow 
filler nozzle of the type found on pumps that 
deliver UNLEADED fuel. A flap lies across the 
filler neck; insert the nozzle sufficiently to fully 
open the flap before filling.Filling difficulties
The fuel delivery rate of gas station pumps can 
vary significantly from one gas station to 
another. This, coupled with the fact that 
modern pumps are equipped with a sensor 
which automatically cuts off the supply as soon 
as turbulence is detected in the upper part of 
the vehicles filler neck, could result in isolated 
fuel filling problems.
If individual owners experience difficulty, the 
operating tips below may be useful:
•Fully insert the filler gun, then withdraw the 
gun up to the first ridge on the underside of 
the nozzle.
•Hold the filler gun with the trigger directly 
below the nozzle. Twisting the gun to either 
side is unlikely to ease the filling process.
•Fill the tank slowly - DO NOT fully squeeze 
the trigger.
H5116 
						

							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 sudden impact, 
automatically cuts off the fuel supply to the 
engine.
The switch is located inside the engine 
compartment on the left hand side, beneath, 
and to the rear of, the engine compartment fuse 
box. If the switch has been activated, it must be 
reset by pressing the rubber top (arrowed in 
illustration) before the engine can be restarted.
See also ‘DOOR LOCKING CUT-OFF SWITCH’, 
page 41.
H5033