Land Rover Freelander Owners Handbook Lrl 18 02 50 501 Rover

							Maintenance
181
Owner Maintenance
Ma inte na nceROUTINE MAINTENANCE
Regular systematic maintenance is the key to 
ensuring the continued reliability and efficiency 
of your vehicle.
Maintenance is the owners responsibility and 
you must ensure that owner maintenance 
operations, brake fluid and coolant changes are 
carried out when required and according to the 
manufacturers recommendations.
The routine maintenance requirements for your 
vehicle are shown in the Service Portfolio book. 
Most of this necessary workshop maintenance 
requires specialised knowledge and equipment, 
and should preferably be entrusted to a Land 
Rover Retailer.
Passport to Service
The Passport to Service book includes a 
Service Record section, which enables a record 
to be kept of all services that are carried out on 
the vehicle. This section of the book also 
provides a facility for the Retailer to record 
brake fluid and camshaft drive belt changes, as 
well as the fitting of replacement airbag 
modules. 
Ensure your Retailer signs and stamps the book 
after each service.Brake fluid and coolant replacement
The brake fluid and engine coolant (anti-freeze 
and water solution) needs to be replaced every 
36,000 miles (60,000 km) or 36 months, 
whichever is the sooner. 
Your Retailer will replace the brake fluid and 
coolant at the scheduled services. 
						

							Maintenance
182
OWNER MAINTENANCE
In addition to the routine services referred to 
previously, a number of simple checks must be 
carried out more frequently. You can carry out 
these checks yourself and advice is given on the 
pages that follow.
WARNING
If brake pedal travel is unusually long or if 
there is any significant loss of brake fluid, 
contact your retailer immediately. Driving 
under such conditions could result in 
extended stopping distances or complete 
brake failure.
Any significant or sudden drop in fluid levels, 
or uneven tire wear, should be reported to a 
dealer without delay.
Daily checks
•Operation of lamps, horn, direction 
indicators, wipers, washers and warning 
lights.
•Operation of seat belts and brakes.
•Look for fluid deposits underneath the 
vehicle that might indicate a leak.
Weekly checks (or every 250 miles (400 km)
•Engine oil level.
NOTE: The engine oil level should be 
checked more frequently if the vehicle is 
driven for prolonged periods at high speeds.
•Coolant level.
•Screen washer fluid level.
•Tire pressures and condition.
•Operate.
Monthly checks
•Brake fluid level.
•Power steering fluid level.Driving in arduous conditions
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Special operation conditions
When a vehicle is operated in extremely 
arduous conditions, more frequent 
attention must be paid to servicing 
requirements.
For example: if your vehicle experiences 
deep wading conditions, even DAILY 
servicing could be necessary to ensure the 
continued safe and reliable operation of the 
vehicle.
Arduous driving conditions include:
•Repeated short distance driving (e.g. 
up to 5 miles), stop-start driving or 
idling for long periods.
•Driving in dusty and/or sandy 
conditions.
•Driving on rough and/or muddy roads 
and/or wading.
•Driving in extremely hot conditions.
•Towing a trailer or driving in 
mountainous conditions.
Contact a Land Rover Retailer for advice. 
						

							Maintenance
183
SAFETY IN THE GARAGE
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.
If you need to carry out maintenance, observe 
the following safety precautions at all times:
•Keep your hands and clothing away from 
drive belts and pulleys.
•If the vehicle has been driven recently, DO 
NOT TOUCH exhaust and cooling system 
components until the engine has cooled.
•DO NOT TOUCH electrical leads or 
components while the engine is running, 
or with the ignition switch turned on.
•NEVER leave the engine running in an 
unventilated area - exhaust gases are 
poisonous and extremely dangerous.
•DO NOT work beneath the vehicle with a 
jack as the only means of support.
•Ensure sparks and naked flames are kept 
away from the engine compartment.
•Wear protective clothing, including, 
where practicable, gloves made from an 
impervious material.
•Remove metal wrist bands and jewellery 
before working in the engine 
compartment.
•DO NOT allow tools or metal parts of the 
vehicle to make contact with the battery 
leads or terminals.
WARNING
Under no circumstances should any part of 
the fuel system be dismantled or replaced by 
anyone other than a suitably qualified motor 
vehicle technician. Failure to comply with this 
instruction may result in fuel spillage with a 
consequent serious risk of fire.
Poisonous fluids
Fluids used in motor vehicles are poisonous 
and should not be consumed or brought into 
contact with open wounds. These include; 
battery acid, anti-freeze, brake and power 
steering fluid, gasoline, engine oil and 
windshield washer additives. 
For your own safety, ALWAYS read and obey all 
instructions printed on labels and containers.
Used engine oil
Prolonged contact with engine oil may cause 
serious skin disorders, including dermatitis and 
cancer of the skin. ALWAYS wash thoroughly 
after contact.
It is illegal to pollute drains, water courses 
or soil. Use authorised waste disposal 
sites to dispose of used oil and toxic chemicals. 
						

							Maintenance
184
EMISSION CONTROL
Your vehicle is fitted with various items of 
emission and evaporative control equipment 
designed to meet specific territorial 
requirements. You should be aware that 
unauthorised replacement, modification or 
tampering with this equipment by an owner or 
repair shop may be unlawful and subject to 
legal penalties.
In addition, engine settings must not be 
tampered with. These have been established to 
ensure that your vehicle complies with 
stringent exhaust emission regulations. 
Incorrect engine settings may adversely affect 
exhaust emissions, engine performance and 
fuel consumption, as well as causing high 
temperatures, which will result in damage to 
the catalytic converter and the vehicle.
Whilst Land Rover North America Inc. 
maintains that an authorised Land Rover 
retailer is best equipped to carry out repairs and 
maintenance on the emission control system, 
such work may be carried out by any competent 
automotive repair shop, or individual, using 
certified parts.
WARNING
Under no circumstances should any part of 
the fuel system be dismantled or replaced by 
anyone other than a suitably qualified motor 
vehicle technician. Failure to comply with this 
instruction may result in fuel spillage with a 
consequent serious risk of fire.
ROAD TESTING DYNAMOMETERS
(rolling roads)
Because your vehicle is equipped with anti-lock 
brakes and permanent four-wheel drive, it is 
essential that any dynamometer testing is 
carried out ONLY by a qualified person familiar 
with the dynamometer testing and safety 
procedures and ONLY on a four-wheel drive 
dynamometer. Contact your Land Rover 
Retailer for further information. 
						

							Hood Opening
185
H ood  Ope ningHOOD OPENING
1.From inside the vehicle on the right hand 
side, pull the hood release handle (see 
illustration).
2.Lift the hood safety catch lever and raise 
the hood.
3.Unclip the hood support stay.
4.Fit the support stay into the cut-out in the 
underside of the hood.Closing the hood
WARNING
DO NOT drive with the hood retained by the 
safety catch alone.
Replace the support stay in its retaining clip, 
then lower the hood, allowing it to drop for the 
last 12 inches (30 cm) approx.
After closing the hood, check that the lock is 
fully engaged by attempting to lift the front edge 
of the hood. This should be free from all 
movement.
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							Engine Compartment
186
En gine  Comp artme nt2.5 GASOLINE ENGINE
1.Power steering reservoir. 
2.Cooling system reservoir.
3.Brake fluid reservoir.
4.Engine oil filler cap.
5.Engine oil dipstick.
6.Washer reservoir.WARNING
While working in the engine compartment, 
ALWAYS observe the safety precautions 
listed under ‘SAFETY IN THE GARAGE’, 
page 183.
H5131
MINMA
X
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6542 
						

							Engine Oil
187
E ngine  OilOIL LEVEL CHECK & TOP-UP
WARNING
Take care to avoid spilling engine oil onto a 
hot engine - a fire may result. Wipe up any 
spillage immediately.
The oil consumption of your engine is 
influenced by many factors: new engines reach 
the normal value only after approximately 
5000 km (3000 miles). Diesel engines 
consume slightly more oil than petrol engines. 
Under high loads your engine will also 
consume more oil.
Check the oil level at least every 400 km 
(250 miles) when the engine is COLD and with 
the vehicle resting on level ground.
NOTE: If it is necessary to check the oil level 
when the engine is hot, switch off the engine 
and let the vehicle stand for five minutes to 
allow the oil to drain back into the sump. DO 
NOT start the engine.
As a general guide, if the level on the dipstick:
•is nearer to the upper mark than the lower, 
add no oil.
•is nearer to the lower mark than the upper, 
add half a litre of oil. 
•is below the lower mark, add one litre of oil 
and re-check the level after a further five 
minutes.
WARNING
Driving the vehicle with the engine oil level 
ABOVE the upper mark, or BELOW the lower 
mark on the dipstick, will damage the engine.1.Withdraw the dipstick and wipe the blade 
clean.
2.Slowly insert the dipstick and withdraw 
again to check the level, which should 
NEVER be allowed to fall below the lower 
mark on the dipstick.
3.To top-up, remove the oil filler cap and add 
oil to maintain a level between the upper 
and lower marks on the dipstick.
4.Wait for five minutes and then recheck the 
level, adding more oil if necessary - DO 
NOT OVERFILL! 
5.Finally, ensure the dipstick and filler cap 
are replaced.
NOTE: If oil consumption seems excessive, 
check the system for leaks and contact your 
Dealer/Authorised Repairer.
NOTE: Check the engine oil more frequently if 
the vehicle is driven at high speeds for 
prolonged periods.
Oil specification
 Precise specifications are shown in 
‘LUBRICANTS AND FLUIDS’, page 257. If in 
doubt, contact your Land Rover 
Dealer/Authorised Repairer.
MINMAX
H4022 
						

							Engine Oil
188
DRAIN & REFILL
Ensure that the engine oil is changed at the 
recommended service intervals as specified in 
the Passport to Service book.
NOTE: Under severe operating conditions (i.e. 
regular use in muddy terrain, or dusty 
conditions), the engine oil must be changed 
more frequently, possibly to the degree that 
daily changes are required. Consult your Land 
Rover retailer for guidance.
Used engine oil
WARNING
Prolonged contact with used engine oil can 
cause serious skin disorders, including 
dermatitis and cancer of the skin. When 
working in a situation where you may come 
into contact with engine oil wear suitable 
protective clothing, and always wash 
thoroughly any areas of skin that become 
contaminated.
It is illegal to pollute drains, water courses 
or soil with toxic chemicals such as used 
engine oil. Use authorised waste disposal sites 
to dispose of used oil and toxic chemicals.Removing the underbelly panel
Before it is possible to drain the engine oil 
and/or replace the oil filter, the underbelly panel 
must be removed from beneath the engine.
The underbelly panel is held in position by 14 
screws and bolts. These are best removed in 
the following order:
1.Remove the 2 screws securing the 
bumper valance to the underbelly panel 
brackets.
2.Remove the 4 screws securing the wheel 
arch liners to the bumper valance.
3.Remove the 2 bolts securing the rear of 
the underbelly panel.
4.Remove the 6 bolts securing the 
underbelly panel frame.
H4323 
						

							Engine Oil
189
Drain
With the engine warm (to assist oil drainage), 
and the vehicle parked on firm, level ground, 
remove the engine oil filler cap. Position a 
container of suitable size (at least 5.5 quarts 
(5.2 litres)) under the drain plug at the bottom 
of the sump.
Remove the drain plug and sealing washer. 
Allow the engine oil to drain into the container.
WARNING
Oil from the engine can be very hot. To avoid 
harmful burns take care when removing the 
drain plug.
Refill
Clean the oil drain plug and its mating surface 
on the engine sump. Fit the drain plug, 
complete with a new sealing washer and tighten 
to 18 lbf.ft (25 Nm).
Refill the engine with fresh oil suitable for the 
climatic conditions in which the vehicle is to be 
operated, and which conforms to the required 
specification, see ‘LUBRICANTS AND FLUIDS’, 
page 257.DO NOT overfill the engine. Remember that 
some oil will remain in the engine after it has 
been drained. Therefore it is recommended that 
slightly less oil than the full capacity is added 
initially see ‘CAPACITIES’, page 259.
After filling allow a few minutes to elapse before 
checking the oil level. This will allow the oil to 
drain through the engine and into the sump, 
allowing an accurate reading. Once the correct 
level of oil is shown on the dipstick replace the 
filler cap.
Start and run the engine without revving above 
idle until the oil pressure warning light has 
extinguished. Check for oil leaks around the 
drain plug.
Stop the engine and wait a few minutes. Then 
check the oil level and top up if required.
Finally, replace the underbelly panel.
H4242 
						

							Engine Oil
190
OIL FILTER RENEWAL
It is recommended that oil filter renewal takes 
place at the same time as draining and refilling 
the engine oil. Therefore, the underbelly panel 
will already be removed.
1.Clean the area around the oil filter head 
and place a suitable container beneath the 
engine.
2.Using a strap wrench, or similar tool, 
unscrew the filter anti-clockwise and 
discard it.
It is illegal to pollute drains, water courses 
or soil with toxic chemicals such as used 
engine oil. Use authorised waste disposal sites 
to dispose of used oil and toxic chemicals.3.Smear the seal of the new filter with clean 
engine oil.
4.Fit the new filter and tighten clockwise 
until the seal makes contact with the filter 
head, then tighten a further half turn. Use 
hand force only, DO NOT overheating.
5.Start and run the engine without revving 
above idle until the oil pressure warning 
light has extinguished. Check for oil leaks 
around the oil filter and drain plug.
6.Stop the engine and wait a few minutes. 
Then check the oil level and top up if 
required.
H4241