Update on my TD4 Commercial.

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Tomo1971

New Member
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149
Hi there again,

I bought a 04/2004 Commercial Td4 a month back and thought I would share my thoughts and experiences now I have had it a while.

Came with 12.5k on it and now up to 17k.

I noticed on the test drive a small hesitation when dropping down to take roundabouts/junctions etc. Searches on here and other forums lead me to the MAF so I disconnected it and got a much nicer drive, if not quite as I would expect. I got the MAF changed by Mike Aitken 4x4 (what a nice chap) and the dealer I bought the FL from paid the £190 for it. Speaking to Mike he suggested that I may have further problems with the jeep as its low miles and 4 years old, once I start using it properly then problems may rear there head, oh joy.

Much better again now but still a slight lag when pulling away, although thats probably more the weight of the car and smallish engine.

I have also replaced the crankcase filter (although not the valve) as it was quite black, although at 12k miles I might of wasted my money there. Also removed the EGR valve pipe and stuck a 4mm bolt up the pipe.

Seem to be getting anything from 33 to 38 mpg depending on how I drive (33mpg = 75-80mph/38mpg = 60-70mph) which I am pleased with for quite a heavy car and quite full in the back.

Couple of days ago I fitted the Synergy II from RoverRon and am very very pleased with it. Makes the engine really want to pull and acceleration is easy now rather than a strain and sluggish. Early thoughts are that it hasnt affected MPG although only done 200 miles since fitting.

I have had the jeep off road twice so far, once up a field that was mainly clay, even walking up meant the clay was badly sticking to our work boots. The FL went up quite easily, although wanted to slide most the way down!!

Second time was quite a steep track that had a couple of rain water streams running through it, laden with stones and quite a lot of it was muddy, although not that deep. First time here we walked and decided it was too steep for the FL as would probably have to tackle it at speed but I didnt want the risk of damaging the tyres. Second time we visited it was much later in the day, so to save time I thought sod it,m Im gonna have a try. Went up brilliantly, even at quite a slow speed. I stalled it a couple of times but probably due to not wanting to damage the clutch with too much power on. It did bottom out a couple of times and heard that scraping noise we hate to hear but as it was at a slow speed nothing seems to of been damaged, probably just the exhaust back box as its very low there.

Very impressed. Used the HDC on the way down and that worked a treat too.

I have fitted a THB Bury CC9060 Bluetooth kit to it and an active mount for the TomTom as well as some LED amber strobes to the rear for when working roadside.

Anyways, after 5K miles in just over a month and no problems other than the MAF I am very happy. Fingers crossed it stays that way!!

All the electrics work OK, is a very comfortable vehicle to drive, even with the high position of the seats (why on earth arnt they height adjustable?)

I note that even the commercial has 4 speakers but the rear 2 havnt got grills, they are under the side trim and quite muted. Why oh why didnt they put speaker grills on them? A job for the future no doubt there!!

Steve
 
Tomo1971 said:
Speaking to Mike he suggested that I may have further problems with the jeep as its low miles and 4 years old, once I start using it properly then problems may rear there head, oh joy.
Click to expand...

Tomo1971 said:
I have had the jeep off road twice so far, once up a field that was mainly clay, even walking up meant the clay was badly sticking to our work boots. The FL went up quite easily, although wanted to slide most the way down!!
Click to expand...


Yeh its a great write up, BUT your not driving a JEEP! ;)
 
Tomo1971 said:
Hi there again,

I bought a 04/2004 Commercial Td4 a month back and thought I would share my thoughts and experiences now I have had it a while.

Came with 12.5k on it and now up to 17k.

I noticed on the test drive a small hesitation when dropping down to take roundabouts/junctions etc. Searches on here and other forums lead me to the MAF so I disconnected it and got a much nicer drive, if not quite as I would expect. I got the MAF changed by Mike Aitken 4x4 (what a nice chap) and the dealer I bought the FL from paid the £190 for it. Speaking to Mike he suggested that I may have further problems with the jeep as its low miles and 4 years old, once I start using it properly then problems may rear there head, oh joy.

Much better again now but still a slight lag when pulling away, although thats probably more the weight of the car and smallish engine.

I have also replaced the crankcase filter (although not the valve) as it was quite black, although at 12k miles I might of wasted my money there. Also removed the EGR valve pipe and stuck a 4mm bolt up the pipe.

Seem to be getting anything from 33 to 38 mpg depending on how I drive (33mpg = 75-80mph/38mpg = 60-70mph) which I am pleased with for quite a heavy car and quite full in the back.

Couple of days ago I fitted the Synergy II from RoverRon and am very very pleased with it. Makes the engine really want to pull and acceleration is easy now rather than a strain and sluggish. Early thoughts are that it hasnt affected MPG although only done 200 miles since fitting.

I have had the jeep off road twice so far, once up a field that was mainly clay, even walking up meant the clay was badly sticking to our work boots. The FL went up quite easily, although wanted to slide most the way down!!

Second time was quite a steep track that had a couple of rain water streams running through it, laden with stones and quite a lot of it was muddy, although not that deep. First time here we walked and decided it was too steep for the FL as would probably have to tackle it at speed but I didnt want the risk of damaging the tyres. Second time we visited it was much later in the day, so to save time I thought sod it,m Im gonna have a try. Went up brilliantly, even at quite a slow speed. I stalled it a couple of times but probably due to not wanting to damage the clutch with too much power on. It did bottom out a couple of times and heard that scraping noise we hate to hear but as it was at a slow speed nothing seems to of been damaged, probably just the exhaust back box as its very low there.

Very impressed. Used the HDC on the way down and that worked a treat too.

I have fitted a THB Bury CC9060 Bluetooth kit to it and an active mount for the TomTom as well as some LED amber strobes to the rear for when working roadside.

Anyways, after 5K miles in just over a month and no problems other than the MAF I am very happy. Fingers crossed it stays that way!!

All the electrics work OK, is a very comfortable vehicle to drive, even with the high position of the seats (why on earth arnt they height adjustable?)

I note that even the commercial has 4 speakers but the rear 2 havnt got grills, they are under the side trim and quite muted. Why oh why didnt they put speaker grills on them? A job for the future no doubt there!!

Steve
Click to expand...
hear thet you ol tratter bois;) .......a very appy freelander owner:D ....an the doors dint fall orf:D :D ;) .......
 
Tomo1971 said:
Hi there again,

I bought a 04/2004 Commercial Td4 a month back and thought I would share my thoughts and experiences now I have had it a while.

Came with 12.5k on it and now up to 17k.

I noticed on the test drive a small hesitation when dropping down to take roundabouts/junctions etc. Searches on here and other forums lead me to the MAF so I disconnected it and got a much nicer drive, if not quite as I would expect. I got the MAF changed by Mike Aitken 4x4 (what a nice chap) and the dealer I bought the FL from paid the £190 for it. Speaking to Mike he suggested that I may have further problems with the jeep as its low miles and 4 years old, once I start using it properly then problems may rear there head, oh joy.

Much better again now but still a slight lag when pulling away, although thats probably more the weight of the car and smallish engine.

I have also replaced the crankcase filter (although not the valve) as it was quite black, although at 12k miles I might of wasted my money there. Also removed the EGR valve pipe and stuck a 4mm bolt up the pipe.

Seem to be getting anything from 33 to 38 mpg depending on how I drive (33mpg = 75-80mph/38mpg = 60-70mph) which I am pleased with for quite a heavy car and quite full in the back.

Couple of days ago I fitted the Synergy II from RoverRon and am very very pleased with it. Makes the engine really want to pull and acceleration is easy now rather than a strain and sluggish. Early thoughts are that it hasnt affected MPG although only done 200 miles since fitting.

I have had the jeep off road twice so far, once up a field that was mainly clay, even walking up meant the clay was badly sticking to our work boots. The FL went up quite easily, although wanted to slide most the way down!!

Second time was quite a steep track that had a couple of rain water streams running through it, laden with stones and quite a lot of it was muddy, although not that deep. First time here we walked and decided it was too steep for the FL as would probably have to tackle it at speed but I didnt want the risk of damaging the tyres. Second time we visited it was much later in the day, so to save time I thought sod it,m Im gonna have a try. Went up brilliantly, even at quite a slow speed. I stalled it a couple of times but probably due to not wanting to damage the clutch with too much power on. It did bottom out a couple of times and heard that scraping noise we hate to hear but as it was at a slow speed nothing seems to of been damaged, probably just the exhaust back box as its very low there.

Very impressed. Used the HDC on the way down and that worked a treat too.

I have fitted a THB Bury CC9060 Bluetooth kit to it and an active mount for the TomTom as well as some LED amber strobes to the rear for when working roadside.

Anyways, after 5K miles in just over a month and no problems other than the MAF I am very happy. Fingers crossed it stays that way!!

All the electrics work OK, is a very comfortable vehicle to drive, even with the high position of the seats (why on earth arnt they height adjustable?)

I note that even the commercial has 4 speakers but the rear 2 havnt got grills, they are under the side trim and quite muted. Why oh why didnt they put speaker grills on them? A job for the future no doubt there!!

Steve
Click to expand...
FFS!! 'Nuff said!:rolleyes: :rolleyes: :p
 
As you've discovered, you've got one of the best small jeeps money can buy especially with that TD4 engine. Good on you for referring to it as a jeep seeing as the original Landrover was really just a knock-off jeep.
 
I have an 04 TD4 Freelander, very happy with it apart from mine also seems fluffy in the low revs, plan on doing the EGR plus a remap sometime soon, will look into the MAF also after reading this post.

Done some pretty extreme offroading with it also, much more capable than my local club gave it credit for, the only problems I had were with occasional ground clearances rather than grip !!!!, I have since bought Disco to go and play properly with the local club but thats only because I didnt wanna wreck my Freelander........
 
glad you're enjoying it. I use one for work myself, best work vehicle I've ever had. carries everything, ladders on roof, trailer on back, full of tools, goes anywhere I need it to.

needs a little more routine attention than others, but not really a problem
 
Optimus Prime said:
glad you're enjoying it. I use one for work myself, best work vehicle I've ever had. carries everything, ladders on roof, trailer on back, full of tools, goes anywhere I need it to.

needs a little more routine attention than others, but not really a problem
Click to expand...

Can I ask what u do for work and how do you find the fuel consumption with the rails and ladders on the roof compared to without?

I ask cos we are starting to struggle for space inside and thinking of maybe getting roof rails and maybe a roof box and/or put ladders on roof but worried about the costs. Also do you have to use LR's own rails for the 3dr?

Steve
 
I is an electrical engineer, primarily life safety systems, fire alarms, pava systems, cctv systems etc, but also gates,barriers,access control,intruder alarms and so on.

I would say putting the ladders on the roof probably drops 3 to 4 mpg for motorway driving on longer runs, round town not so noticable.

The main rails are always on, as the are fixed to the vehicle structure with torx bolts, and are not designed to be taken on and off, more of a fit and forget. They probably don't have that much of an effect on the fuel consumption, as there is only one bar at the back across the vehicle, and that is quite aerodynamically shaped. To the main rails are fitted cross rails, the genuine LR ones clip on and off in seconds, they make a bit of noise if left on all the time, so I only have them on when I need them.

As for main rails, they were on the vehicle when I bought it, so I didn't look into any other options, but I think you would be hard pushed to find any rails other than genuine LR to fit the 3 door version as the fronts mount to the roof, and the rears mount to the rear quarter panel just above the lights.

Again, when I bought the vehicle, the seller gave me the genuine LR cross rails too, and they work really well with a set of ladder clamps.

Main rails seem to go for up to £100 or so on dreaded ebay, but there is a set on there now standing at £30, collect only.

LANDROVER FREELANDER ROOF RACK RAIL BAR 3-DOOR on eBay, also, Land Rover, Car Parts, Cars, Parts Vehicles (end time 11-Sep-08 23:18:06 BST)

there is also a set of LR crossrails for £33 plus postage

Land Rover Freelander Version 1 Roof Rails x 2 on eBay, also Roof Racks, Touring Travel, Car Accessories, Cars, Parts Vehicles (end time 03-Oct-08 07:48:45 BST)

Crucially, if you buy 2nd hand LR cross rails, make sure you get at least one of the keys with them, otherwise you won't be able to secure them to the vehicle.

hope this helps and good luck.
 
Hi again,

Another wee update on the progress of what is supposed to be an unrelaible motor.......

Now on 32,000miles and still no problems at all.

Since the last write up I have fitted the EGR mod, very easy and noticable results.

Had it serviced at Mike Aitkins 4x4 at 24k ish at a cost of £250 which I find a little steep but no doubt better than a LR dealer. Considering doing the next servicing myself, maybe using National tyres oil change at £28 to save some mess and do the other stuff myself. Jury out on that at the moment though.

Have recently fitted Falken A/T tyres as the original Duelers were getting low at the front and would of cost £80 each to replace whereas the Falkens were £50 each. Need the extra off road grip for fields and tracks. Maybe lost about 2-3 mpg having them fitted so no big deal.

Due to the weight in the back I have also fitted a pair of spring assistors just to help level the back out a little, always looked like it was too low at the back. The assistors make it a little more level and stop the arse dragging on the floor as much. Cost was about £15 and 10 mins to fit.

One thing I have noticed is the quality of the paint. Having driven up several tracks with trees/branches/heather etc overhanging and hearing them scrapping down the sides I expected to see loads of scratches. Washed the FL yesterday and there is not a single scratch on the paint!!

Similar trips in my previous ride, a works Navara would of resulted in hundreds of fine scratches on the paint.

Overall Im getting 33-35mpg out of it now, thats 2 up with max load in the back at mainly motorway speeds, a little off roading, minimal town driving and some engine running cos its freezing outside moments!!!

Steve
 
Tomo1971 said:
Hi again,

Another wee update on the progress of what is supposed to be an unrelaible motor.......

Now on 32,000miles and still no problems at all.

Since the last write up I have fitted the EGR mod, very easy and noticable results.

Had it serviced at Mike Aitkins 4x4 at 24k ish at a cost of £250 which I find a little steep but no doubt better than a LR dealer. Considering doing the next servicing myself, maybe using National tyres oil change at £28 to save some mess and do the other stuff myself. Jury out on that at the moment though.

Have recently fitted Falken A/T tyres as the original Duelers were getting low at the front and would of cost £80 each to replace whereas the Falkens were £50 each. Need the extra off road grip for fields and tracks. Maybe lost about 2-3 mpg having them fitted so no big deal.

Due to the weight in the back I have also fitted a pair of spring assistors just to help level the back out a little, always looked like it was too low at the back. The assistors make it a little more level and stop the arse dragging on the floor as much. Cost was about £15 and 10 mins to fit.

One thing I have noticed is the quality of the paint. Having driven up several tracks with trees/branches/heather etc overhanging and hearing them scrapping down the sides I expected to see loads of scratches. Washed the FL yesterday and there is not a single scratch on the paint!!

Similar trips in my previous ride, a works Navara would of resulted in hundreds of fine scratches on the paint.

Overall Im getting 33-35mpg out of it now, thats 2 up with max load in the back at mainly motorway speeds, a little off roading, minimal town driving and some engine running cos its freezing outside moments!!!

Steve
Click to expand...
another nice write up steve :smokin: ..where did u git the spring assistors
 
nigel8 said:
another nice write up steve :smokin: ..where did u git the spring assistors
Click to expand...

Just from a local caravan shop, made by triangle or pyramid products, something like that.

I bough the smaller size reccomended for the FL on the packaging but they went in the springs far too easy, the instructions say to grease them up and heat them to make it easier. As they went in so easy, I took them back and got the larger size.

Does help a little, if nothing else it isnt so obvious there is weight in the back from a "lets give plod or VOSA an excuse to pull me" point of view.

They were £15 ish, some on ebay, or type spring assistors in google.

Steve
 
Right, at 68,000 another wee update!

Was serviced at 36K as a homer by a LR mechanic and he subsequently fitted new front pads and new prop bearings for me (more on that later), then at 48k and 60k back at Mike Aitken. Having thought that £250 a time was expensive for the service, Im now seeing the benefit of having it done there. Couple of times he's had it on the ramp to check things for me and not charged me, even when its been 30 minutes labour!! Brilliant service. Also, with such high mileages I feel that having it serviced there will mean any potential problems will be spotted early enough.

Swapped to the Falken AT/TA tyres at around 27k and had to replace 2 of them at 62k and the remaining 2 at 65K (although still some wear left on the later 2, changed them for off road grip and so equalish diameter to the newer ones). They seem quiet and good on and off road.

Bought a set of roof bars and cross bars from a nice gent on here for a very good price (£128 i think it was, delivered) and now using them to carry step ladders and will be using a roof box when needed too.

Since having the new prop bearings fitted there seems to be a few noises from underneath. Am convinced its either the prop bearings (cheap ones, not genuine) or because the prop wasn't put back in its original location (Haynes suggest that the splines should be marked before removal). Mike Aitken has checked on every service since and once seperatley and cant see/feel anything amiss with the transmission so will leave that till something does fail or starts making too much noise! Once funds allow I may get the genuine LR prop bearings fitted though.

Few weeks back I saw a set of new pod lights on flea bay and managed to get them with a last minute bid for £27, bargain! Took about 6 hours to fit them but was quite easy really, just fiddly. Most the time seemed to be spent getting the shrouds fitted! Make a huge improvement when driving on main beam at night on country roads! Also, make a nice improvement to the looks of the front end too!

Have been off road quite a lot more with it too now, have a couple of dinks in the lip on the sill, ooopsi and no doubt a few scrapes underneath but all at low speed so no real damage done!

Engine seems to running really sweet, sounds nice when cruising along, no issues there at all. Have been getting up to 42mpg (brimming the tank to check) when on steady runs which is fantastic. Im estimating an average of 37 overall though as we do tend to be on motorways at around 70 to 80 most the time.

So, now on almost 69K and things going not too bad, certainly no worse than 99% of other cars that age been put though this kind of use.

Steve
 
Mine is an 03 with 54k and am generally happy although it too was a bit flat on pulling away. Then one morning it was really bad with slight surges as it accellerated. As it was nearby I took it to the local LR garage (not bought from there) and paid 1/2 hour labour for them to run the diags, they found HP fuel pump output was low. The garage I did buy it from eventually agreed to replace it under warranty:). Much better after that although I am rather interested in the MAF issue. Have looked at the Synergy2 including the alternative MAF particularly as I am looking to tow a 1300Kg laden trailer. At £200+ I might have trouble persuading the Missus it's worth it. :cool: :ballchain:
 
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