Weird engine malfunction

Hi

I have the strangest issue, which seems to be a combination of more issues I have found in the forum, so it's almost impossible to search for. Here goes .. Starting my Freelander TD4 ('04) with a cold engine works like a charm, but when rev'ing it, it stalls at 2500 RPM's (engine malfunction is lid). Engine is running smoothly though, but can't get above the 2500 RPM.
I take it for a short spin (or a longer) and then turn it off. Moments after or up to more than an hour later I try restarting it, but the engine malfunction is lid, and the fuel pump is silent .. engine won't start. Several hours later I can start the engine again.

I've been investigating if this could be the camshaft sensor as it sounded like the exact issue when the car is warm, but I understand that this doesn't affect driving, only start, so the max 2500 RPM's shouldn't be the result of a faulty sensor.

Then I thought fuel pump, but why does it work if the engine has been of for a few hours.

Last idea is the fuel filter, but I'm at a loss here, so advises would be fantastic. (Hope to get it on the road again soon, as I really love the car). Been driving 100.000 km not having to change a single thing other than brakes and the rear muffler)

Kind regards

Christian

Have you got any way of having your fault codes read... ?

first it could be the cam shaft sensor as the engine will not start when hot I found this out on a beach with the tide coming in . also if it has done 100,000km +60,000 then you should think of changing the filter first then possibly the pump but not always hope this helps

Sounds like the low pressure fuel pump beside the fuel filter in the o/s wheel arch to me.

Mine did pretty much the same, but then it got worse the limit dropped to around 1800rpm when the EML light came on. Back off the throttle and the EML light went off.

The pump was also making a funny noise.

Epicuser said:

Sounds like the low pressure fuel pump beside the fuel filter in the o/s wheel arch to me.

Mine did pretty much the same, but then it got worse the limit dropped to around 1800rpm when the EML light came on. Back off the throttle and the EML light went off.

The pump was also making a funny noise.

Click to expand...

I'd agree with Epicuser, when my first pump went the car wouldn't start when hot, but tapping under the rear wheel arch would sort it, either that or wait 1hr for it to cool down.
When the second pump went (100k later) the engine light would come on at 2500 revs or anytime i floored the throttle. The pump was also quite noisy when starting.
Next time it happens try tapping under the fuel pump with your foot, if it starts then you probably have your answer.
Both pumps that failed on me lasted approx 90,000 miles each.

Hi

Thanks for some great answers.
@Richallen - Do you know if the '04 codes can be read by standard equipment or if special LR-equipment are needed?

I'll try changing the filter first. Bought one a while ago. If that doesn't the trick I'll have to try tapping the pump with my foot to see if I need to change the pump.

Another question - I've read about the Freelander having two fuel pumps, but I really can't figure out if this design was sunset on later models or if all Freelander 1's has this design. In the case mine has two pumps the first one is placed in the rear wheel arch, but where's the second one?

Kind regards

Christian

Boelle said:

Hi

Thanks for some great answers.
@Richallen - Do you know if the '04 codes can be read by standard equipment or if special LR-equipment are needed?

I'll try changing the filter first. Bought one a while ago. If that doesn't the trick I'll have to try tapping the pump with my foot to see if I need to change the pump.

Another question - I've read about the Freelander having two fuel pumps, but I really can't figure out if this design was sunset on later models or if all Freelander 1's has this design. In the case mine has two pumps the first one is placed in the rear wheel arch, but where's the second one?

Kind regards

Christian

Click to expand...

The pump under the wheel arch is the low pressure pump that delivers fuel from the tank to the engine. There is a second, high pressure pump mounted on the engine that delivers fuel to the injectors. It is the LP pump that could be causing your problems. Earlier Freelancers had the LP pump under the bonnet

I bought an OBD2 reader and connected it to the Freelander. The connection goes well, but even thought the Engine malfunction is lid, there's no fault codes reported by the ECU. Am I doing something wrong or is it possible to get an engine malfunction without any fault code reported?

Kind Regards

Christian

Boelle said:

I bought an OBD2 reader and connected it to the Freelander. The connection goes well, but even thought the Engine malfunction is lid, there's no fault codes reported by the ECU. Am I doing something wrong or is it possible to get an engine malfunction without any fault code reported?

Kind Regards

Christian

Click to expand...

I don't think any standard OBD reader will work with your Freelander, Faultmate or Hawkeye needed.

I can see a lot of info on the car. Sensors are reporting in, so it seems to work, it's just that no fault codes are shown..

/Christian

So.. removed the fuel pump and filter, and plan to buy a new fuel fump and filter tomorrow. As the OBD isn't giving me any fault codes I really hope this does the trick. By the way, when I removed the filter/pump assembly I found two unconnected connectors. One that was rusted away - had been connected to a piece of metal touching the fuel filter and another connector with 2 wires. Is this normal on an '04 or has somebody been tampering with my car before I bought it

Regards

Christian

It was the fuel pump. Installed a new one + filter. After a very easy priming sequence the engine has run perfectly since. Thanks for all your help guys.

Regards

Christian

Glad you got it sorted