Freelander 1 Automatics: as good in the snow and what to look out for

Hiya, I might have the chance of changing my Freelander for an automatic td4.

Are they as good in the snow as manuals?

If I were test driving one, what should I look out for and anything I should try out eg kickdown, I've seen quite a few posts about failed gearboxes so am wary!

Thx

Arguably better in slippery situations as you don't need to feather the clutch for a soft pull away. I've had both and won't go back to a manual.

The failed boxes are usually down to incorrect servicing - either the wrong fluid (or not enough - usually due to not getting the box to the right temp before changing the oil) or more commonly people undo the bolt that holds the reverse pulley in place by mistake when they think they are undoing the drain plug.

Make sure it goes into reverse cleanly - and watch for thumping as you change up under hard throttle. Use the S mode to manually switch up and down and look for a clean change (although be aware that it may delay the change if you are hard on the throttle in the middle of the power band as it will sometimes soften the change under those conditions).

+1 as above. I think you will find once you have gone to an automatic you wont want to go back to a Manual especially if you drive mainly in heavy traffic.

And it's better in muddy conditions

I'll + again on all the above.

badfelafel said:

Hiya, I might have the chance of changing my Freelander for an automatic td4.

Are they as good in the snow as manuals?

If I were test driving one, what should I look out for and anything I should try out eg kickdown, I've seen quite a few posts about failed gearboxes so am wary!

Thx

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They are better in the snow,mud, and in every other type of driving. Just make sure to service the auto on regular bases. they will last for 200-300k miles with ease. Your cooling system plays the key roll in keeping the auto operating correctly

I'm in 2 minds.... I really like my HSE manual... but this local automatic looks really nice too...

I'm still relatively new to Freelander ownership, I drove both when purchasing and opted for the auto. Its only had one offroad experience so far and it performed very well.

Thanks everyone. If my manual sells I'll chase the auto!

Thor1950 said:

They are better in the snow,mud, and in every other type of driving. Just make sure to service the auto on regular bases. they will last for 200-300k miles with ease. Your cooling system plays the key roll in keeping the auto operating correctly

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Very few Jatco auto's fitted to the FL1 will get to 200k miles without being taken apart.

Hippo said:

Very few Jatco auto's fitted to the FL1 will get to 200k miles without being taken apart.

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Must be made of cheese then. Here autos last for ever it seems like. all to do with service and not over heating the radiator. That trans is a Nissan then

Thor1950 said:

Must be made of cheese then. Here autos last for ever it seems like. all to do with service and not over heating the radiator. That trans in a Nissan then

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Even with fluid changes more often than the suggested service schedule of 60k miles, our Jatco's don't last that many miles. Few Freelanders will get to 200k miles so it's not a massive problem. I would assume they're designed/built with a typical target age/mileage so that's what we get. Some are betterer than others. Pick of the draw I guess. On the whole they're fairly reliable whilst in service.

I test drove that automatic. Low mileage, full service history. Engine keen, no problems on kickdown or accelerating or starting etc. Didn't have a rear cigarette lighter (thought all HSEs did), and everything works on it.

Tried reversing with wheel full lock and slipping it into neutral - it would stop as if braking. Is this baaad?

badfelafel said:

I test drove that automatic. Low mileage, full service history. Engine keen, no problems on kickdown or accelerating or starting etc. Didn't have a rear cigarette lighter (thought all HSEs did), and everything works on it.

Tried reversing with wheel full lock and slipping it into neutral - it would stop as if braking. Is this baaad?

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I expect the VCU is in need of replacement. However there is always some drag on full lock.

Rear power socket can be added as the wiring will be there.

I'm in the market for a TD4 Freelander myself. I'm looking for an auto as they are better at overcoming the lack of low range.

Depends how quickly it comes to a stop, as @Nodge68 says they all drag.

If it rolls to a stop then you're probably ok, if it stops like someone just dropped an anchor... not so much. The only way to test is with the one wheel up. I wouldn't worry too much though - whatever freelander you buy, you're gonna end up having to worry about the VCU and get it swapped out for peace of mind.

Try the same reverse test in your manual and see how it compares!!

ive got the td4 HSE auto and love it, great bit of kit and also nice to throw around in sport mode

if it feels at all tight when turning , fit a new gen VCU as its a good investment
as here http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/LAND-ROVE...lander&hash=item5d47149622:g:TcgAAOxyRhBSqZKo

I have a TD4 auto and love it too. My concern would be gear change judder though. Look out for it on a test drive, particularly when climbing a gentle incline on mid throttle, most noticeable from 3rd to 4th, but often 2nd to 3rd