Buying a Freelander 2

I am looking to purchase a used Freelander after lurking for a while.

I have seen a 2011 TD4 XS manual with about 90k miles on it. Its a single owner car with FSH and the car is generally in very good condition.

While test driving today I felt the car hesitating while pulling away around 2000 rpm in 3rd/4th gear and didnt think much of it except turbo lag/flat spot. The car drives well but there is a slight turbo whistle too.

After pulling up I was testing the various switches and the one on the climate control section which has a window sign and says PROG caused to other lights below it to light up. At this point the engine starting what I can best describe as hunting. revs dropping down and then recovering and this happen while any one of the 3 lights was on. As soon as they were turned off the engine was fine.

The sales guy said it might be a bit of moisture on the sensor and offered to put to through the workshop again. I am not so sure.

The car is fine otherwise and reasonably priced.

Any opinions welcome.

It could have a split boost pipe which is causing the flat spot.

The PROG is for fast demisting of the windscreen. It puts the fan on max, kicks in the AC and puts on the heated front screen (if fitted) and heated rear screen. The AC will make the engine note change slightly as the clutch cuts in and out, but it's not that noticeable. The alternator will also be supplying a good amount of power for the fan and window heater/s when in PROG demist. This can prompt the ECU to speed the engine up slightly, so the extra power is available.

Thank you.

Is there a way to check for the former?

I though the PROG button might be the demister and would expect the revs to drop but stabilise. They kept dropping and rising every few second, almost to the point of stalling. Is it fair to say that its probably not a sensor issue?

ryder72 said:

Is it fair to say that its probably not a sensor issue?

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It doesn't sound like a sensor fault to me if it's dropped in revs to the point of stalling.

It could be a sticky throttle plate which is pretty common.

Thanks for your help.

I will keep you posted.