door entry sequence/radio code/ viscous coupling

Hi guys, would like some info on how I can obtain the key entry code and radio code for my 98 diesel freelander. I understand this is available from the LR main dealer, but does anybody know what the procedure is, eg. do I need to supply tax book and ID etc, and more importantly is there a usual horrific cost incurred when working with main dealerships!!! Comments would also be appreciated regarding dropping the viscous coupling and propshafts, and running on two wheel drive, during the summer. I was forced to do this last year, due to a seized coupling and lack of cash, and managed an extra 10 miles to the gallon whilst caravanning on holdiay. Comments would be appreciated as I've heard horrific stories of failed rear diff (which I think is bull****) from a supposed LR mechanic. Farmers used old back axles and diffs from morris minors etc. for sheep trailers without any probs years gone bye - so I don't see this guys point valid. Happy Easter

Can I ask how long/far you ran on 2wd. Was there any adverse effect other that decreased fuel consumption?

Hi David, just before going on holiday last year the viscous coupling seized, I did a bit of soul searching over whether to cancel the holiday and buy a new vc or drop it and go on holiday. Being an old ex mechanic having served my time on heavy diesels I could see no reason why it would be detrimental to run in two wheel drive - although an old mate said it could harm the rear diff which I thought was cr*p. So I dropped the shafts and VC and covered over 2000 miles pulling the caravan and solo before replacing the VC. Whilst the VC was off I was averaging 53 mpg solo and 43 mpg with the van on. But just to satisfy myself I am OK with dropping the VC I would like comments. thanks for asking, Drew. ps No adverse effects whatever it ran far better without the VC - no dragging when on full lock or reversing, don't know why Ashcroft don't do a dummy VC which would let the shafts rotate freely without being connected via a VC? Any comments on that one?

Thanks for that. Handy to know if/when my vc fails. Is it a hard job to get the vc off?

Hi David, not at all difficult, I dropped the propshafts and VC in the street outside my house and I'm 67 years young. All I used was a bottle jack with a lump of wood to lower the VC which is quite heavy. From memory four bolts for the VC and 10 nuts and bolts for the shafts. Took about 20 minutes and I was in no hurry, Drew

Dru depends on whot radio ya got but if it is a standard , then go to search this forum and type in radio codes or tiga, you will find a very useful thread by Tiga, in this thread he talks about setting ya standard radio so as you don't have to use your code , however failing that i phoned up L/R FOR CODES and they just asked a few details about the car and myself and gave the details, however the car had been bought from the same dealers so i guess they had all the info, as for running on two wheel drive , thought that was interesting, glad there is freelander owners who fix motors and at your grand age take a bow, I'm just a bit younger than yourself and still give it a shot i don't win all the time but on this site ya got some very helpful people who try and help. . .

Hi dru,

THANK you very much, I am so glad to see I am, with my 64 years, not the Nestor anymore on this forum.
As for the 2WD, a Belgian Hippo-owner did the same last year, he drove in 2WD on vacation to the South of France and he said the same, better mileage and car running faster in accelleration etc. What he said was that from time to time the HDC light came on, but no other special effects noticed. Good luck and take care.

I had a lucky break with this and you may have checked already. I didn't have code for ours and went in to main dealer (who wanted £40 as I remember !) Guy in reception asked if I had actually had radio out. I hadn't and he suggested I did as it is not unknown for mechanics to scribble code on radio to save them having to go and look it up again. Got it out and there it was scribbled on the back with permanent marker. Somewhat defeats ant-theft code but saved me a few quid!

gmp said:

there it was scribbled on the back with permanent marker.

Click to expand...

I've seen a couple with it printed on the label.

Cheers

Blippie

Thanks guys for the comments and help, will remove the radio and check for code written on it somewhere. I'll look up the thread you suggested Ming - thanks for that. Still trying to find out how to disarm the alarm/immobiliser if the remote fob failed. I understand you can use the key in the door using a sequence of turning the key backwards and forwards so that you can disarm the immobiliser. I was told main LR dealer could supply info, but afraid to go near them in case ive to hand over the pension book!!!!!!!!!!!

If ya turn the key back [rear of motor] then motor doors will lock all alarms engaged[called superlock] turn key[front of motor] all doors unlock all alarms off,except engine immobilizer ,this only disengages with key in ignition, motor will only superlock if all doors +bonnet are shut correctly ,if any are not motor horn will sound one blast [parp] N.B. if using the key instead of key fob the interior sensors will not operate but all other alarms will , for safety's sake do not lock ya granny or ya pet pig in the motor with the fob as they will not be able to get out[use the key for this] if in the unlikely situation that a tractor smashes into your lovely free lander with super lock on an inertia switch fitted to the r/hand side in engine bay ,will disarm the whole system and shut off the fuel, this has a reset red button [push it down ] but only do this after checking that granny and porky are ok and knockin the sh*t outa the **** that wrecked ya pride and joy, phew. . .