Freelander 1.8 lack of power and acceleration

Hi mate had the same problem when I brought my lady, had a full diagnostic tests and turned out to be a faulty fuel pump. The diagnostic was quite cheap the pump not so. Anyway I'd start there. Oh is the engine malfunction light coming on when over 3k revs because that's how mine first started.

No only Tc and hill descent light sometimes comes on but no other lights , like I say runs sweet but just feels like it has no power above 3000 revs

So it's running smooth? Or is it popping/going quiet or shuddering as the power loss happens?

If it just silently loses power that's usually fuel starvation or blocked exhaust. Some of the K series have weak fuel pumps, mine was replaced at 60k...

No popping or juddering, it's just like its restricted

Smooth but powerless

Is the cat blocked?

Not sure would car still Rev out in neutral?

I have read the above thread as I find myself on the same position. I have a 2003 1.8, this has a replacement engine that had a distributor, but now runs without the dizzy on the original electronic ignition. Over the last month the performance has deteriorated and I can not get the engine to rev above 4.5K and it really slow to accelerate, can’t get over 30 mph in 2nd gear. Idle speed is steady at 750, I have new plugs and coil packs. The cam belt is good, tensioned and the timing has been checked and is correct. Compressions check shows 10+ bar (150psi) and I’ve checked for manifold air leaks.
Next will be fuel filter and pump checks.
Any other ideas?

Sounds like low fuel pressure or a blockage somewhere.
You say the cam belt is good so was it replaced recently?

I changed the belt myself six months ago when changing a head gasket and it was my first thought that it had possibly jumped a tooth, so checked yesterday and all is good. My options are, fuel pump/filter, brake light switch, cat and ICV not necessarily in that order.

I had similar albeit on a different car. It was a blocked exhaust catalyst.
Simply tested by removing cat from exhaust, and driving it.
It went like the wind and sounded like a WWII fighter plane!
Got a pattern cat, problem solved.

Peter Richardson said:

My options are, fuel pump/filter,

Click to expand...

I'd do those first.

This is now turning into a bit of a “mare”. I decided to check the ICV and found the two screws underneath, one was missing and the other loose. I removed the two top screws and removed the ICV and gave it a good clean with carb cleaner. Refitted with new screws and tightened, the dam thing now hunts where it didn’t before. Off to the scrappy for one tomorrow.
I also decided to look at the fuel pump, on removing it it came out in three parts. Clearly, the previous owner tried to replace the filter and bodged the job. I reckon it leaks internally, so a new one is inbound. Whilst I’m down the scrappy’s I’ll get a cat just in case.

Question: how free shouod the valve in the ICV be. ie when pushed against the spring, and released, should it automatically close under spring pressure?

Peter Richardson said:

Question: how free shouod the valve in the ICV be.

Click to expand...

I can't remember as it's about a decade since I pulled one apart. However it makes sense that it closes when power is removed, simply to prevent run on.

Did anyone managed to sort it out? Was the pump or the catalyst?

badumitru said:

Did anyone managed to sort it out? Was the pump or the catalyst?

Click to expand...

Are you having a similar problem?

Alibro said:

Are you having a similar problem?

Click to expand...

Yes. Doesn't go over 50 mph, slow acceleration ...

Whats the history of the fault?

Alibro said:

Whats the history of the fault?

Click to expand...

I just got the car. No warning lights, the engien sounds good, no overheat, no other problems other the lack of power. I ordered today the fuel pump.