Freelander 1 starting issue

Hi

I am having issues with my freelander starting, when it does go it runs fine. I have new spark plugs, new coolant temperature sensor and new battery.

It seems to nearly go for many turns of the key but never quite get there, the RAC think it getting flooded and remove the fuse for fuel pump crank over and put back in, it struggles for a while and then eventually goes.

When I have tried on my own, did the above and started eventually, I had to give a bit of accelerator so not too sure if it was flooding!??

Very frustrating, any suggestions please.

Thanks

Nick

I'm not really familiar with the two petrol engines used in the freelanders, but in general terms, with a motor with the symptoms you describe, I'd be looking at the ignition side, start by cleaning and gapping the spark plugs, check the rotorarm & distributor cap etc...

I have fitted new spark plugs, someone has suggested getting the ECM tested. throttle body has been cleaned, new battery, new temp sensor. quite frustrating

NickPalmer said:

I have fitted new spark plugs, someone has suggested getting the ECM tested. throttle body has been cleaned, new battery, new temp sensor. quite frustrating

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No mention of fuel pump or filter being changed.
The filter on these is of BMW design, so the filter is integral to the pump, and does clog up. The filter continually filters the contents of the tank, which means it clogs up with all sorts of rubbish. Unfortunately there have been many designs of filter and pump over the years, so finding the filter you need is tricky. I'd simply replace the whole pump, as once the filter clogs up, the pump overheats anyway, shortening its remaining life.

someone has mentioned testing the ECM, do you thing it's worth it? just conscious of throwing money at it

Thanks

Nick

NickPalmer said:

someone has mentioned testing the ECM, do you thing it's worth it? just conscious of throwing money at it

Thanks

Nick

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The ECM is probably the most reliable component in the vehicle, and would be considered a last resort.
You have to start at the beginning, so sparks and fuel, then move on to sensors and finally the ECM.

I have put new spark plugs in and new coolant sensor, when I eventually get car to fire up after probably 10 mins it runs fine. Fuel pump sounds ok and start when I turn the key but I am no expert , any other ideas,

thanks for the help

nick

NickPalmer said:

Fuel pump sounds ok and start when I turn the key but I am no expert , any other ideas,

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Just because the fuel pump sounds like it's running, doesn't actually mean it's pumping fuel at the correct pressure to the injector rail.
There's a filter between the pump and fuel outlet at the tank, so if the filter is blocked (pretty common), then the fuel pressure at the engine will be reduced. The fuel should be at around 55 PSI at the fuel rail, which is easy checked by a garage.

ok thanks will get this checked, I believe the pump with filter is a unit in the fuel tank?

what was the condition of the old plugs?
can codes and live data be viewed?
you might get indication if over fueling with the fuel trim levels.
I assume a blocked air filter wouldn't affect cold start, or is there pipe work that could leak too much air in?
Fuel pump must have some sort of regulator to give correct pressure, may be faulty.

NickPalmer said:

ok thanks will get this checked, I believe the pump with filter is a unit in the fuel tank?

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Yes, it's a stupid place for the filter, but that's BMW for you.

J_D said:

what was the condition of the old plugs?
can codes and live data be viewed?
you might get indication if over fueling with the fuel trim levels.
I assume a blocked air filter wouldn't affect cold start, or is there pipe work that could leak too much air in?
Fuel pump must have some sort of regulator to give correct pressure, may be faulty.

Click to expand...

old plugs seemed ok, a little oil in the 1st plug chamber, my obd 2 reader hasn't picked up any faults but it's only a phone app