######## TD4 fuel pumps

Just as I was thinking that the Freelander has been badly maligned with regards to its reliability,the following happened to me yesterday.

Started up and traveled 8 miles in a southerly direction.
Parked up outside animal feed store.
I loaded up and turned the Key.Starter turns merrily away but engine would not fire.

1st thing I checked was the in tank pump(its a 2001 model).It was whirring nice and smoothly.
So I removed the engine cover and checked the fuel rail connector and cam sensor.
Slight corrosion on the fuel rail connector but I always carry some Electrical contact cleaner so cleaned it up.
Still no joy.
I then removed one of the injector bleed off connectors and tried the starter.
Fuel puddled underneath the injector.
I reconnected and the engine fired but nearly immediately cut out.
I then fiddled with all the connectors I could get my hands on and tried yet again.

Success it started and ran.
I drove home with no problems.

I then of course tried an immediate restart................Dead!

Decided it was probably the Cam Sensor and went indoors to price one up
Seeing the price I decided I had better make sure it was he,so removed it and placed in the freezer.After 10 or so mins I replaced and tried to start.
No joy.

I am by now threatening it with a box of matches,the ungrateful bitch.
I had just bought it a new rear wiper and seat cover.

Left it on the drive and decided to have another look today.

This morning I went out an tried to start.Still dead.

I turned on the ignition and again listened to the in tank pump which was running fine. I then listened to but could not hear the 2nd pump under the bonnet. I tweaked the connector and away it went until I let go. Anyway got it to run consistently and tried the starter.

Success.

I have since cleaned the connector terminals which were quite clean and so far checking now and then it fires up.

The thing is of course is can I trust the pump.
Do I tow a trailer full of tools in case it happens again or do I buy a new pump,about £100.

Anyway I found the fault, and if this overlong rant is of use to any off you I shall be happy.

I did feel the pump in the feed store but could not hear it because off passing traffic,but must have given it a tweak which allowed it to start.

I would replace the pump ,or you could break down again and while broken down you could have your trailer full of tools nicked ,is it worth it?

Hi,

I had the exact same problem with the 'lift pump' - the one under the bonnet. I decided to connect a temporary lamp across the supply to check out if it is losing a feed or a dodgy pump.

Since connecting a lamp on the supply wires - guess what !!!

It has never failed! So - could be dirty relay contact - on the bulkhead behind the battery, or a duff pump that is having a second life !!!

Good luck, Andrew

teddywood1 said:

I would replace the pump ,or you could break down again and while broken down you could have your trailer full of tools nicked ,is it worth it?

Click to expand...

Two points in reply.

I only jiggled the connector and the pump started to run and has been fine every time I have gone to start it.
If I buy a new pump and get the same problem I will be miffed.Problem is the contacts were clean so am unsure if its the pump or not.

We don`t have thieves in this part of Lincolnshire,the wolds panther eats them.

Question.
What tools do you good people carry in your Freelander and why?
I carry a set of cheap spanners,Screwdriver set,fine nose mole grips(mainly for the locking wheel nut caps)spare belts and 24mm spanner and a pack of hose clips plus a small jar of paranoia.