Freelander 2 Servicing Guide

There are fewer service jobs needed on later models but, as Dave Barker explains, Freelander 2 makes up for that with a couple of very awkward filters

There may be fewer service jobs on later Td4s but there are a couple of awkward filter changes that need to be completed

Aroutine service carried out correctly and in accordance with the vehicle manufacturer’s procedures and service schedule should generally keep any vehicle running correctly. During a service, along with the normal oil and filter change, a number of other items are also checked over and inspected for wear or damage. Often this means spotting problems before they de- velop and eventually cause the vehicle to fail. Although servicing can only be a good thing, it’s important to ensure that the work and components used comply with the conditions of any vehicle warranty.

The annual service on the later models, such as this 2013 model year Freelander 2 diesel, has become simpler than we are used to on the pre-2000 models. It’s often now little more than an oil and filter change and a general inspection. But later cars often afford less space for working access, and even simple items that need changing, such as the oil filter, are often difficult to reach, and even draining the sump means first removing an engine undertray. On a modern car one of the main DIY issues is resetting the service warning light or message displayed on the instrument panel. The Freelander 2 has such a warning message, informing the owner of the number of days in which a service is due then, after the due date, it shows the number of miles covered since the service became overdue. To reset this warning message the Freelander needs to be connected to suitable diagnostic test equipment to have the message cancelled electronically.

Land Rover recommends the Freelander 2 is given an A-service every 12 months or 15,000 miles (whichever comes first), and B-service every 24 months or 30,000 miles (at 150,000 miles the engine ancillary belt and cam belt are renewed, and the transmission and rear diff oils are changed at this mileage or ten-yearly, whichever comes first). The main differences between the A and B services are that on the A-service the engine oil and filter and the pollen filter are replaced and the Freelander inspected. During a B-service, in addition to the items in the A-service, both the fuel and air filters are changed. However, at Maddison 4x4, experience has shown that, for the difference in cost, it’s best for customers if they carry out a B-service each time, especially considering that the fuel and air filters (scheduled for change every 30,000 miles) show signs of dirt and blockage after only 15,000 miles. The work detailed here completes the B-service.