Hi;

I have a 2002 Land Rover Freelander SE with 92,000 miles on it. Today I pulled into a parking lot and the vehicle seemed to start struggling with power, the revs died and then the engine just died on me. I managed to get it into a parking bay thankfully.

My friend has looked at it and thinks it may be the fuel filter? But where is it located? Any other ideas what it could be?? When it died I tried turning the engine over and it started for about 5 seconds and died again. Now all you hear is the engine trying to turn over.

Help!!!!

 

Fuel pumps are a common cause of no-start issues on these vehicles. Remove the engine cover, locate the schraeder valve on the fuel rail, remove the cap, turn the key on, and use a small screwdriver to push down the valve briefly. If fuel shoots out, then the fuel pump is not to blame and if you don't get any fuel, or just a slight trickle, then check power to the pump. Check fault codes if possible as well.

 

If this is a North American model it MIGHT just be the fuel filter. The Freelander has an unusual fuel filter, not the cylinder type that you would find on most vehicles fuel lines. To check the filter you must flip the rear seats forwards and pull up the carpet. You'll see an access hatch with about 8 screws in it. Remove this hatch to access the fuel pump. The pump itself must be removed and is secured by the black locking ring running around the top. Disconnect the fuel and electrical lines and then remove the ring (this ring is VERY hard to refit so pay close attention, someone mechanically inclined would be helpful). Once you've removed the locking ring you can lift out the pump (this is messy, don't ruin your interior, best done on a near empty tank and have a bucket ready). On the bottom of the pump you will find an oddly shaped semi-rigid plastic screen, THIS is your fuel filter. If you've been using economy grade fuel it's probably black by now and must be replaced, you will have to buy this part from a dealer or Land Rover specific parts store as they're rare as hell. Idealy this filter should be clear/beige in color. I had the exact same problem about 3000 miles ago, after replacing the pitch black filter the problem has not reoccured. The dealer may try to sell you a new pump, just take my word and start at the filter.


Good luck and cheers

Chris

 

Most importantly, make sure you can hear your fuel pump running.

 

the fuel pump on my 02 Freelander S died last summer. was driving up a small hill, lost power. started up once, then that was it. had to get it towed to the shop. supposedly a common problem...