Hi,
i also have an 02 freelander, it shifts hard (either hesitiates then bangs into gear, or revs for a second or so then shifts) into second. Fluid is clean and full. It's the transmission itself? Nothing else it can be?
It also threw a code p1472, which is the variable vane intake control I think?
Is the variable intake expensive to buy?
And thank you again!!

 

ok...first...the problem with the shifting may be that the (3) rear differential rubber mounts have deteriorated so that as the trans shifts the diff moves and causes a jerk or "bang" that you are feeling..they are fairly cheap and not terrible to replace. Also , the tranny is electrically controled and there is a large round black connector , accessible from the engine bay....check there for corrosion
there are 2 VIS motors that control the butterfly vanes in the intake manifold...it's quite common for those to be bad...and before you replace them...you need to see if the vanes arent broken....and then you would need a new or different manifold....check youtube for some fairly good videos on the diagnosis and repair of that....

 

Thank you!!!