QuestionHi John,
I own 2003 SE Freelander which has been having trouble to start for the last three months (or four appointments at the dealer). Before my first appointment related to this problem, the car started having trouble to start (typical of when a battery is about to fail). The first time the dealer determined just that (bad battery), and they replaced it (in warranty). The problem persisted, when I went back they found that the replaced battery was in itself "bad", therefore I got a second new battery. The problem persisted still after that, and on a third visit they decided to change the fuel pump but the problem did not improve (i.e., disappear). Right now I am waiting for my turn (normally it takes five weeks) for a fourth appointment. Also, just last week the "Service Engine Soon" light came up, staying on for a day or two, then turned off and on two, three days later, and right now is off.
Essentially, the car cranks but takes long to start by itself (without stepping on the gas). The easiest way to start the engine is by cranking just for a second, turning the key off and re-staring it again. Worth mentioning is the smell of gas after I've started the car. I need to do this if the car had been turned off for longer than an hour (like in the morning, during the day), however if the car has been idle for more than 24 hours it starts smoothly like new!
I am trying to figure out if the problem is electric or if it has to to with the gas (ignition) system. The dealer doesn't have a clue, and since the car is still under warranty they will basically do whatever I'll ask them to do! Honestly, I just want to fix it because this funny problem is taking too much of my time , and besides this situation the car is running perfectly!
John, what will be your wildest guess regarding this "ghost story"? I'll appreciate any thoughts you could spare.
Grateful from Puerto Rico!
Lisa :)
Answer¡Hola, Lisa!
Make sure this problem is fixed while you're still under warranty. Once that warranty is over...the costs will soar!
If you are smelling gas while having difficulty starting, it has to be ignition related. Be careful here. If your engine is flooding, I'd worry about what goes out the exhaust. The catalytic convertor can be adversely affected by emissions and a new 'cat' is very expensive.
Seems like your not getting enough spark. It could be a coil problem. It could also be injection related as too much fuel is being given. You mention that a short, quick start - pause - then re-start seems to work. This leads me to think that the initial fuel remains and the restart ignites faster BEFORE the problem invades again.
I wish you well with this. If you have a choice, could you take your Freelander to a different dealer? Are you like some other LR owners on distant islands...stuck with the only dealer available? If you're getting upset with the way they are treating you...escalate the problem within the dealership. Send a message to LRNA or call them and insist the problem be fixed promptly. Four visits for the same problem is sad. LRNA is paying for that and I'm sure they want it resolved as fast as you. So far, the only one enjoying this is the dealership.
Best of luck,
JohnMc
