Hi, this is my first time on the forum and the first Freelander that I bought. I've got a manual TD4, now with 1000 miles on the clock. Its become noticeable that when selecting 1st and 2nd gear the selection is notchy. All the other gear selects are silky smooth apart from 1st and 2nd. Also when selecting 2nd and releasing the clutch it seems to release in two stages, not smooth. Has anyone ever come across this before ? MY13 TD4 Black and White manual - Gone
MY14 TD4 XS manual - Gone
MY13 SD4 HSE Lux

I think its a 'feature'.

T Terran



'The' Car For The Modern Day UK Roads ( ie all the pot holes )

'A Freelander that leaks oil is just marking its territory' - Wise words

Now a member of the FL2 'Silly Bill' Club

Mine is older and much higher mileage. However, at 93k and still on original clutch & DMF. Gear selection should be very easy in all gears. In fact I think it may be the best I have had, especially considering it is a cable linkage and not a stick directly in the 'box as per a RWD motor. Regarding the clutch action, I agree there can sometimes be almost a "second stage". I have previously described it as "like being on a cam". I have not got to the bottom of it, possibly it could be a bit of feedback from the DMF spring action? Bob. 10MY (Sept 09) TD4 HSE Auto in Stornoway Grey (Now Gone)

08 FL2 TD4 SE Manual in Rimini Red (Now Gone)

This is why I have ordered an auto.

My manual GS was terrible changing into 1st or 2nd.
And then there was the whole clutch saga.... (Coming) 2016 RR Evoque td4 180 HSE Dynamc
(Going) 2013 TD4 GS Auto - Santorini Black with black leather. Cold Climate, UK Lighting & Armrest Packs. Privacy Glass. LR Rubber Mats. Full size spare.
60 000 miles averaging 35mpg

(Gone) 2010 TD4 Manual GS - Stornoway Grey. Sold at 3yrs old & 64k miles. Final average consumption 39.2mpg.

Mines the same 

Click image to enlarge

We've just come back to manuals from an auto d3, and I have noticed that the box is a little notchy on first and second. My11 freelander 2, xs, Manual, 18" hse sparkles, sidesteps, privacy, zermatt silver metallic, almond nutmeg alacantra, twin electric towbar

Gone my09 xs D3

Thanks for the feedback. Is it a case of just putting up with it as I presume the dealer will just try to fob me off.
If you could let me have your thoughts

Thanks MY13 TD4 Black and White manual - Gone
MY14 TD4 XS manual - Gone
MY13 SD4 HSE Lux

There was a big thread on it notlong back.... basically drive hard in 1st and 2nd and you should be OK.

T Terran



'The' Car For The Modern Day UK Roads ( ie all the pot holes )

'A Freelander that leaks oil is just marking its territory' - Wise words

Now a member of the FL2 'Silly Bill' Club

My '58 plate is notchy 1st to 2nd. Almost feels like two stages.
Don't think it's that uncommon.

Do wish I bought an auto box now but can't fault it apart from that - coming up to 100k now  2008 FL2 TD4 XS Zermatt Silver, Manual
2010 Jaguar XF

Odd that. I found the gearchange on later models much better even though i'm forever greasing the linkage on my 08. Another member of the failed FL2 clutch/DMF club, twice.

Worth getting it checked out by the dealer.
Might be able to improve it by messing with the linkage given some FL owners reckon theirs is great... (Coming) 2016 RR Evoque td4 180 HSE Dynamc
(Going) 2013 TD4 GS Auto - Santorini Black with black leather. Cold Climate, UK Lighting & Armrest Packs. Privacy Glass. LR Rubber Mats. Full size spare.
60 000 miles averaging 35mpg

(Gone) 2010 TD4 Manual GS - Stornoway Grey. Sold at 3yrs old & 64k miles. Final average consumption 39.2mpg.

Not had any problems with mine since new. Gear changes smooth in all gears. Done about 4500 miles now.

Suggest you go back to dealer and get them to check it over. Disco 4 HSE SDV6 Orkney Grey
Gone FL2 MY13 XS TD4 Manual Orkney Grey

Mine is the same, 2009 GS.

I almost pray that it will be ok when I change from 1st to 2nd, someone is usualy looking when it isnt smooth lol.

I thought it was me at first, I came from an auto D2 ES, but my wifes car is a manual polo so I was still used to manual gear boxes.

I just cant seem to get it right all the time, its SO NICE when it does manage to be a smooth change up.

I took it to the dealer who said that it was fine and nothing they could do.

The biting point is low on mine, if you dont put it hard to the floor when changing it might be the reason for some bad changes but I have done over 4000 miles in it now and still cant get the hang of 1st and 2nd.

I had a TD4e before this one and it was similar, a smooth change from 1st to 2nd depended on where the change was happening within the rev band and a better chance of it happening if given a little 'welly' to match engine/gear speeds, just like there is an optimum point in changing gear without using the clutch.

It is the same with my MY2009. When changing form 1st to the 2nd it requires certain magic to hit the right revs and ensure a smooth transition. Otherwise there will be a noticable jerk. Before FL2 I had several cars with manual gear-box but FL2 was the first where you had to pay particular attention to changing gears.