All diesels are like a bag of bolts at first when it's cold, so probably OK unless it's really bad.

Been driving diesels for many years, not the normal diesel starting more like two cylinders then three then all of them!

Richard FL2 07 TD4 GS Auto
Ex 02 TD4 Auto

Ah - that could be faulty glowplugs, some working, some not.

Mine sounding roughy as a badgers arse, have posted before about smoking on start up but it's seems a lot worse than I would expect from a modernish diesel, some have said this could be normal but I don't know. Put some vpower and still no different. Would dodged glow plugs cause this? It's a white blueish smoke? I feel a trip to the dealers on the cards but would like to know what to expect on start up before I was my time going there. Cheers

White is usually unburnt diesel so could be glow plugs, the old diesels used to knock and smoke(white) until they started. Today -3 and started perfectly after short delay.


Richard FL2 07 TD4 GS Auto
Ex 02 TD4 Auto

Our Freelys will start in several minus temperatures even if the glow plugs are faulty or not working at all, as ours did in -6C the other day (after three starting attempts). However in moderately cold temperatures (from ca. -8C) it probably wont start at all, as ours didn't yesterday. However today it has new glow plugs fitted so hopefully end of problem.

Otherwise, starting in cold temperatures (down to -28C at least) with the glow plugs working normally, the engine starts immediately after the delay (delay length depending how cold it is) with the glow plug indicator illuminated on the dash for the duration of the start procedure.

If your Freely starts but have no glow plug indicator illuminated, it is probably not cold enough to warrant their use. However, if it is "very cold", no glow plug indicator illuminated and "no start" they will probably need changing. 2007 Freelander 2 HSE TD4 Manual with Premium Pack & Moonroof.
Stornoway Grey with Ebony Black Pleather, Clear Indicators, Body Side Mouldings etc.

Re the title really

Has your glow plug light and or cold cranking warning come on yet?

The other night it was 1 c no light or message started up right away

Last night 0 c no light or message started up right away

The only thing i have goten so far is the snow flake on by the temp display

If yours has at what temp? Freelander 57 plate XS Blue Auto

Glowplug symbol has been on every morning for days now with a small delay before cranking, can't say I took much notice of the temps but certainly at 4 degrees and lower.

Snow flake appears at 4 degrees or lower, no glow plug light though not sure I'ts working. FL2 SD4 Metropolis Auto Santorini Black / ivory completely stock.

It's true that light travels faster than sound, some people look quite intelligent until you hear them speak.


Stop global winging.

No sign of glow plug symbol on mine - lowest 0 deg so far.

Even last year when it was -6 deg mine didn't come on (or at best flashed briefly once). Car seemed to start OK though.

Pete 2007 TD4 HSE Auto

The 07 model I had the Glow Plug never did light up, always started fine, would just get a delay, how long depended on how cold it was from when pressing the Start Button to the start of Cranking, the MY11 glow plug lit and delay before cranking depending on the temp, wouldn't worry, if it starts ok leave it be.

I never got the delay either............

Pete 2007 TD4 HSE Auto

In cold weather I normally press start button without touching the brake pedal to bring the ignition on whilst I put seat belt on which is usually sufficient time for the engine to fire without any delay. FL2 SD4 Metropolis Auto Santorini Black / ivory completely stock.

It's true that light travels faster than sound, some people look quite intelligent until you hear them speak.


Stop global winging.

Once at -1 but not since and its been as low as -3 but it started ok.

Richard FL2 07 TD4 GS Auto
Ex 02 TD4 Auto

Mines been on every day for a week or so now with a second or two delay Usually -2c or so in the mornings when I start it, always fine in the evening.