Hi guys,

So my FL2 has





failed to start 3 times in the last 2 weeks, checked battery and looks like it’s on its way out. Problem I have when looking for a new one is there seems to be 2 different lengths that come up, a 27cm and a 31cm length battery. Does anyone know just by looking at my battery what size I’d need to order? I’m at work at the moment or I would have just measured it myself. I’ll upload a picture, thanks guys!

Your non starting could well be those corroded terminals.

The Tayna website suggests the correct battery is 278mm long. https://www.tayna.co.uk/ Currently enjoying:
2011 Freelander 2 TD4 XS (SOLD)
2013 BMW X3 20D M-Sport Auto
2007 Jaguar XK 4.2 Coupe

A kettle of hot water on those terminals won’t go amiss and the a good dollop of Vaseline for good measure. FL2 MY10 TD4 GS traded in at 2 years
FL2 MY13 TD4 GS Current

Not sure if that's corrosion or discoloured grease on the +ve terminal. Worth a check in any case. You don't say what model you have but the picture looks exactly like the battery fitment on our 2008 GS, in which case what you have is the 315mm option, also suggested by the ratings. Shorter battery is type 096, longer one is 110 if you're looking at generic batteries rather than searching for compatible from Halfords, Eurocarparts etc. Note that the shorter battery is 15mm taller which may be a consideration.

Don't get an AGM battery unless your car is start/stop.

This is what we fitted a couple of years ago, and you'll need to remove the clip on bit outlined in red, or it won't properly fit.

Click image to enlarge

I fitted this one a couple of months ago, its 317mm long. (ebay - eBay Item No. 272477650967)

As everybody else says clean up the terminals but definitely do it BEFORE you put them onto a new battery.

It doesn't look like you have the extra earth strap from the - post of the battery direct to the starter mounting bolt, a worthwhile mod.

Prior to changing mine I plugged one of these (ebay - eBay Item No. 152649826483) in. It allowed me to see how the battery was performing, I even plugged it into the boot, so I could see it through the window, then I could check the voltage while the car was at rest.

To be honest, I think it’s discoloured grease but I’ll double check when I get home. Didn’t know I could just put a a kettle of boiled water over them to clean them up, is it that easy?

I would fitting the extra earth lead,clean up all the connections including the earth to the body.then give it a deep charge and see how it goes.

Thanks, is there a thread or some sort of guidance I could follow on how to fit this earth lead, also what does that do? Haha! Not very good at this stuff!

Yes there's a big thread on adding the extra earth lead,follow back your existing earth lead to the bulkhead rear right hand side.check the condition of earth lead .clean up the connection or replace the lead.
Bob

Thanks, I’ll have a look for the thread. The battery in the car looks like the existing LR battery, if that’s the case it might be an idea to change it anyway, that would make it 7 years old

Check the voltage first, when engine is off if it's 12,xx Volt means battery is still good, else battery is about to die
Also that corrosion (if it is the case) needs to be clean as well

I use BOSCH battery as alternative, just ensure the AMP is match and size is either smaller or fit the battery box

I fitted this one. 110T/115. Exact fit, matching spec, at £65.95 fantastic value!
https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=ht...2012102069

Bob 10MY (Sept 09) TD4 HSE Auto in Stornoway Grey (Now Gone)

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

^^^ just ordered one of those today, thanks for the info dunkley201 👍

Note also that there is a little plastic breather pipe that needs removing and fitting to the new battery. You should find a small hole in the correct place, and will need to prize out the plug. Make sure you get the correct end - the battery I bought had a plugged hole at both ends. Ex AA Series III LWB Safari - Gone
300TDi Disco (bought new - terrible car) sent back after 18 months
Freelander 1 Estate - leased, given back at end of lease
200TDi Disco (bought from a mate with 100,000 on the clock) - Gone
Disco 2 TD5 - sold and exported to France
FR2 TD4 GS - Gone
FR2 SD4 HSE - Now changed for a DS
New model ex-demo Evoque S 180 in white
Unable to order a new DS, so gave up. Now have a Volvo S90 Recharge.