I thought I’d share my experiences with ‘transmission fault, reduced traction’ error message.

First off I changed the original battery in my 2011 Freelander 2, the only thing that altered was that ‘stop/start’ worked for the first time.

I then checked for error codes with a Autel dongle and following codes were present:
U3000-87 Intermittent. Control Module
P1889-14. Permanent. Oil pressure pump performance

A local garage suggested if the Haldex was serviced (£210) it might clear the problem, worst case I might need a new pump (approx £250) as well. The car was with them all day, I went to collect & discovered that nothing had been done. They confirmed I had a faulty pump and the Haldex ecu was also faulty. I was then informed I had to pay a one off £98 diagnosis fee - ouch!! Also that the ecu might be able to be repaired at about £250 rising to £600 if it couldn’t be repaired, new pump was now about £400 and labour charge of £300.

I made a hasty retreat reluctantly paying the diagnosis fee. What to do next? Do a 5 hour round trip to Bell Engineering?
I was then recommended to speak to Paul of P.G. Motors Swansea, ex Volvo mechanic.

No problem he’d worked on lots of Volvo, VW & Landrover Haldex systems. He was happy for me to source the parts and agreed to do the job for £100.

Second hand pump from eBay £70, second hand ecu & service kit from a Bell engineering £260.

Work completed today, I now have a 4 wheel drive FL2 again, all error codes & messages gone! If you’re in the Swansea area and have similar problems I’d recommend P.G.Motors!