Well all the software uploads that LR Technical provided didn't work, so they sent a new fusebox/main control unit which arrived at the dealers today. The dealer fitted it and - hallelujah! - the electrics came back to life. First thing it told them was that there was a fault with the instrument pack, so new one of those due to be fitted tomorrow. All being well they can then get on with fixing the problems I took it in with in the first place! So hopefully I'll be getting it back on Saturday.

In the meantime, this week I've been getting around in a TD4 "S" that they took off the forecourt to lend me. It's also an auto, and that's led to quite a surprise for me. I'd began to wonder if I might have been happier if I had got an auto in the first place, but despite being a big fan of LR autos (my D3 was an auto), and having already done 250 miles with the auto loan car, I have to say that I actually prefer my manual. Don't know exactly why, maybe it's because driving an Auto D3 feels fine because it's so big and you feel more "detached" from the driving experience in it, whereas the FL2 is more car-like so the manual box makes me feel more in control. Horses for courses, I guess.

Anyway, it's a great step forward since last week's Fiesta, but all the same I'm looking forward to getting my baby back.

Manual is a great choice, I think why I prefer the auto is I've never had one before so that part of the car is obviously very new to me whereas the 'car' and interior is as before. Either or, I don't think you can make a mistake.

Just had a call from the dealer, followed by a call 2 minutes later from LR CS; they are having to do a "line pinch" for my replacement instrument panel (i.e. nick one off the production line), so obviously it's not going to be fitted today as hoped for, but fingers crossed there's still time before the end of the week.

So I apologise in advance if any new owner picks up their brand new FL2 over the next couple of months and finds a gaping hole behind the steering wheel.

Booo.... still no instrument pack from LR, so it'll be into Week 3 we go

not good NF hope it comes next week or your left foot may never recover ...is it still twitching ?

25 Sep: New fuse/control unit has brought my car back to life
25 Sep: Need a new instrument pack, but it is not a stock item
26 Sep: LR are going to do a "line pinch" and take one off the production line
1 Oct: Instrument pack is specific to VIN, so LR can't do a line pinch, possible 4-6 weeks to order
2 Oct: LR Customer Services have managed to get an instrument pack, and courier it to my dealer
2 Oct: Instrument pack hasn't fixed the problem
3 Oct: LR Tech reckon changing the ignition "key" system will fix it, new one arriving at dealers tomorrow

This is where LR lets itself down.....bigtime Someone at LR must know very easily with all the diagnostic gubbins on these cars where the error is. Even if you end up defaulting to factory settings and loading up variations. These repairs seem very 'amatuerish' and frustrating for the customer, not to mention you loose faith in the dealer even if it is not their fault. Good Luck NF keep us up to date fella .

Well, I've issued an ultimatum to the dealer today, so we'll see how it all pans out. I'll keep my fingers crossed for tomorrow, but won't be holding my breath.

Well, the ignition assembly didn't work, but I'm not actually surprised any more. So it now looks like my car's going to be on its way back to LR for the boffins or eggheads or whatever they have there to get there hands on it. I'm getting bored of this now.

Why do i get the feeling the FL2 won`t be topping the JD power ratings score for reliability whoevers been in charge of quality control at the factory wants

Don't want to tempt fate but my new one is great Probably went through sixteen PDi's and inspections at LR before they gave it to me....one buy back is enough for anybody

I'll break my silence vow and say only this: NF patience my friend! Don't lose faith!

Hello def old boy!!! you been on holiday or still beating away at those fires Have not heard from you much are you 'playing the game'

To be honest it would be easier if the FL2 was actually unreliable, then at least when problems occurred there would be a known fix, rather than leaving even LR Tech stumped.

I have now replaced my FL2 icon with that of my loan car in protest.

Hi Carl, check your mail my friend.
NIghtFox you have a PM as well.
My protest is my silence vow for the time being!