hi - any technical reasons (apart from fuel economy) not to drive the FL2 permanently in the sand mode ?

The fact it waters down other systems like DSC and doesn't cut traction as quick so you could technically spin and end in a ditch, I see no reason at all

Transmission wind up was what I was going to pick up on.

At best you'll reduce the life of your tyres.

At worst, new Haldex. Sand is intended to be used on sand - slippery/loose. So the transmission locks up (mimicking a locking diff). This isn't a problem in loose underfoot conditions, but on grippy tarmac it is. Mine: 2012 Golf GTI Edition 35
Family's: 2009 Freelander 2 HSE TD4 Auto, Stornoway

Yorkshire - God's County

alternatively just turn off the dsc At work
At home

"I can't always believe facts I read on the web" - Charles Dickens

winner by default of the tractor vs caravan race

Sand mode however tends to cure the lousy flat spot when pulling away from lights etc. Makes the car safe again in my opinion as it can be bloody dangerous in special programs off mode.

Not sure if its emissions related.....will turning off DSC sort out the flat spot?

What flat spot - not noticed one on my TD4 manual.

DSC will not help; even when you turn it off, it doesn't go off fully.

As others have indicated prolonged use of Sand mode in non-sand conditions could lead to problems with the Haldex and electronic centre couplings (e diffs).

Time and again I also turn the sand-mode on, if I need a quick start at traffic lights. Afterwards I switch it off. Sand-mode is useful for getting through deep snow alike

My previous 'manual' TD4e never had a flat spot that I noticed, to cure it take a trip to a LR repair centre as its not a global thing.

Then again, as the manual gearbox is designed to handle a maximum of 380Nm torque and the output of a FL2 diesel can be 400 - 420Nm, perhaps it is 'dampened' a little to protect the gearbox/clutch from disintegrating

npm910 wrote:

Sand mode however tends to cure the lousy flat spot when pulling away from lights etc. Makes the car safe again in my opinion as it can be bloody dangerous in special programs off mode.

Not sure if its emissions related.....will turning off DSC sort out the flat spot?

mine had a flat spot, LR diagnosed pump in haldex or summit

all good now. 

Big Dave wrote:

Transmission wind up was what I was going to pick up on.

When I told my tyre dealer the old ones had worn out in 10000 miles, he said it was wind up, I said no its true.

why not drive on snow mud, the fuel economy difference is awesome : )

I agree on sand mode in deep snow though, sometimes you just need to floor it without eating your brake pads : )