A couple of mornings this past week when pressing the start button it seemed to fire on a couple of cylinders then stop. It then went through the start process again without me touching the button and started. For the rest of the day it was fine.

My initial thoughts are that it's one or more glow plugs at fault.

It's three and a half years old with 22,000 miles on the clock. It's not used on a daily basis, just occasionally in the winter if the weather is bad and for long runs in the summer, it's kept in the garage when not in use.

Any thoughts? Andyfr

Any ideas what it could be? Andyfr

We went on a 400 mile drive and it started fine while we were away. I checked the battery with a multimeter after leaving it in the garage back home for a couple of weeks and it read 12.19. When I went to start it the next time it struggled before starting, I assume I need to get a new battery.

If that is the case then any recommendations on brand? The factory one is Exide but I'm not too impressed as it's only lasted three and a half years. Andyfr

Hi Andy, I would reccomend you search on the forum for information on a smart battery charger that you can leave permanent plugged in.
There are smart chargers that cycle the battery charge voltage in periodic high voltage followed by low trickle voltage.
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You might investigate using a tow bar socket on the car for easy connect/ disconnect.
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Smart chargers knock the surface cra* off the plates and keep the battery working.
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I have a similar system on my Narrowboat and are still using cabin and engine start batteries that are now 12 plus years old!
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Kind regards from Fred.
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Hi Fred

I do have a smart charger I use for the compact tractor I have and did think about getting another for the Freelander. I decided that it would be better to get a new battery as this one is probably on its way out. If I was only keeping the car for a short time then that would be different.

Kind regards Andyfr

Hi Andy,
I doubt very much if your battery is dead, it's just going to sleep because of sulphating of the plates from lack of use.
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Give it a good kickstart with that battery charger, try and flatten it with say an old spotlight, recharge and flatten again a few times.
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A modern day OE factory battery should last say 5 - 7 years.
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Kind regards
Fred.
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Hi Fred

Might be worth a try. Thanks for the advice.

Kind regards Andyfr

I decided to replace the battery as I need the charger for the tractor. Did it on Saturday and now sorted.  Andyfr

Andy,
Pleased you got sorted.
I had a simular issue to you, when we had our landy for around six months. It was around 4 years old then with 65k on the clock. Issue was mainly over the winter months. I changed the battery for a decent one, came with 3 years warranty. 18 months on, had no further issues. Landy has now gone.