I love my Freelander2, but am I the only one to have reservations about the push-button starter? In general use it's fine, but I had an experience last week which made me wonder whether the conventional key might be better. I was coming down a 1 in 7 hill, covered with compacted ice, with an S-bend. All was going well, until I somehow stalled the engine (I'm still not sure quite how that happened). I panicked, braked and could feel the back of the car swinging out. I ended up at rightangles to the kerb, but managed to reverse the rest of the way down the hill. I'm not an experienced off-roader (yet!) but can't help thinking that with a conventional key I'd have been able to re-start it in a split second and, hopefully, maintain full control of the vehicle. I'd be interested to hear other people's views.

You may have unwittingly touched the starter button as I did it once & it shut down the engine whilst in motion.

I for one can't see the idea of the Freelander system, it is completely pointless & a key would be far simpler unless it was a system not requiring the fob to be inserted. (Past) Freelander 2 HSE 2010 MY In Rimini Red.
(Past) RR Evoque Dynamic Lux Si4 In Firenze Red.
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(Present) Freelander Metropolis 2015 MY In Santorini Black with Ivory Premium Leather.

b4bertie wrote:

I love my Freelander2, but am I the only one to have reservations about the push-button starter? In general use it's fine, but I had an experience last week which made me wonder whether the conventional key might be better. I was coming down a 1 in 7 hill, covered with compacted ice, with an S-bend. All was going well, until I somehow stalled the engine (I'm still not sure quite how that happened). I panicked, braked and could feel the back of the car swinging out. I ended up at rightangles to the kerb, but managed to reverse the rest of the way down the hill. I'm not an experienced off-roader (yet!) but can't help thinking that with a conventional key I'd have been able to re-start it in a split second and, hopefully, maintain full control of the vehicle. I'd be interested to hear other people's views.

Why couldn't you dip the clutch and press the start button quickly?
If you had a new e model you just dip the clutch and it restarts itself anyway

I agree it is an ill thought out system, but hopefully will be replaced by a keyless go set up soon. At work
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"I can't always believe facts I read on the web" - Charles Dickens

winner by default of the tractor vs caravan race

HDC will work with the engine that's stalled, uses the built breaking pressure in the system, though with the lack of power steering and everything going to the brown pants Dept I'm nit sure what I would have done either Former Mod/Member, with the most post & Chicken George Arch nemesis

Surely you shouldn't be able to shut off the engine whilst moving???? Is that not a major safety issue?

yes just press the button engine will stop At work
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"I can't always believe facts I read on the web" - Charles Dickens

winner by default of the tractor vs caravan race

A single push wont work, wont stop the engine.
You need to double-click it to stop the engine.
At least like this is on my car, which is automatic. While in Drive or Reverse, you can't stop the engine by pressing the button by mistake. If you really want to stop it, you must double-click it.
You guys with manuals, could you check if this is the case? Single or double click when the car is moving?

Last edited by alex_pescaru on 7th Dec 2010 8:43 pm. Edited 1 time in total

Doesn't do that on ours, push the button as much as you like and the engine won't stop unless the car is stationary  ______________________
2011 Full Fat RR 4.4 TDV8
2012 FL2 SD4 Auto HSE
2013 Kawasaki Versys 650

Please Dave, try the double click trick when moving. Maybe it will stop. Of course, if you want to experiment...

Trying to get me to have an accident are we

Tried it loads of times after the salesman told me it wouldn't turn it off (I was trying to prove him wrong), but he was right, single click, double click, treble click etc etc and it won't turn off. ______________________
2011 Full Fat RR 4.4 TDV8
2012 FL2 SD4 Auto HSE
2013 Kawasaki Versys 650

The idea behind not having a conventional key and barrel is for safety; ie banging you knees during impact and that area is now protected by airbag.
Must admit though, i'd much prefer keyless ignition.

I'd prefer an iris recognition system

Dave you have to hold the button down for a little while but it does stop, I tested it once on my farm lane. Also a friend of mine tested it for me as I was driving, the muppet  At work
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"I can't always believe facts I read on the web" - Charles Dickens

winner by default of the tractor vs caravan race

Junior wrote:

I'd prefer an arse recognition system

 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