Has anyone else found their FL2 gear change really awful?

I generally like driving my 2007 HSE, except changing gear when it makes me cringe each time. Going from 1st to 2nd is the worst, especially when its cold, but still sounds/feels cheap noisy and tinny when warmed up.

Took it do dealer when it was under warranty...he took it for a drive and said it was 'normal'...due to all linkages and 4x4 engineering.

I've driven a lot of cars in my time and never really hated a gear change before but I'm considering getting rid of the car if this is how it should be, Best description of the feel is a real plasticy clunk!

Couple of questions:-
1. Anyone else found this?
2. Could a mechanic quieten down linkages or whatever lies underneath do you think?

Definitely not normal what you're experiencing, my first car was a manual and the change was spot on, although when cold 1st to 2nd was slightly notchy.
It was one of the things that sold me, was how good a gearchange it was so the dealer is talking crap to say 'that's how it is'.
Has it always been like that or have you had the car a short time?, you either have worn/dry linkages or badly adjusted, it should not be like that.

Last edited by EYorkshire on 16th Mar 2011 8:39 pm. Edited 2 times in total

pop the bonnet find the gear selector cables, oil/grease them. should work wonders

http://www.freel2.com/forum/topic1435.html?

if it still needs more then lift the gear gaiter and oil the linkages underneath 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

Thanks CG will try that....it's not really a squeak though as described in that link...more clunky. But it's got to be worth a try.

EYorkshire - I've only had since September - its been the same since all along. To be honest I've found my dealer does talk crap so I don't trust a word they say. Car has only done 52k so not mega high mileage.

Can't find any other complaints on the forum when I've done searches so seems strange...

mine was clunky before I fixed it 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

chicken george wrote:

mine was cluky before I fixed it

Take the chickens out of the boot then.

got to say mines silky smooth.  Don't put petrol in a diesel. They don't run well.

Boxer wrote:

got to say mines silky smooth.

mines hairy 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

chicken george wrote:

Boxer wrote:

got to say mines silky smooth.

mines hairy

Philistine.  Don't put petrol in a diesel. They don't run well.

CG and Boxer - you are missing the possessive apostrophe in mines. What would teacher think  MY 09 GS manual in Lago Grey, Wood Co arm rest and side bumper strips - now sold.

MY 15 SD4 SE Auto Orkney Grey with colour coded Bumper Door Mouldings

bad enough having a possessive wife, never mind a possessive apostrophe  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

We've had our manual Freelander (2009 '59' GS TD4_e) for just over a year now and having covered 16k, the gearbox still feels clunky. I raised this isssue with the dealer back in September when the car had it's first service and I was told that it was normal and that it would get smoother as the mileage increased! That was 6k ago and it's still clunky!

We also have a Focus, which I drive a lot and I'm still amazed at the diffrence when I get back into the Freelander.

Andy

thr FL2 gearchange is just as good as a Golf GTi or a mini cooper.........................brilliant !!

Iain

agreed its a very smooth shift, or atleast it is when the cables run nice, I re-greased mine recently not to fix anything just to ensure they remain operating correctly, until the group financial controller allows a new car purchase She says currently all spare funds are allocated for new shoes and handbags. 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

My gear change is excellent, no clunks and shifts smoothly hot or cold, never had a problem with it at all. I was only wrong once and thats when I thought I was but wasnt.

2010 Freelander 2 XS Stornaway Grey
2010 Aston DBS Morning Frost
2010 Bentley Continental Brooklands Green

My gear change is a little clunky especially between 2nd to 3rd.
I'm going to try whats been suggested here.