hi all,

tried to start my 2 year old FL2 diesel this morning, temp was about -7C (and maybe during the night it was - 9C). It's gararged in a "carport" - which means it's covered on 2 sides and a roof - and open on 2 sides.

(It had it's 2nd service last week - so should be in top condition).

And I let the glowplugs prewarm for about 10 secs more than necessary.

It started - but only after about 15 cycles (and the HDC warning showing a few times)

What do you reckon - the struggle to start was just because of the low temps ?

My 2010 MY with 1000 miles on the clock started yesterday morning no problem - outside temp minus 18.2C - it did take a little longer before cranking commenced. Diesels do need a really good battery especially when it is cold.

I did have an other small problem in that the car had a problem with lack of power - however this went after I filled up - I suspect the northern France diesel I had in the tank did not have enough additive in it to stop it waxing up - any thoughts ? Cheers
Gumdrop aka Simon !
-------------------------------------------------
F2 HSE, auto, roof rails, steps, santorini black
Defender 50th
F1 1999, Commercial
Series 1 (1958)
Rebel Replica Series 1

gumdrop wrote:

I did have an other small problem in that the car had a problem with lack of power - however this went after I filled up - I suspect the northern France diesel I had in the tank did not have enough additive in it to stop it waxing up - any thoughts ?

@Jimmy i think its a sensor that gets effected by the cold weather that prokes the HDC warning message

I think the sensor is in the transfer box, its been talked about on here before Former Mod/Member, with the most post & Chicken George Arch nemesis

....and Jimmy, you need to get a battery health check. It's possible that it's reaching the end of its life. A good battery should give a good 3-4 years service but it does depend on usage and duty cycle.

npinks wrote:

@Jimmy i think its a sensor that gets effected by the cold weather that prokes the HDC warning message
I think the sensor is in the transfer box, its been talked about on here before

They all do it dont they at least also on mine in the temperatures we have at the moment  2007 Freelander 2 HSE TD4 Manual with Premium Pack & Moonroof.
Stornoway Grey with Ebony Black Pleather, Clear Indicators, Body Side Mouldings etc.

......thanks for the feedback guys

As mentioned, I just had the 2nd service done - but a battery check was not performed

nope AndyC

my old one did it and they stoped it with a sensor change or a piece of tape covering up the error message screen  Former Mod/Member, with the most post & Chicken George Arch nemesis

Mine has been showing the HDC error message when starting the car in the morning. Temps around the -2 to -6 over the past couple of days.

Another item on the list for its service in January!

the haldex oil is too cold and thick to rise to full pressure immediately on startup, so a temporary warning flashes up.
Not 100% fact but it seems a reasonable explanation. based on other info from this forum..not just a wild guess 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

Last edited by chicken george on 21st Dec 2009 5:10 pm. Edited 1 time in total

My 08 HSE seems to struggle in the cold, press the start button, takes a second or two then cranks up but is about 3 or 4 seconds before engine actually kicks in. It always starts first time but is a little concerning that it takes so long

shilen wrote:

My 08 HSE seems to struggle in the cold, press the start button, takes a second or two then cranks up but is about 3 or 4 seconds before engine actually kicks in. It always starts first time but is a little concerning that it takes so long

best if it doesnt start , so nobody sees you in a red freelander  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

npinks wrote:

nope AndyC

my old one did it and they stoped it with a sensor change or a piece of tape covering up the error message screen

Probably the tape fix then  2007 Freelander 2 HSE TD4 Manual with Premium Pack & Moonroof.
Stornoway Grey with Ebony Black Pleather, Clear Indicators, Body Side Mouldings etc.

trust the farmer to come out with a remark like that, how are the nashers??

shilen wrote:

My 08 HSE seems to struggle in the cold, press the start button, takes a second or two then cranks up but is about 3 or 4 seconds before engine actually kicks in. It always starts first time but is a little concerning that it takes so long

shilen: What you are experiencing is supposed to happen and is COMPLETELY NORMAL If you care to look at the Main Message Centre display in the dashboard it will tell you what is happening. If you read the manuel that will also tell you what is happening

ps - its not your HSE that is struggeling in the cold - it seems to be you struggeling to understand what a wonderful vehicle you own  2007 Freelander 2 HSE TD4 Manual with Premium Pack & Moonroof.
Stornoway Grey with Ebony Black Pleather, Clear Indicators, Body Side Mouldings etc.