I don't know how many of you have been following the updates regarding this cold spell we're having in the UK. The latest update being the high pressure currently accross scandanavia and us could bring substantial snow to the whole of the UK should the wind change to a NE direction. I'm not being boring!! Have any of you operated your TD4's in extremely cold conditions without any fuel additives or fuel heaters?? According to the weather forecast the nighttime temperatures could fall below -10, in which case our diesels may not start??!!

I wish I had a garage now!! Gone - TD4 XS Auto, Sumatra Black, Mud flaps and side strips, clear indicators, private plate, privacy glass

You should be OK down to -15 C or so , I've run diesels or years and have not had frozen/waxed fuel for at least 20 years.

Fuel companies tend to only add the antifreeze additives to the fuel in the winter months, so don't use any fuel you may have in a can bought in summer etc 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

Its not just the UK that gets cold weather
Thought I would let you worry'ers that it has been -8 C here today and after one press on the start the Freely fired up after 6-seconds - so no worries.
Last winter she started with no problems in minus 15 degrees.  2007 Freelander 2 HSE TD4 Manual with Premium Pack & Moonroof.
Stornoway Grey with Ebony Black Pleather, Clear Indicators, Body Side Mouldings etc.

Last edited by AndyC on 30th Dec 2008 8:28 pm. Edited 1 time in total

Cheers CG. I thought technology must have moved on to account for this. Here's hoping we get loads of snow to check out the GGS mode.

thanks again
Phil  Gone - TD4 XS Auto, Sumatra Black, Mud flaps and side strips, clear indicators, private plate, privacy glass

AndyC wrote:

Its not just the UK that gets cold weather
Thought I would let you worry'ers that it has been -8 C here today and after one press on the start the Frely fired up after 6-seconds - so no worries.
Last winter she started with no problems in minus 15 degrees.

Yeah it was - 6 here last night and my FL2 fired up okay, albeit a bit clattery (to be expected). Good to hear you've started it ok in -15. I would just hate to have snow to know I can't go out and drive in it due to frozen diesel!!  Gone - TD4 XS Auto, Sumatra Black, Mud flaps and side strips, clear indicators, private plate, privacy glass

Just wondering what's the lowest temperature the dashboard will display? I've had it down to -9, but was wondering if it can go to minus double digits.

Highlandcow wrote:

Just wondering what's the lowest temperature the dashboard will display? I've had it down to -9, but was wondering if it can go to minus double digits.

Had some very cold in the midlands -6 etc but mine only ever shows 0.  Freelander2 GS TD4 Manual in Lago Grey .Roof Mount DVD 9.2''Screen~Window Tints~Parrot CK3100 Bluetooth~Retro Fit Sony Satnav~iPhone Dashmount~Side Steps~Woodco Armrest~Mudflaps~Land Rover Sunglass Holder~LED Interior Lights~Private Plate.Evoque Collected 17th Sept 2012.


Also Audi TT Roadster.

Minus 10 C this morning - one press and after 6-seconds the Freely started as normal  2007 Freelander 2 HSE TD4 Manual with Premium Pack & Moonroof.
Stornoway Grey with Ebony Black Pleather, Clear Indicators, Body Side Mouldings etc.

Highlandcow wrote:

Just wondering what's the lowest temperature the dashboard will display? I've had it down to -9, but was wondering if it can go to minus double digits.

-24 is showing on this one and judging by the sound of the engine, it is bl dy freezing!!

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=VbUlMu7Dic0 Gone - TD4 XS Auto, Sumatra Black, Mud flaps and side strips, clear indicators, private plate, privacy glass

Is it me or did he start it before the pre-heat / glow plug light went out...... not surprised it struggled!

I agree it didn't sound quite right. Almost as though it was firing up literally cylinder at a time!!  Gone - TD4 XS Auto, Sumatra Black, Mud flaps and side strips, clear indicators, private plate, privacy glass

re pre heat glow plugs.


I thought that on my FL2 all the pre heating etc was automatic.

ie, put in the remote, foot on brake, press button. If engine too cold, the starter will automatically be delayed until the glow plugs have done their job, and the starter will operate.

Am I now to understand that in very cold weather, I should look out for a glow plug icon to come on, wait for it to go out, then push the button?

I am off soon down to Spain (warm!), but it will be quite cold in the mornings as we travel over the Pyrennes

Perhaps Charles Hurst, or those of you in the really cold places can correct me.

glow plugs are auto, as said delay in starting whilst car is brought up to temp Former Mod/Member, with the most post & Chicken George Arch nemesis

npinks wrote:

glow plugs are auto, as said delay in starting whilst car is brought up to temp

I've watched the clip now

To me the light goes off and the engine starts to crank, which is what mine does if its cold

What you hear in the clip is a engine struggling to start, from what sounds to be a flat battery, and looks to be as the dash display looks to fail too as well.

Maybe worth insulating the battery if your in a colder climate  Former Mod/Member, with the most post & Chicken George Arch nemesis