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Back in February, after 8 trips to Mylchreests, the hesitation problem caused by a misbehaving Exhaust Gas Recirculation system was resolved. Or so I thought:-

Actually getting Mylchreests to correct the issue was difficult enough. First they couldn’t fix it if they couldn’t replicate it. I pointed out there was a Land Rover service bulletin about this very issue and a new firmware load for the ECU was required. But they didn’t have the disc (the bulletin had been out for over a year!). So after 3 trips back the the dealer, the car had the latest firmware installed, a new fuel pressure regulator and a new airflow meter (known TD4 issue) to eliminate it from the possible causes.

Still not working, so they took the car over a weekend and covered a whole 50 miles (!) and said the car drove fine. Not happy with this, I told them I could demonstrate the problem to them, but they couldn’t spare a mechanic for 30 minutes so after a quick trip round the block (the problem only appears after cruising around 50 for a while) I was still no further forward. After complaining, and another “diagnostic” session, I convinced them to allow me to take a mechanic out for a bit longer and the problem was experienced. I asked to temporarily disable the EGR to identify if that was the problem. (6 trips)

It was, and after a week or so, back I went for a new EGR valve. But they decided to simply clean the existing one. After another week, back I went for a new EGR valve! 8 trips. Each one 60 miles (30 miles in our car, 30 in a courtesy car) – 1 whole tank of fuel simply going back and forth from the dealers. But when sorted I was happy with the car. Almost…

I’ve been noticing a buzzing noise, sounding like air escaping under pressure, coming from the car when at idle or when switching off after a journey of more than 10 minutes or so. I didn’t think it was worth another trip to the garage just for this, so left it until the next service. Mylchreests said there was a loose hose under the bonnet, and it was fixed.

Oh yes, the buzzing is fixed, but the hesitation is back! So last night I temporarily disabled the EGR system by removing the vacuum hose that actuates the EGR valve and plugging it. Et voila – the hesitation is gone – and the buzzing is back.

So I guess when it went to have the new valve fitted back in February they found out it still didn’t help (seems the issue is with the EGR programming) and rather than investigate further they simply removed the vacuum hose disabling the system. I guess it was a different mechanic who serviced it this time, and didn’t know the history so stuck the hose back on.

What to do now – I’ll run it for a week or so to make sure the hesitation is really gone, then I’ll phone up again and complain.

After two months, the lock for the Freelander arrived at Mylchreests in Douglas. I booked the car in to have this fitted, and also the problem with intermittent power delivery when pulling away from a junction examined. I told the service people the problem only showed itself after 20 minutes of driving.

When I called in the afternoon, they said the mechanics couldn’t find the problem on the diagnostic computer. (I expected that) but when I asked how long they drove it for – about 10 minutes. Now, this may have been compounded by the fact the problem can be masked by just putting more power on before releasing the clutch. Only attempting a smooth pull-out will show the problem, and most mechinics I’ve observed drive like gorillas with steel clogs. Anyway, they were basically saying there was nothing wrong with it, and they didn’t have the time to take it out for a longer test. Customer Service at it’s best!

After a brief internet search, I found there was a Land Rover technical bullitin about an issue that sounded very similar. It’s an issue with the EGR valve programming. The problem needs a software upgrade, but Mylchreests don’t have the CD required – oh well, when it goes back they can fix the tailgate lock again – it only worked once

So far, so good – still not had the tailgate lock barrel from Mylchreests though!

Now, where's the husky drawropes and shackles

The dog box from Dunragit Kennel Systems has been a great investment. The dogs are happy with the central divider in for short journeys, as they don’t get in each others way. For longer trips when they will settle down, the divider can be taken out to give them space to lie down. I thought it was a bit expensive for what it was, but really, no rattles, much less dog hairs and an added benefit – the dogs can only really see out the back, so no more barking at dogs we pass by…