Freelander TD4's Black Smoke & Power Loss: Diagnosis Help

Hey there! I've got some experience with diesel engines, though I'd say I'm at a low-to-medium expertise level. I actually had a really similar issue with my 2009 Discovery TD4. The symptoms you're describing ring a bell, I had black smoke and power issues after changing the fuel filter. Turned out there was an error in the system that needed to be reset. Took it to my regular workshop and they sorted it by doing a proper diagnostic scan and reset. The whole thing cost me 45 Euro, which wasn't too bad considering how worried I was initially! But before jumping to conclusions, could you tell us if you've had any recent work done on the fuel system? Also, what's the mileage on your Freelander? These details would help understand if we're dealing with the same issue. The Disco and Freelander share quite a few components in their fuel systems, so I might be able to help more once you share those details.

Thanks for sharing your experience! My Freelander's at 151144 KM and just had its service last month. Actually, no recent work on the fuel system, but these issues started popping up gradually over the last few weeks. It's been running fine until then. I'm really hoping it's just the pressure regulator like my mechanic thinks, and not something more serious. Been looking after it pretty well, but you know how these older diesels can be sometimes! Did your Discovery show any other warning lights besides the engine management one when you had similar problems?

Hey again! Yeah, I totally get your concern. You know, when I had those issues with my Discovery, I actually did see the engine management light, but no other warning lights. But thinking about your situation more, with it starting gradually and no recent fuel system work, it might be different from what I experienced. On my Disco, I also noticed the issues got worse in cold weather, which was a bit of a tell-tale sign. Since you're taking good care of yours and it's got similar mileage to what mine had (mine was around 160000 KM when this happened), I'd definitely get the fuel pressure regulator checked. The gradual onset of problems you're describing actually sounds more serious than what I dealt with. My quick reset fix probably won't do the trick here. I might be wrong, but there could be a clog or wear in the fuel system somewhere. These TD4 engines can be sensitive to that kind of stuff. Have you noticed if it's worse when you first start up in the morning? That was another thing with mine, though mine cleared up pretty quick after the reset. Since yours has been getting progressively worse, might be worth getting a second opinion before just replacing the regulator. These symptoms can sometimes be tricky to diagnose correctly! Let me know what you end up finding out, always good to know for future reference with these engines!

Thanks for the detailed follow-up! Yes, actually, it is worse during cold starts, probably should've mentioned that earlier. It takes a good 5 minutes of rough idling before it starts running somewhat normally. Really appreciate your insights about getting a second opinion, think I'll do that before jumping into replacing parts. You're right about these TD4 engines being sensitive; my 's got one too and always says they're great when running well but can be proper headaches when things go wrong! I'll definitely keep you posted about what the second mechanic says. Thanks again for taking the time to share your experience, it's given me a better idea of what I might be dealing with here. Makes me feel a bit better knowing others have dealt with similar issues and got them sorted without breaking the bank!