Freelander TD4: Black Smoke & DPF Issues, Help Needed!

Having some experience with Land Rovers, I faced a similar issue with my 2002 Discovery TD5 last summer. That thick black smoke and power loss sounds all too familiar! My workshop found the DPF was severely clogged, way beyond normal regeneration capabilities. After trying a few forced regens with no luck, they had to do a complete DPF clean and reset the system. Set me back about 1325 Euro, but it's been running like a champ since. Just want to make sure, have you noticed any warning lights? And what's your typical driving pattern like? Short trips can really mess with DPF regeneration cycles. Would help to know this before suggesting anything specific. BTW, if you're looking for a reliable workshop, let me know what you've tried so far. These diesel problems can be tricky, and finding someone who really knows their way around Land Rovers makes a huge difference.

Thanks for sharing your Discovery experience! My Freelander's at 63801 KM, and I just had it serviced last month. The EML light has been flickering on and off, but no other warning lights. I do a mix of driving, but mostly longer trips. Haven't taken it to a workshop yet, was hoping to get some insights here first since these repairs can get pretty expensive. Had a mechanic take a quick look, and he also thought it might be DPF-related, but wasn't 100% sure. Really hoping it won't need a complete DPF replacement like yours did, that price tag makes me nervous! Did you notice any improvement in fuel consumption after the repair? Mine's drinking diesel like there's no tomorrow right now.

Hey again! Yeah, I remember when my Discovery had these issues, definitely nerve-wracking stuff! Since you mentioned the EML light and your mileage, it's sounding even more similar to what I went through. After my DPF clean and reset, fuel consumption dropped right back to normal, was such a relief! I was burning through diesel like crazy before the fix, probably 30-40% more than usual. Now I'm back to getting decent mileage, and the black smoke is completely gone. Just a heads up though, I initially tried some cheaper fixes first, like using DPF cleaner additives and doing some high-speed runs to force regeneration. Wasted about 200 Euro on that before finally biting the bullet and getting it properly sorted. Looking back, I should've just gone straight to the workshop. The flickering EML light is interesting, mine did exactly the same thing before things got worse. Honestly, even though it's expensive, I'd really recommend getting it checked out properly soon. These symptoms tend to get worse, and you might end up causing more damage (and spending more) if you wait too long. Quick question, have you noticed any rattling sounds from the exhaust area? That was another symptom I had that I forgot to mention earlier.

Thanks so much for all that detailed info! This is exactly what I needed to hear. No rattling sounds from the exhaust yet, but after what you've shared, I think I'm going to stop putting this off and get it checked out properly. You're right about potentially causing more damage, that's the last thing I need! I was tempted to try those DPF cleaner additives too, but hearing about your experience with them has saved me from wasting money there. Seems like these things really need proper professional attention. It's still painful thinking about the potential cost, but I guess it's better than risking a complete DPF replacement or worse damage down the line. I'll start making some calls to workshops tomorrow. Really appreciate you taking the time to share your experience, it's definitely helped me make a decision on this. I'll let the group know how it turns out once I get it sorted!