Driving modes (Freelander 2)

Several different driving modes are available, some selectable by the driver, others automatically set by the TCM to adapt to different driving conditions.

• Normal mode
• Sports mode
• CommandShift™ Manual Mode
• Cooling
• HDC (High Descent Control)
• Movement at constant speed
• Emergency mode
• Movement by inertia
• Recognizing a sudden reversal of a decision
• Driving uphill and transporting a trailer
• Downhill movement
• Wide open throttle
• Terrain Response System
• Reverse gear lock mode

Normal mode

Normal mode is automatically selected by the TCM when the ignition is turned on. This mode is fully automatic and includes an adaptive function. Normal mode uses gear shifting and torque converter lockup clutch engagement programs that optimize fuel economy, emissions, and handling characteristics based on the vehicle's driving style.

If the transmission is in Sport or CommandShift™ manual mode and the selector lever is moved to the "D" position, normal mode resumes.

Sports mode

Sports mode provides better acceleration and responsiveness through the use of sports switching programs. This mode allows you to quickly switch to a lower gear and spin up the engine in one gear to higher speeds.

CommandShift™ Manual Mode

The CommandShift manual mode allows the transmission to operate in a semi-automatic mode. The driver can shift the 6 forward gears in either direction as easily as in a manual transmission.

Switching programs provide engine protection at high crankshaft speeds. TCM automatically switches to a higher gear to protect the engine from twisting, and to a lower gear to avoid overloading the engine and stopping it under load.

When a request is received to engage kick-down mode, the TCM downshifts to the lowest available gear. To move the vehicle from a standstill, the driver can select 1st, 2nd or 3rd gear.

By repeatedly moving the selector lever to the "+" position (according to the number of the higher gear to which the shift is required), a shift to a higher gear when starting off can be programmed in advance. The TCM then performs the requested upshifts when the corresponding points in the shift schedule are reached. For example, if the selector lever is quickly moved to the "+" position 3 times in a row before starting off in 1st gear, the TCM will automatically shift to 4th gear as the vehicle accelerates without further intervention.

Cooling

Cooling mode is activated when the TCM detects excessively high transmission fluid or engine coolant temperatures. When this mode is active, torque converter lockup is engaged earlier to minimize further increases in transmission fluid and/or engine coolant temperature and to assist in cooling the transmission fluid.

HDC (High Descent Control)

HDC mode helps the ABS module regulate the driving speed when descending a hill. When HDC is activated, the TCM selects the most appropriate gear for the most effective engine braking.



Maximum engine braking is achieved by using a shift program that initiates later upshifts and earlier downshifts.

Movement at constant speed

When the speed control system is activated, the TCM receives a message via the high-speed CAN bus to activate the speed control system (cruise control). The TCM activates a speed control program that minimizes upshifts and downshifts.

Cruise control mode is active when the cruise control system is engaged and the transmission is in the "D" drive mode, "S" sport mode, HDC mode or Terrain Response Grass/gravel/snow mode. Unique cruise control programs override the current mode and provide a smooth ride feel and seamless mode reselection.

Emergency mode

If a fault is detected in the transmission, the TCM selects a fail-safe mode of control and the message "TRANSMISSION FAULT LIMITED GEARS AVAILABLE" is displayed in the information center. If the fault affects emissions, the MIL indicator lamp in the instrument cluster is illuminated.

In emergency mode, the P, R and N positions can be used normally (unless a fault occurs) and to allow the vehicle to continue driving to the nearest Land Rover dealer or approved repairer, the TCM locks the transmission in 3rd gear. The torque converter lock-up is disengaged and the reverse gear lock-out is inoperative.

If the vehicle is stopped and then restarted while in fail-safe mode, the TCM will use normal control until the next fault that caused the fail-safe mode to be detected.

Movement by inertia

Coasting mode provides earlier downshifts during coasting depending on the degree of output shaft deceleration; this is necessary to improve handling characteristics and smoothness by avoiding negative or positive reversal of gearbox torque during downshifts.

Recognizing a sudden reversal of a decision

When the driver suddenly releases the accelerator pedal, the TCM interprets this as a reversal of the previously made decision. The TCM recognizes that the decision has been reversal by the high level of the accelerator pedal up signal, which is transmitted from the ECM via the high-speed CAN bus. When this situation occurs, the TCM maintains the current gear to allow the driver to complete the maneuver without downshifting. This condition is maintained for a preset period of time or for as long as the driver does not make any action.

The sudden decision reversal detection mode helps maintain vehicle stability and is used in combination with lateral acceleration input during cornering to maintain the current gear until the corner is taken.

Driving uphill and transporting a trailer

Hill Climb and Tow Mode can be active when the transmission is in Normal, Sport or Terrain Response mode. When the vehicle is towing a trailer or climbing a hill, the TCM detects increased resistance by monitoring engine torque and engine speed signals transmitted to the ECM via the high-speed CAN bus and signals from the transmission output speed sensor. Hill Climb and Tow Mode downshifts to lower gears to prevent a drop in transmission output torque and maintain driving force.

Downhill movement

Hill Descent Mode can be active when the transmission is in Normal, Sport or Terrain Response mode. When the vehicle descends a hill, the TCM detects a decrease in drag by monitoring engine torque and crankshaft speed signals transmitted to the ECM via the high-speed CAN bus, as well as signals from the transmission output speed sensor. Hill Descent Mode assists engine braking by selecting an appropriate gear, reducing the load on the brakes.

Wide open throttle

The wide-open throttle mode controls high-gear shifts when the throttle is partially open and in "kick-down" mode. This ensures that the wide-open throttle parameters are constant under all driving conditions. The full engine speed range is used in all driving modes: normal, Sport, downhill and uphill driving modes, and in Commandshift mode. For delays (hydraulic and electronic) in a gear change request, compensation is used to ensure a smooth gear change and correct correction of the shift point.

Terrain Response System

The Terrain Response system has a unique set of switching programs for each Terrain Response program. These programs override the current modes, for example, if the program "Sand" ("Sand"), "Mud and Ruts" ("Mud and Ruts") is selected with HDC mode active or "Grass/Gravel/Snow", then a specific Terrain Response switching program is used, rather than the HDC mode switching program described earlier.

Reverse gear lock mode

If the selector lever is moved from the N position to the R position and the vehicle is moving forward, reverse gear selection is prevented at vehicle speeds of 11 km/h (6.8 mph) or more. When the reverse gear lockout operates, the clutch (C3) is released without energizing the solenoid valve (SLC3), preventing the transmission from selecting reverse gear.