Freelander - Security System
Security System : Major Features
Freelander's security system incorporates much of the 'best practice' learned from Range Rover and Discovery. It also introduces improved immobilisation and remobilisation to give further peace of mind.
Key features if the security system are:
- Perimetric sensing of doors, tail-door, bonnet, softback and hardback.
- Volumetric sensing by microwave, giving reliable sensing in open top condition
- Double locking as well as single (central) locking
- Single point entry - only driver's door unlocked
- Key-operated perimeter sensing
- Passive engine immobilistaion
- 'Friendly' remobilisation
- Radio frequency remote control with rolling code
- Remote control low battery warning
- Mislock warning
- Emergency Key Access code
Handset Remote Control
The radio frequency remote control is convenient, as it can be used from almost anywhere around the vehicle, up to a distance of 5 metres. It's also secure - protected from electronic signal grabbing devices by a rolling code which changes at random each time the remote control is used.
Low Battery Warning
If the remote control battery is running low, this is automatically sensed by Freelander's security system, and a warning beep sounds as the control is used. Replacement of the remote control battery is part of the main service schedule., as it is with Discovery and Range Rover.
Personal Security
Four main features contribute to personal security with Freelander:
- The interior lights turn on briefly when the system is disarmed using the remote handset - reassuring us a dark car park.
- The single-point entry function allows only the driver's door to be opened, allowing quick and secure access.
- All the doors can be instantly locked by pressing the lock button on the centre console.
- The alarm is activated if the doors are unlocked using the key rather than the remote control.
The benefits:
- Security measures for personal protection
- Robust but user friendly engine immobilisation system
- Protection even without the alarm armed
- Protected remote control with battery warning.
Engine Immobilisation
Freelander's engine is automatically immobilised as soon as the key is removed from the ignition. The engine is remobilised as soon as the key is inserted and turned in the ignition.
Freelander's engine immobilisation system, which scrambles the engine management Electronic Control Unit, is the ultimate theft deterrent. Even if a thief breaks into the vehicle (setting off the alarm), it cannot be driven. It is impossible to hot wire the system, or to defeat it by attempting to reprogram it.
At the heart of this advanced technology is a coil on the steering lock which communicates with the key transponder as soon as the ignition is switched on. The key in turn talks to the Security Electronic Control Unit, which remobilises the engine by communicating with the Engine Management ECU.
A further advantage of passive engine immobilisation is that it is always automatically activated, even if the driver forgets to lock the doors and set the alarm.
The Alarm System
In addition to perimetric sensing, Freelander's alarm system incorporates sophisticated technology to ensure that the 3dr models can be well protected even with the hard top removed or the hood open.
Sensing By Microwave
The volumetric system used on Range Rover and Discovery is activated by changes in air movement within the vehicle - for example, if a window is smashed. Clearly, this would not be appropriate for the 3dr models, where owners may wish to leave the vehicle with the hood down, yet still have maximum security.
Freelander's alarm system therefore incorporates the proven 'Doppler' technology. This uses sensing by microwave to set up a field of coverage within the vehicle. The alarm is designed to go off if anyone reaches into the cabin - 3dr top open or closed - without disarming the system.
Once armed with the remote control, the microwave is activated after 15 seconds of no activity within the vehicle interior.
If the Freelander owner wishes not to use this field of coverage, bit still leave the doors, bonnet and boot protected, the key can be used to activate perimetric sensing only.
Key Locking and Arming
One turn of the key will single lock the vehicle, two turns will double lock. In both cases, only the perimetric alarm will be alarmed, for example, if the driver wishes to leave passengers or pets secure in the vehicle for a brief period.
Further Theft Deterrents
Many of these measures will deter thieves from attempting to steal something from inside a Freelander, quite apart from trying to steal the vehicle itself.
Further measures make their task still more difficult:
Visible VIN
- The Vehicle Identification Number is displayed behind the left hand corner of the windscreen. It has special tamper-proof rivets to retain it. This also immediately alerts the repairer to the possibility of theft; reputable glass repairers operate in close communication with the police. The VIN is also on the front bulkhead and left hand 'B' post, allowing quick identification by police officers.
In-Car Entertainment
- On all Freelander models, the in-car entertainment system is security coded, making it impossible to use the system in any other vehicle without reinstating the Computer Anti Theft System (CATS) code.
- Every system is clearly Land Rover branded, making its fitment in another make obviously suspicious.
- On entry models, the in-car audio has a removable key-pad (with storage box) rendering it useless to the thief once the keypad is removed.
Locking
- Shielded door locks, and no lock on the front passenger door, making forced entry difficult.
- The locking fuel cap protects an expensive tankful
- On every Freelander fitted with alloy wheels, locking wheel nuts are provided.
