The first Freelander I bought - in '98 had the same problem. It was solved by (and don't laugh here) stopping the Car, getting out, locking the car with the remote and then opening it with the key. restart the engine and Hey presto!
It was intermittent and never affected the speedo - so I think that is a seperate problem.
Try it - it's cheaper than 2 grand !
ps I got rid of that Freelander (1.8xei 5dr) due to loud tyre noise and poor performance. My new V6 is a Blast! I couldn't be happier after 85, 000 kms in 2 yrs it's just getting better & better. Especially good fun on the 50km Aussie beaches!
cheers