the Club for Freelander Owners and Enthusiasts

 

FAQ's

Bodywork & Interior (10) Brakes (3) Lighting (2)
Drivetrain (1) Engine 1.8L (1) Wheels & Tyres (6)
Suspension (3) General Maintenance (1) Off Road (1)
     

 

Bodywork & Interior

 

Can the later model (post 2000my) folding door mirrors be fitted to earlier model Freelanders?

It is quite easy to fit the later mirrors and when finished looks no different from the fitting on the later cars. When I bought the new folding mirror it came with a big squidgy rubber backing which you don't need. You then have to enlarge one of the existing bolt holes by a small amount and trim a projection on the plastic housing and you are done. It took me minutes and that was slow because I couldn't believe how easy it was and kept thinking I had made a mistake.

LCYP100580 x 3off (screw) - total £0.81
LCTG000010 x 1off (securing-ring) £1.62
LCRB00421PMD x1 (UA8C mirror and housing) £78

all plus vat makes a total of £94.51.

The electrical side which includes heating and adjustment is simply a plug in job, couldn't be simpler. Incidently you may notice that the mirror gets hot. That is because the heated mirror is on permanently.

Top

 

Is there a way to test the central control unit?

The central control unit controls operation of :-
 

  • Vehicle locking and alarm system
  • Interior lamps
  • Rear fog lamps
  • Tail door window
  • Audible and visual warnings
  • Front and rear wipers
  • Heated Rear Window

To put the CCU into self test mode start with the vehicle unlocked and alarm unarmed, and the ignition off.

  1. Turn the ignition 'on'
  2. Press and hold the rear fog switch 'on'
  3. Turn the ignition 'off'
  4. Turn the ignition 'on'
  5. Release rear fog switch within four seconds of ignition 'on'.

If successful a buzzer will sound for about 1 second, and the interior lamps will light for the same time. The various inputs can now be tested. When the CCU detects an input (e.g. Door Open), the buzzer will sound and the courtesy lights will come on.

The outputs can be tested in sequence by operating the Central Door Locking switch. Outputs may be continuous until the switch is released, or pulsed until the CDL switch is pressed again.

The output sequence is as follows:-

  • Rear fog lamps (Continuous)
  • Lock (Pulsed)
  • Superlock (Pulsed)
  • Unlock (Pulsed)
  • Front wiper (Continuous)
  • Alarm LED (Continuous)
  • Volumetrics (Continuous)
  • Horn (Pulsed)
  • BBUS (Pulsed)
  • Heated rear window (Pulsed)
  • Tail window down (Pulsed)
  • Tail door actuator (Pulsed)
  • Tail window up (Pulsed)
  • Rear wiper (Continuous)
  • Hazard lights (Continuous)
  • Door open warning lamp (Continuous)
  • Seatbelt warning lamp (Continuous)
  • Handbrake warning lamp (Continuous)

Self test mode is cleared by switching the ignition off. Note that continuous operation of some of the tests may be potentially damaging (e.g. Door Locks, window lift motor), so as soon as you have answered your query, clear test mode.

Top
 

How can I recalibrate the rear window operation?

The control unit needs to know the position of the rear window glass for safe operation. If you have problems with operation of the rear window it might be worth trying this procedure.

  • Disarm the anti-theft alarm system.
  • Disconnect the vehicle battery.
  • Wait 5 seconds.
  • Reconnect the vehicle battery.
  • The CCU will now drive the tail door window to the fully lowered position.
  • Turn the ignition switch to the 'ignition' position.
  • Press and hold the tail door window switch in the 'Up' position until the window has reached the fully closed position.
  • The tail door window should now be calibrated. If calibration has failed, a warning buzzer will sound.


Top
 

My heated rear window doesn't seem to work sometimes?


The heated rear window will work only when all of the following conditions are met:-

1. The HRW switch is pressed.
2. The engine is running.
3. The tail door window is closed.
4. The roof is fitted (3 door models only).


Top
 

The rear window control is 'sticky'!

Some owners have complained that the rear window occasionally continues to run down when the control button is released. This seems to be caused by dirty or faulty switches in the rear door and has been cured by dealers.

Top
 

Can the rear window be operated from the remote keyfob?

Yes, if you press the unlock button on the fob and hold it down, you can lower the rear window. This is to facilitate loading things in a tight car park where you may not have room to open the rear door. You can raise it again by the rocker switch on the dashboard, or by inserting the key into the lock on the rear door and turning clockwise until the rear window reaches the top position.

Top

My rear window opens by itself!

On 3-door models, this can be caused by the switch in the body side which detects if a hard-top or soft-top is fitted. A faulty or badly adjusted switch will cause the window to lower itself.

--

On 3 or 5 door models, several owners have had the control unit replaced to cure the problems of returning to a parked car to find the rear window open. This can also be caused by dirty or faulty sensors in the rear door.

--

Top

Can I put a 12V power socket in the boot to run my fridge/PC/TV ?

There is a LR kit to fit a 12v socket in the rear of the Freelander. T

Top

The specification on my MY01 Td4 says that it is fitted with a Fuel Burning Heater?

The FBH is an efficient heater unit which burns fuel independently of the engine (it has it's own supply from the fuel tank). It heats the cabin without being reliant on the engine being up to temperature, so the cab warms up *very* quickly in the morning. It is possible to upgrade the FBH to remote control or timer operation for added convenience.

Top
 

My Trailer Indicator lamp never illuminates ?

The trailer indicator warning lamp (bottom right of the dash) should flash with the indicators when a trailer or lighting board is connected. With no trailer connected, it should flash once when the indicators are switched on. If it does not, the most likely reason (other than a blown bulb) is that the indicator flasher unit was not upgraded to the towing version when the towing electrics were fitted. This is a simple plug-in replacement of the standard flasher relay.

Top

Brakes

 

 

My dealer says my brake pads need changing after only xxxx miles! Is this normal?

Brake pad wear depends on many things. Julian Read had the front pads on the Camel go out after 8K miles due to off-roading in wet sandy terrain. More typically, front pads seem to last around 30-35K miles.

Top
 

My ABS warning light stays on a long time after I start the engine?

The ABS warning light should go out once the vehicle speed reaches 5mph. If the light does not go out at higher speed this should be investigated immediately.

Top
 

How do I get the front brake pads out - they don't seem to have the usual arrangement of pins and clips... not that I can see anyway...

Remove lower guide pin bolt from caliper and pivot caliper housing upwards. Remove 2 brake pads and retainers from the caliper bracket.

Top