HDC switch problem ?

[s.stirley]

I've got a minor problem with my HDC, or could be a major one as I can't get it on even !

The problem basically is that when I click the switch down no dash lights come on, and even when I get it on a hill in 1st/Reverse with my feet off the pedals it doesn't light up or do anything.

I'm guessing that the problem is either the switch on the gearstick or the switch(es) in the gearbox, hard to believe both would fail together though. No lights on the dash come on at anytime, except during the initial light test when the key is first turned.

Anyone with experience in this area give me any pointers ? anyone stripped the gearstick switch etc ?

Cheers, Simon.

[Spacemutt]

HDC uses the cars brakes, not the gearbox (as far as I know) so there shouldn't be anything in the gearbox that can break. Sounds like a broken wire or dirty contacts in the gearstick switch. Not sure how to take it to bits though.

[s.stirley]

Apparently it's all visible by the gearstick when you unscrew the knob and get the gaiter off, so I'll check their first. Thanks.

The gearbox has 2 switches on to tell the computer you're in 1st or Reverse, that's all it does though as the brakes are used as you said.

Simon.

[russ]

I would imagine if the ECU detected an electrical fault with HDC the yellow fault light would come on.

I conccur it must be the switch itself, RAVE has detailed service procedures so pull it apart from there i guess, may even be something stupid like the connector not connected!

[s.stirley]

Planning a foray in there tonight, so I'll let you know !

Cheers

[russ]

any luck?

[s.stirley]

It's the connector alright .. not had time to investigate a fix, but when I just lifted the gaiter up I could see the wires. Stuck the ends together carefully and sure enough the light came on ...

Cheers to everyone, will advise when the switch is fixed .. TBH I can live with an external switch if necessary - there's space for one afterall.

Simon.

[s.stirley]

Fixed.

It's a decent quality micro-switch on the front of the lever, mounted under the removable 'slidey' part. The wires are soldered into the bottom of its contacts so naturally will break after enough movement .. pretty easy job with the soldering iron to sort it.

I have to find a hill to try it on now ! not very many of those in East Anglia unfortunately :(

Thanks for the pointers

[s.stirley]

Well it _did_ work .. as I found out when I tried it in a slow moving traffic jam :)

But the wire broke off again this morning. Soldered it back up and added some heat-shrink and cable ties to hold the wire under the switch to the gear lever and give it some support where it's obviously weakest. Hopefully it will last longer than 3 days this time ! LOL

[Lighting90]

Sounds like a bit of a design fault that one.
Well glad it is fixed, now you will have to drive up to Scotland to test it out:p

[s.stirley]

Broken again this morning ... :(

Still, the whine from the drive-train will have to take priority. Hoping that's the rear tyres, otherwise it's the centre prop bearings or IRD which are $$$

[Lighting90]

Oh dear Simon, sounds like you are not having much luck....

Hope you can get these minor things sorted out

[s.stirley]

Well ... I've got a full-time 4wd freelander at the moment, that must be a bit unusual at least :(

Confirmed last night that the viscous coupling is broken, locked solid. I'll be removing the prop assembly over the weekend to get it sorted out, so I'll go from full time 4wd to only 2wd ! bet that's going to feel weird.

HDC switch can be sorted better with some more flexible wire and some serious extensions, the last fix was only really a quick job as I needed it that evening !

Should be back up and running soon enough, thanks for the encouragement.

Si

[Lighting90]

Hey, take some pics of the work as you take apart the coupling and such like, would be good to see how these things work on a Freelander..
:p

Hope it is easy to do, and you don't end up with grazed knukles like I do when ever I do any work underneath my Landies.

[s.stirley]

Came off dead easy ! will get some pics and start another thread later ..

[Tim in Scotland]

I know this is a bit late but the problem with the HDC switch is well known............. and if I remember correctly was the subject of a mod to be done by LR dealers under warranty at services. Take a look at Jon Mapp's website at www.myfreelander.co.uk for details of all the LR mods to Freelanders.
From past experience I would not recommend running on the road with HDC on, in fact even off road only turn it on when it is actually going to be used otherwise you just munch through sets of brake pads/shoes and discs.

[s.stirley]

Yeah, it makes so much noise when it's on that it must be chewing the pads and discs up !

I don't think I'll be buying the replacement gear lever or anything, but some imaginative wiring extension should cure my problem. I'll get some pics of it when I do it, currently domestic issues (central heating !) and the propshaft problem are taking my time.

Cheers, Si

[gordon123]

Simon
Bit late I know but I had all this switch problem stuff in 99 6 months after I got the car!
I have ended up deleting the connector and running longer wires to the switch so theirs plenty of room for the wires to move (there well protected to!

Gordon

[s.stirley]

Fixed with enough heat-shrink and tape protection that I don't think it will be a problem for me again either :)