Freelander2 Centre console removal, Electric Handbrake?

fashratty · 2025-01-29T18:37:20+0000

Hello,
Looking for some information/advice on how to remove the centre console on a Freelander2 with a Electric Handbrake,
I've removed the six bolts holding the centre console etc but cannot seem to gain access to the electric handbrake
connecters/wires.

I'm trying to get access to the Airbag ECU, because I have an airbag light on the dash.
I've checked all the connections under the seats, but no joy, so going to take the ECU out have have it checked.
Many thanks
Tony

Nodge68 · 2025-01-29T20:35:49+0000

Before pulling the car apart, run a diagnostic on the SRS system. It's most likely to be the clock spring, so pulling the console out is a waste of time, and sending off a perfectly functional SRS module is a waste of money.

fashratty · 2025-01-29T21:49:39+0000

Nodge68 said:
Before pulling the car apart, run a diagnostic on the SRS system. It's most likely to be the clock spring, so pulling the console out is a waste of time, and sending off a perfectly functional SRS module is a waste of money.

Hello Nodge68, thank you for the info and I agree, but what is a clock spring and where is it?
Many thanks Tony

fashratty · 2025-01-29T21:58:32+0000

fashratty said:
Hello Nodge68, thank you for the info and I agree, but what is a clock spring and where is it?
Many thanks Tony

Hello Nodge68, I've just Googled Clock Spring, should have done this first really, However, would
you be able to advise me what he best course of action would be now, because I'm ok on old cars
like my Gilbern Invader or MGB etc but modern electrics are a complete Noodle soup.
Kind Regard's
Tony

fashratty · 2025-01-29T22:17:44+0000

fashratty said:
Hello Nodge68, I've just Googled Clock Spring, should have done this first really, However, would
you be able to advise me what he best course of action would be now, because I'm ok on old cars
like my Gilbern Invader or MGB etc but modern electrics are a complete Noodle soup.
Kind Regard's
Tony

GrumpyGel · 2025-01-30T08:28:20+0000

Its basically a circular 'contact' that goes around the steering column. It enables the bits that spin on the steering wheel (eg the air bag) to make contact with the wires that go to the bits they needs to (eg the SRS ECU).

1 side is fixed to the contact, the other side 'rubs' on the contact as it spins.

The clock spring actually has many channels (contacts) for all the different bits on a modern steering wheel.

These contacts can wear out, or the bits rubbing against it I suppose. Sometimes there are unused contacts that things can be moved to - I don't know about the F2. Hearing about electrical issues on the F2, I wouldn't mind betting one of more 'networks' run through the clock spring and various bits on the steering wheel actually communicate on the network rather than having dedicated channels.

A wiring diagram might help.

Nodge68 · 2025-01-30T11:29:42+0000

fashratty said:
Hello Nodge68, I've just Googled Clock Spring, should have done this first really, However, would
you be able to advise me what he best course of action would be now, because I'm ok on old cars
like my Gilbern Invader or MGB etc but modern electrics are a complete Noodle soup.
Kind Regard's
Tony

These cars are very complex electronically, so electronic diagnosis is vital before any actual work takes place. Gone are the days when swapping parts was easy, as everything needs configuring to the vehicle electronic systems now.
A suggested the clock spring (the official name is the column module) as this can fail. Unfortunately it's not easy to simply replace, as a replacement needs to be configured to the vehicle, which includes a steering position recalibration.
The Freelander 2 is very complex, so good electronic diagnostic skills are needed, along with suitable diagnostic equipment to read codes, and carry out the calibrations and configurations needed to complete repairs.

fashratty · 2025-01-30T11:31:11+0000

GrumpyGel said:
Its basically a circular 'contact' that goes around the steering column. It enables the bits that spin on the steering wheel (eg the air bag) to make contact with the wires that go to the bits they needs to (eg the SRS ECU).

1 side is fixed to the contact, the other side 'rubs' on the contact as it spins.

The clock spring actually has many channels (contacts) for all the different bits on a modern steering wheel.

These contacts can wear out, or the bits rubbing against it I suppose. Sometimes there are unused contacts that things can be moved to - I don't know about the F2. Hearing about electrical issues on the F2, I wouldn't mind betting one of more 'networks' run through the clock spring and various bits on the steering wheel actually communicate on the network rather than having dedicated channels.

A wiring diagram might help.

Hello GrumpyGel,
Thank you for taking the time to explain the "Clock Spring" and also to Nodge68, for pointing me in the right direction.
Kind Regards
Tony

fashratty · 2025-01-30T11:43:24+0000

Nodge68 said:
These cars are very complex electronically, so electronic diagnosis is vital before any actual work takes place. Gone are the days when swapping parts was easy, as everything needs configuring to the vehicle electronic systems now.
A suggested the clock spring (the official name is the column module) as this can fail. Unfortunately it's not easy to simply replace, as a replacement needs to be configured to the vehicle, which includes a steering position recalibration.
The Freelander 2 is very complex, so good electronic diagnostic skills are needed, along with suitable diagnostic equipment to read codes, and carry out the calibrations and configurations needed to complete repairs.

Hello Nodge68,
Thank you once again for your help, and I would have preferred not to have got involved in trying to sort out this problem, but I could not find anyone in the Nottingham area, whom was interested in looking into the problem, I phoned quite a few auto-electricians and they all shied away.
Kind Regards
Tony

Nodge68 · 2025-01-30T17:25:20+0000

fashratty said:
Hello Nodge68,
Thank you once again for your help, and I would have preferred not to have got involved in trying to sort out this problem, but I could not find anyone in the Nottingham area, whom was interested in looking into the problem, I phoned quite a few auto-electricians and they all shied away.
Kind Regards
Tony

There's a reason people don't like working on the electronics of these vehicles, as it requires pretty expensive diagnostic equipment, and finding faults can lead the tech down rabbit hole after rabbit hole.
I think Muddy Mods is up your way, and I believe that Warren then proprietor will carry out repairs on the FL2. Might be worth a phone call.

Freelander2 Centre console removal, Electric Handbrake?

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