Instrument Illumination

I've just bought a new Freelander Freestyle 5dr TD4 and in the process of getting to know my landy, I've noted that the dashboard lights are extremely dim. Can anyone tell me if it is possible to increase the illumination. Having read the manual, I see that there is an instrument illumination switch which adjust the intensity of the dashboard lights. Presumably this is only available on the HSE. However as the Freestyle has a blanking plate where this switch should be, I was wondering if the wiring would be in place should I wish to fit a switch. I would be grateful for any advice.

Graham

Hi Graham

You beat me to it! I was going to ask exactly the same question - there seems to be no way of adjusting the clock illumination on my new Freestyle either - also, what does the left hand black button on the speedo do???? The right hand resets the odometer but I cant see what the black one does???

outlander said:

Hi Graham

You beat me to it! I was going to ask exactly the same question - there seems to be no way of adjusting the clock illumination on my new Freestyle either - also, what does the left hand black button on the speedo do???? The right hand resets the odometer but I cant see what the black one does???

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Hi Guys,

i've also been wondering both those points!! i'm guessing the left hand button was something to do with diagnostics or something??

Steve.

Hi, thanks for your reply's I thought I was just thick - but I see others have noticed this too. I've checked the manual and can find no explanation for the left hand button - surely it must have a purpose!!

Hi Folks. I had the dim light problem and just nipped to halfords and bought some brighter bulbs! Makes an amazing difference to the entire dash. I replaced the full lot including the heater controls and it looks superb now. They are tiny ickle bulbs so the best bet is to remove one from your heater control and take it along to halfords for a match. You will notice they are supplied in different wattage - go for the brightest and jobs a good un! They are about £1.30 for 2 by my shoddy memory....

Must be a hell of a job getting to them all though? Does the dash come apart easily? I can't help but think it must be easier to fit a variable switch where it is supposed to be according to the manual.

Yeah, its not a mega job. Should take well under an hour. The thing with a variable switch is that it would allow you to turn them down but not up as they will be at their maximum capacity at the moment while directly wired. Access to the bulbs requires a screwdriver...and..erm...thats it...

Neat idea Tinytdi, But could you give us a bit more detail on how you get the dash off so we can get at the bulbs. Idiots guide please!!!!

the left hand button might change the speedo mile trip to km i know it does on disco 2 or i might be talking out my ar-e,will check it out im not sure about dimmer will have a look cheers tiga.

Hmm..just realised...are we talking about a facelift model here as mine is S Reg so will probably be a different way of getting to the bulbs. On the Heater panel I seem to remember pulling off each of the heater knobs to find some screws behind them (only a couple) after undoing these I could then replace the bulbs. With the clock bulbs I just undid the screws on the clock surround until I could get acess to the back of the unit.