Need help with electrical issue on my 1999 Freelander

freelanderguy99 · Apr 7, 2025

Hi everyone,

I’ve been having an ongoing issue with my 1999 Land Rover Freelander for the past few months. About two months ago, I noticed that when I turn the key to the second position (just before starting the engine), the dashboard warning lights are very dim—like only 50% brightness. I tried starting the car in that state, and it did start, but the SRS light stayed on. Also, when I used the turn signal, the car would shut off.

Now, when I turn the key to the second position, the lights are even dimmer—barely 5% brightness. I’ve replaced the battery with a new one, but the issue remains exactly the same.

Has anyone experienced something like this? Any ideas what might be causing it? I’d really appreciate any help or suggestions.

Thanks in advance!

J_D · Apr 7, 2025

Have you confirmed the battery is charging.
Could be a bad earth, when it gives the fault test battery voltage plus to minus and also plus to earthed points, ie the engine. Should all be similar readings.

FrINlander · Apr 8, 2025

Haven't experienced this in a LR, but had a similar issue with a Micra. The issue was a corroded earthing point and partly ruined wiring. Check wiring, check earth points and check if it's charging, like JD said.

Freddie17 · Apr 8, 2025

I’d start by running a single jump lead from the battery negative to a good earth point on the engine somewhere (starter if you can get in there) - see if the problem then goes away, indicating a poor earth as mentioned above.

Not sure why everything went out except the SRS light - perhaps an unrelated fault? Have you checked for codes?

mystery · Apr 8, 2025

Check main ground from battery to chassis for good contact and ensure the crimp lug has no corrosion ,check ground strap from engine to chassis and gearbox to chassis and all subsequent earth points and ensure you have your DVM on dc voltage

freelanderguy99 · Apr 8, 2025

Found earth. Is it supposed to look like this. It is oily.

GrumpyGel · Apr 9, 2025

If its like my L series, everything is covered in oil.

I sometimes think there's more oil on the outside of the engine than in it.

But it never breaks... it just carries on.

GrumpyGel · Apr 9, 2025

I can't really tell from the pic where that it, I've never had to investigate the cable, but behind it looks to be the oil cooler pipes?

These are prone to leaking and often replaced. I need to replace them on mine.

If they are AC or something else, then please ignore my ignorance.

J_D · Apr 9, 2025

GrumpyGel said:
I can't really tell from the pic where that it, I've never had to investigate the cable, but behind it looks to be the oil cooler pipes?

These are prone to leaking and often replaced. I need to replace them on mine.

If they are AC or something else, then please ignore my ignorance.

Looks like there's a head band to stop it rubbing on the pipes!

Need help with electrical issue on my 1999 Freelander

freelanderguy99

Member

J_D

Well-Known Member

FrINlander

Member

Freddie17

Can’t reMember

mystery

Well-Known Member

Attachments

freelanderguy99

Member

GrumpyGel

Well-Known Member

GrumpyGel

Well-Known Member

J_D

Well-Known Member

Similar threads