Hi, I live in Australia so I have the benefit of a drier and less salty environment for my 1998 Diesel Wagon. Most people post threads about how much goes wrong with Freelanders and looking for fixes. Well here's a solution to most of your woes.
1. For the wagons the water leak in the back check my other threads for the solution.
2. Drivetrain problems. Service them! Change the oils at least every 40000km. replace the rear front diff mount every year.
3. Electrical problems. I came across this solution after a wire from my fog lights shorted on the computer. First, make sure your battery is in good condition and well charged, Second clean all battery terminals, earths and connectors (especially those in good ol' GB, ah the salt air!) Third, get your alternator checked! Low supply voltage results in dicky reference voltages, poor running, idling, abs, srs, tcc lights coming on.
4. Window regulators. Lubricate the slides regularly with a silicone spray (has less of a build up than wd40 and won't decay the rubbers) The rear window regulator is harder but with a bit of muckin about can be fixed. remove it completely. The short cable out of the motor will have a blue slide spacer which will be broken. Get someone you know or yourself to machine up a new one with a slot on it so you can just slide it into place without having to replace the cable, lube the cables and refit.
5. Enjoy these comfortable versatile, capable vehicles!

Well said Buzz, always enjoyed working with Aussis offshore, they always come up with solutions that work, may thanks for your tips I am shure they will help many.

Cheers Dutch RR

My Pleasure Dutch RR,
I tell my mates that I can fix anything but they don't believe me until I fix their car which has had a problem forever and their usual mechanic hasn't been able to fix it. Besides why part with good money for someone else when you can do it yourself and learn and live at the same time.

G'day Buzz, just a quick Q. I got my tailgate open on my 99' freelanderdi and the rear panel off. The window is in the fully up position and will not work- so I can't close my door.I've had a look and nothing seems damaged, I've dissconnected and reconnected the battery to try a recal the window. Any tips? dyledge.

Hi dyledge,
The rear window has a switch which tells it that the tailgate is shut. You will have to find this and bridge it or activate it. It could also be that the cable is jammed from the blue sleeve which breaks off and goes inside the motor. Worst case scenario you will have to remove the whole regulator assembly to find the problem. Check for power to the window and if you can activate the motor externally with some small jumper wires. Sorry it's not a quick fix they are fiddly annoying pains in the butt.
Good luck
Buzz

Hey Buzz my LH rear window regulater crapped its pants got it all back to geather only to find no power to motor, has not blown a fuse any ideas ?

Hi Kiwi44,
Ahh the joys of electricity. If you can get hold of a wiring diagram to trace the circuit is the best way. If not then find the power wire, trace it back to the fuse until you find the break/short. Check fuse, connectors switches first that you have power into and out of them. Godd luck let me know how you go.

What and miss out on all the fun? No way I will keep mine and just service it regularly and fix those annoying things that happen. Like the clutch slave cylinder breaking because of a poorly designed bracket which holds it. The painful thing is you can't buy just the slave cylinder you have to buy the whole assembly with prices ranging from AUD$160 to AUD$370!!!!!!!