I recently went crazy so I bought a hippo to prove it. It's a 52 plate Freelander 1 ES, 2L diesel TD4.

First question, where do I find the engine number? I'm presuming it's the BMW engine with timing chain but wanted to confirm it 100%.

Second question, l I want to add some spots and an LED bar to my hippo. I'd prefer to use existing buttons (blanks) so was looking at my options.

Underneath the drivers fan vent I've got 3 blank buttons looking tempting to use. I was wondering if they had any existing wiring for them on the loom so was looking into what they are used for, and weirdly I can't find a mention of these buttons anywhere else?

In the manual it shows in several places as a cubby hole, so I went on YouTube and started looking at FL1 interiors. All the ones I found had a cubby hole and not these buttons so I wanted to confirm if these are OEM?

Pretty sure that will be OEM.

The optional spot lights from LR came with switches that go there.

I think they are wired into spare connectors at the top of the fuse box.

If you download the Rave manual, there is a section that contains the fitting instructions for the available accessories and you may find more info there.

https://www.landyzone.co.uk/land-rover/rave-disk-maintenance-manual.260227/

If it's after 2001, and a TD4, then it's definitely got a timing chain not a timing belt.

The genuine light kit has switches and various facia panels to suit the number if switches in that location. Also the switch for the factory option rear PDC is also housed there.

I have a genuine facelift spot kit in storage, and it definitely has a selection of switches and panels in the kit.

Thanks both, I haven't got my head around rave manuals yet but have seen some posts explaining them so I need to dive in when I have some time spare. Hopefully it might save some work if the wiring is already there.

Thanks for confirming the engine too, it's nice to know.

Where would be a good place to buy some working switches for that panel to replace the blanks? Buy from members here or is there a decent website recommendation?

Atomician said:

Thanks both, I haven't got my head around rave manuals yet but have seen some posts explaining them so I need to dive in when I have some time spare. Hopefully it might save some work if the wiring is already there.

Thanks for confirming the engine too, it's nice to know.

Where would be a good place to buy some working switches for that panel to replace the blanks? Buy from members here or is there a decent website recommendation?

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Unfortunately the switches only came in the light kits, which are either NLA. and very expensive from LR suppliers with stock. Alternatively they do come on ebay occasionally, and sometimes members on here sell them, which is something I'll be doing once I've found them again.

Thanks ok, I'll keep an eye on out. Pain they're hard to come by, makes sense why I can't find anywhere on eBay etc.

Alternatively I have thought about replacing the blank button (cruise control) and using it for spots instead... A few of these on eBay so might be simpler.

Thanks for the help!

Atomician said:

Thanks ok, I'll keep an eye on out. Pain they're hard to come by, makes sense why I can't find anywhere on eBay etc.

Alternatively I have thought about replacing the blank button (cruise control) and using it for spots instead... A few of these on eBay so might be simpler.

Thanks for the help!

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Yes you can do that, although finding a matching switch with the correct legend on will be difficult, as spot lights switches weren't fitted in that location, and each switch only fits in the correct location.

Yeah I didn't think I'd find any with the right legend but I thought if it bothers me I could sand if off and create my own decals for it.... Not sure what I'm going to do yet though. Really appreciated the help and advice on this site tho, it's good inspiration.