Bid Red light on dashboard on

Just bought a series 3 petrol and am completely new to this. There is a red light on the dash, to the left of the 2 speed fan switch which is always on - can anyone help as it's not in my user manual. Thanks in advance.

Series threes had at times various warning lights. Most likely a choke warning or if previously a diesel it could be low fuel. What year is the series ? Oh and welcome to the world of old Land Rovers, they can be trying until you are used to them but most things are a simple fix.

It is a 1984 SWB. It isn't the ckoke light as I have identified that one. I willl put more petrol in and see if that is the problem. I have so many questions to ask as I want to get this vehicle sorted. I cannot believe how difficult it is the steer - too used to power steering!! Also, the gearbox whines in 1st, 2nd and 3rd but fine in 4th - is that a common (fixable problem?)

May be a brake fluid level warning.

If gearbox works ok try some fresh oil in it.

Is it the charge light? That's the big red one on my 1983 s3. Should come on with ignition and go off when the engines running. If it stays on possible alternator/charging problem.

RoyD said:

Just bought a series 3 petrol and am completely new to this. There is a red light on the dash, to the left of the 2 speed fan switch which is always on - can anyone help as it's not in my user manual. Thanks in advance.

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No big red light there on my '80 petrol 88"... Charge and choke are marked up in the bottom of the dials. Rear fog is on the left side of the instruments.

I've got no brake fluid level warning - nothing in the master lid. If you've got a float there, it's probably that.

What year is it? Sounds like the brake imbalance warning which is off a switch on the brake balance valve down on the chassis under the pedal box area. It lights if there's been a failure in either the front or rear brake circuit (hence imbalance - the internal valve has moved over to isolate the faulty circuit) - or it could just be a faulty switch or wiring

Perhaps unplug the connector from the valve, if it still lights it's a wiring problem, not that its a complicated circuit.

A well set up Land Rover will steer well and without undue effort. There off road ability makes them feel a little different to a normal car. It is a slow process to check and adjust/replace parts as required.
Check and adjust the steering box and make sure it is full of EP90 oil.
Make sure the steering relay has oil EP90 again, remove two screws from the top plate use one to fill and the other will bleed air. This is a common fault when searching for tight/vague steering.
Read the manual and check the swivels (big chrome balls) Make sure they have oil EP90 or one shot grease. Disconnect a track rod end and check the pull with a spring balance.
With the seals in place you are looking for a pull of around 14 pounds slightly more than book when done without seals in place.
Next it is a case of going through the steering joints to check for wear, grease them if they have nipples fitted.
Other things to check are the bracketry that bolts the steering box to the chassis these can come loose and give rise to wobbly steering, finaly check the top bush in the steering collom.
Someone will no doubt add to that list but enough to keep you going.......

Thank you all for your help. I discovered the red light was a brake fluid level warning as I topped up the reservoir and the light went out! I went through the steering, topping up the relay and box with EP90 and greased the joints which has now made a massive improvement. The gearbox oil was fulll and clean so I am suspecting worn bearings that are making the box whine in 1st, 2nd and 3rd. 4th gear is fine.

Sounds like the layshaft bearings in the 'box as the layshaft isn't driven through in 4th (though is rotating). Will probably go on for years like that, rebuilding a box is pretty straightforward if you want to though.