Alarm problems when locking door open warning light stays on

Please please help! I have just bought an 02 reg Freelander which was fine for the first few days. Now when I lock the car with fob or key the Alarm goes off. The car drives and starts fine but the door open red light stays on all the time. I have made sure all the doors and windows are shut. The car is a 5door and the rear window seems to shut fine and the activator seems to work ok when the door is unlocked from the tailgate handle. In summary I can drive the car but cant lock it. Should I have bought Japanese or something?
Thanks
Landmerc

Landmerc said:

Should I have bought Japanese or something?
Thanks

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How long is a piece of string?

This sounds like the old tailgate microswitch problem. There is a small switch inside the tailgate locking unit (which can be easily removed from teh door) and because LR build quality is not always top notch there is usually an excessive amount of play in this switch and it doesn't get depressed fully. This results is the alarm going of randomly and the door open light coming on when you're driving.

The simple fix is to get at the switch and then push it in as far as it will go, then while it is in that position screw a small self tapper (1mm dia x 10mm or so) into the body of the locking unit behind the switch to keep it from coming back out. This sorted mine out and it's been rock solid since.

This crops up so often I think I might write a how to.

Welcome by the way, if you're new to Freelander ownership then its essential that you read through the following information:

Freelander common faults.

What does my VCU do?

Will.

:5biagree:

Start with tailgate...Prob is that but if not it can only be an door switch not switching making your car think the door is open then setting the alarm

Try locking with the key. Doesnt set the alarm i dont think?

Thanks for the prompt replies. If locked with the key the alarm still goes off straight away. How do I get at the Microswitch in the rear door? Where is it positioned?
Really appreciate the help.
Landmerc ( A newbie with lots to learn)

Kizzeh said:

:5biagree:

Start with tailgate...Prob is that but if not it can only be an door switch not switching making your car think the door is open then setting the alarm

Try locking with the key. Doesnt set the alarm i dont think?

Click to expand...

Locking with the key rather than the fob should set the alarm, but what it does not do is set the 'volumetric' interior alarm which detects movement inside the vehicle.

Essential info for dog/animal owner who wish to leave a pet in a locked vehicle - with the windows open a bit for fresh air of course.

Singvogel.

Landmerc said:

Thanks for the prompt replies. If locked with the key the alarm still goes off straight away. How do I get at the Microswitch in the rear door? Where is it positioned?
Really appreciate the help.
Landmerc ( A newbie with lots to learn)

Click to expand...

You have to take the tailgate door trim off, then undo a few bolts and unlug the unit. It's very easy. The procedure is detailed in the Hayne's manual very well, all you need to do is add the screw !

Singvogel said:

Locking with the key rather than the fob should set the alarm, but what it does not do is set the 'volumetric' interior alarm which detects movement inside the vehicle.

Essential info for dog/animal owner who wish to leave a pet in a locked vehicle - with the windows open a bit for fresh air of course.

Singvogel.

Click to expand...

My mistake. I knew there was a difference with locking with a key but obviously got it wrong

Yeh cheers Singvogel I learn summin new here every day .

Will.

Ill attack the rear door switch first and see how I get on and report back.
Other advice still welcome.
Thankyou soooo much.
Landmerc.

No probs mate, did you get my pm?

WLJayne said:

No probs mate, did you get my pm?

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Yes I did and many thanks for the advice and the welcome.
Best regards
Landmerc

Yes lock with key one turn only, two turns super locks and volumetrics it

Landmerc said:

Please please help! I have just bought an 02 reg Freelander which was fine for the first few days. Now when I lock the car with fob or key the Alarm goes off. The car drives and starts fine but the door open red light stays on all the time. I have made sure all the doors and windows are shut. The car is a 5door and the rear window seems to shut fine and the activator seems to work ok when the door is unlocked from the tailgate handle. In summary I can drive the car but cant lock it. Should I have bought Japanese or something?
Thanks
Landmerc

Click to expand...

Update. It has resolved itself! I noticed water entering the car via the from interior light unit. This was caused by a leaking aerial. Sealed it and waited for a few days to dry out. Alarm problem now sorted. Water must have been getting into the wiring and a sensor somewhere.
Thanks for all the advice.

Hi all, I have the same problem since moving a lot of stuff around last weekend. Does anyone have a photo or info on what to do once door trim is off etc What and where? I am ready with my trusty screwdriver and screw im in the middle of moving back to the UK and unfortunately my Haynes manual is in a box in a lorry somewhere :/ Bren