Freelander 2 (LR2) Poor dash lights

2012 fl2. Had it since new, love it but previous car was a Volvo and I’m used to driving with headlights on. The lights illuminating the dash and instruments have always been poor, even with the headlights off during daylight. Anyone know of a fix please?

Trev1 said:

Anyone know of a fix please?

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Making sure the dash lights are turned up would be my first check.

Other than that, no, there's nothing you can do to change the brightness.

Why do you need dash lights on in the day? It's light outside, so the dash is perfectly visible.

Why not install DRLs like I've just done, then there's no need to waste energy and bulbs having them on in the daytime.

Thanks for your response Nodge68..
The dash lights are turned up.
I thought there may be a way to get at the light source to increase the brightness.
With the headlights on during the day under some conditions (particularly dull days) the lights are not perfectly visible, they just merge into the grey background.
What DRLs have you fitted?where did you put them?

Trev1 said:

With the headlights on during the day under some conditions (particularly dull days) the lights are not perfectly visible, they just merge into the grey background.

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I know what you mean. It's just one of those little inconveniences we cope with as a driver I guess.

Trev1 said:

What DRLs have you fitted?where did you put them?

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From Powerfull UK, via eBay, for £96 IIRC.
They fit in place of standard fog lights. They connect to the standard fog light connector (which makes the built-in fogs light), the side light circuit (drops the brightness of the DRLs when sides are on), the indicator (optional, turns the DRL off on the side that is indicating), the fuse box for power, and an earth near the fuse box.

Very easy to install (there's even a video on YT), although I think a box for the controller board would be better then, the shrink wrap cover supplied in the kit, however once installed, they're very good, and function just as factory DRLs do.

I wanted DRLs on my 2009MY FL2 , considering them pretty important these days, as a bit of added visibility to others.

Here's mine, with the DRLs on.

Thanks again Nodge68.
Your solution for the DRLs is very interesting, as is the Powerfull uk website. Think I might do something along these lines myself, I like the combination DRL/fog light option.
The original problem with the dash lights is still unresolved however. I think I may disconnect the link which dims the dash lights so they will be at maximum brightness even with the lights on, I’ll wrestle with that!

Trev1 said:

I think I may disconnect the link which dims the dash lights so they will be at maximum brightness even with the lights on, I’ll wrestle with that!

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I don't think that's as easy as it sounds. As far as I know, the FL2 dash is electronically controlled, like most modern vehicles, so the body computer will tell the dash lights to come, and at what brightness on via a command on the data bus.

I'll check the wiring diagram, to see if it's possible.