Freelander 1 Tailgate glass - summary of knowledge?

This site contains affiliate links for which LandyZone may be compensated if you make a purchase.

IanSG19

Member
Posts
64
Location
Evesham, Worcs
Yes, it's this old chestnut again, and I've looked through all the previous threads, but was hoping to perhaps get a bit more clarity on what parts are in the system to ID what has gone wrong.

So my window isn't dropping enough to clear the channel when I activate the tailgate handle (2006 TD4 Hardback). Luckily I can *ease* it open enough to push the glass down manually. Other than that, the window operates EXACTLY as per normal (although I seem to recall that when I put it down partially - using the switch - it automatically went back up, which it no longer does). This would seem to discount the motor as the source of the problem. The handle does the double-click thing which it has always done.

I tried all the various recalibration methods suggested on here (battery disconnected, with and without engine running, fob x 6, etc.), but nothing has worked. The rear wiper arm is parked normally (on the rubber).

Specific questions:-
1. IS there a relay somewhere which handles this action? If so, where is it on a Hardback?
2. Are the "cables" which have been mentioned mechanical in nature, or electrical wires? Are these attached to the handle switch?
3. How hard is it to get at and replace the handle microswitch?

Many thanks, and apologies for raking over old ground.
 
1. IS there a relay somewhere which handles this action? If so, where is it on a Hardback?
The rear window is controlled by the CCU, which is behind the interior fuse box.
2. Are the "cables" which have been mentioned mechanical in nature, or electrical wires? Are these attached to the handle switch?
The window cables are mechanical cables that winch the window up or down, under motor drive, the motor it's self controlled by the CCU.

The micro-switch is just a switch in the handle, which is connected to the CCU by electrical wires.

3. How hard is it to get at and replace the handle microswitch?

Normally the micro-switch is fine (the fact it works proves this). Normally the springs that return the door release flappy thing is what fail. The springs rust through in time, reducing the return pressure of the flap and often jamming it. The springs are available on EBay and are easy to change, using nothing more than a screwdriver.
 
2. Are the "cables" which have been mentioned mechanical in nature

The cables being nce can cause the incorrect drop of the window and so can bad adjustment or poor lubrication. Basically anything that allows the window to stick, will stop is dropping the correct amount.
 
Last edited:
Thanks Nodge - really helpful. I might start with the springs - when you say "nothing more than a screwdriver", this would be used for getting the door panel off as well?
Cables: is the term "nce" a bit of vernacular, or a typo? :eek:)

Cheers
 
I might start with the springs - when you say "nothing more than a screwdriver"
That's correct. A No 2 Pozi-drive screwdriver. ;)
this would be used for getting the door panel off as well?
No need to take the door card off as the springs for the door switch are under the handle, just to the left of the number plate lamps. You use the screwdriver to unscrew the release flap unit from the door handle assembly. ;)
 
I had something similar where the tailgate glass would only drop slightly (also slightly un-even side to side) and would catch on the top when the tailgate door was opened. I then had to manually push the glass down about an inch before I shut it but it came up properly each time. This was caused by a dodgy tensioner on the cables - a large white thing that attached directly to the motor. There was slack in the cables because of it and when I used the tailgate door handle to open it, the motor ran to drop the glass but it actually just took up the slack rather than moved the glass properly. I new cable set wasn't that expensive but I never got around to fixing it before I had the head gasket go (1.8 petrol).
 
This was caused by a dodgy tensioner on the cables - a large white thing that attached directly to the motor.

That component is a cam locking tensioner. When the motor snatches the cable briefly, the cam is supposed to lock, tugging the window down a few centimetres. Sometimes the cam assembly gets worn and doesn't pull the window down. In this instance, the cams slip past each other and the tension spring compresses, instead of pulling the window down. If the window runners get dirty or there's insufficient lubrication, then the cams get worn, giving the same fault.
 
Thanks Juzza. Did it just pack up after working normally for ages, rather than getting worse gradually?
It was working properly then the cables snapped so I tried to replace them (in the rain) and while testing it I noticed the "Cam locking tensioner" wasn't right, think it was locked solid and as the tailgate was opened I could see the slack in the cables being taken up and then the window dropping slightly once the cables were tight (I was in the boot with someone else outside opening the tailgate). Meant to get around to replacing it again but never got around to it. I think the tensioner comes already on the cable but the whole set was under a tenner.
 
OK, bit of an update. Took the handle out and one of the little springs was rusty and *had* snapped, but the other one was fine and giving sufficient tension.
Took off the door card and the "waterproof" film. Disconnected the connector on the microswitch/solenoid and stuck my avo electrodes in the end from the handle. Operated the handle and it gave a momentary (0.5s or so) pulse of about 12V, so i assume that the handle end and the CCU is working.
It makes the right noises, but there is no movement in any of the cables.
Does anyone know what a properly functioning cam-locking tensioner looks like when you press the door handle? There appears to be no activity whatsoever in the tensioner or the biggish spring on the cable side of it. Does this indicate that the solenoid piston has seized? I have seen a video showing how that can be taken apart and cleaned up, so i might try that.
Failing that, i guess it is a case of replacing the cables and/or regulator.
The good news is that none of these things sounds desperately expensive.

Any further advice/suggestions gratefully received, especially regarding what the action looks like when it is working!!
 
OK, bit of an update. Took the handle out and one of the little springs was rusty and *had* snapped, but the other one was fine and giving sufficient tension.
Took off the door card and the "waterproof" film. Disconnected the connector on the microswitch/solenoid and stuck my avo electrodes in the end from the handle. Operated the handle and it gave a momentary (0.5s or so) pulse of about 12V, so i assume that the handle end and the CCU is working.
It makes the right noises, but there is no movement in any of the cables.
Does anyone know what a properly functioning cam-locking tensioner looks like when you press the door handle? There appears to be no activity whatsoever in the tensioner or the biggish spring on the cable side of it. Does this indicate that the solenoid piston has seized? I have seen a video showing how that can be taken apart and cleaned up, so i might try that.
Failing that, i guess it is a case of replacing the cables and/or regulator.
The good news is that none of these things sounds desperately expensive.

Any further advice/suggestions gratefully received, especially regarding what the action looks like when it is working!!
Once you have sorted it, replace the waterproof film with wooden floor underlay and double sided tape. It is impervious to water and is more of a soundproof material.
B598841A-C039-4E12-952C-2863E7DC99A7.jpeg
BE8DA604-58E7-4E74-A8C7-40A85D539F91.jpeg
 
Does anyone know what a properly functioning cam-locking tensioner looks like when you press the door handle?
Get a helper to operate the window switch while looking at the square block on one of the cables where it joins the motor. You should see the cable slide out when the window goes up, but not slide in when it goes down, until the window stops at the bottom.

The item in question looks like this.
20181211_220345.jpg

Here's the complete regulator assembly.
20181211_220303.jpg

Does this indicate that the solenoid piston has seized?
The solenoid controls the door release, not the window mechanism. The window is driven by the motor and cables shown above.
 
Thanks Nodge. The spring on my tensioner is very much less compressed that your picture. Suspect that might be indicative of my issue. I'll do the tests later.
 
So the whole regulator assembly will need removal, and renovation or replacement, as per the picture threads elsewhere on the Zone?
Thanks for your help!
 
You can buy just the cables for a few quid. The whole regulator, minus the motor for about £30. Or you can get the regulator with the motor for more £££.
 
And remind me (being lazy and saving time looking in other threads!) do I need to take the regulator mechanism and motor out to do the cable replacement?
You're a star!
 
do I need to take the regulator mechanism and motor out to do the cable replacement?

Yes. Which is why it's laid out on the floor in the picture I posted. I'd just fitted new cables to it and took the picture before I refitted the assembly.
 
Back
Top