Freelander 1 Wiring loom to blank switches near handbrake

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RossRobObey

Active Member
Posts
100
Location
Hampshire
Evening all,

I'm planning to install a switch for winch in/out in one of the blanks by the handbrake. The original plan was just to install a generic switch, which measures 32.4mm x 21mm, the blank is 32mm by 19mm, so would need a little trimming but not much.

However, when I popped the blank out to check sizes, to my surprise there was a plug with wiring attached, under the blank (switch next the rear window up/down on facelift Td4). So it got me thinking, if I could make use of that loom, it would 1) save me running my own wiring to the fusebox and 2) let me use an OE switch to fit properly.

So, does anyone know what the connector and associated wiring is that's behind the blank? Clearly it's not in use, but if it goes back to a blank in the fusebox or somewhere nearby that would be handy!
 
So it turns out the blank is for the sunroof switch when fitted. My next question is, does anyone know where the wiring runs from here and it's path toward the sunroof? There's a power and ground coming from a relay in the fuse box, powered by Fuse 12 apparently. But if I could intercept the wires on their way to the motor that would let me divert them toward my switch instead.
 
It could be windows or sun roof depending on spec.

The wiring could be modified to feed your winch instead. You'll need to use the current wiring to switch a beefy really mounted under the bonnet, near to the battery.
 
I'm happy with all the wiring side of it, just need to know where I can find the wires running from the switch toward the sunroof. I'm hoping it'll run back toward the fusebox and up a pillar?
 
Thanks, that gives me somewhere to start! All I need to do is pick up the 2 feeds to the motor, to divert to the winch solenoid under the bonnet.
 
Is the wiring a traditional switch to motor to earth type affair, or does something like the CCU get involved? So switch wires would run to the CCU - CCU does its AI bit and then controls wires to the motor? If so is it also going to be examining sensors/load - eg when sunroof is open/closed etc and turn power on/off when you don't expect it to? It may just be advisable to run your own wires and relay.

Have you checked the wiring diagrams and descriptions in the Rave workshop manual?

https://www.landyzone.co.uk/land-rover/rave-disk-maintenance-manual.260227/
 
I've checked Rave but could only see MY02. From what I've read the CCU energises the Auxiliary relay with ignition power, which then feeds the sunroof switch (amongst other things) through F12, switch then powers motor directly.

Will do a bit of digging with a multimeter over the weekend to confirm.
 
Drivers side pillar trim off reveals a few wires going up to the roof. Rave says the motor is powered by the Green and Slate wire, so snipped those and tested resistance to the wires at the switch to confirm they're the ones I'm after. Fortunately they were just accessible near the fusebox, so I could pull them back down, giving me enough wire to work with.

These will be extended through the bulkhead to the winch solenoid. I've got a sunroof switch on the way, which is a simple tilt switch, sending an ignition live down either the green or slate wire, depending on which way the switch is closed, which is all I need. It complicates things slightly with earthing the sunroof motor back through the switch, but that's irrelevant to me and won't change how the switch works.
 
So I've come a cropper slightly. As far as I understand it, the sunroof switch should send a 12v feed down either slate or green wire depending on how the button is pressed. But now I've plugged the switch in, once the ignition is on, the contacts are open between 12v, green and slate. So I've got power at all times down both wires, unless the switch is pressed which kills one or the other.

A second opinion on this switch would be appreciated.

Screenshot_20180526-122145_Dropbox.jpg
 
Managed to modify the switch internally to do what I wanted. There are two internal rockers inside the switch, when one is opened the other is closed and visa versa, rather than a conventional open circuit in middle position and closed either way when pressed.

Hopefully that's the end of it!
 
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