Rear window trouble
My Freelander 1 has a different window issue to other Freelanders, being the pre-facelift type. Last year, I fitted a new window mechanism and a repair kit/handle and springs to the tailgate and it’s been perfect until recently. Initially, it would only go down a few millimetres with the opening tailgate, so I used the switch inside. Then it would only go up a couple of inches at a time, but each time it went up two inches it went back down an inch. It was also bleeping from behind the dash and the window switch did nothing. It's now stuck halfway down.
I’ve looked on Autodata and it shows a window ECU (ref YWC-107080 A-0531G01. C2403) that I’ve found on the driver’s side using my endoscope camera. In your opinion is this likely to be the problem? I have just bought another F1, a facelifted Td4 Sport – if you think it might be the window ECU, I will swap them over.
Stephen Haywood
The operation of the rear window does have its complexities. For some reason the operating system is designed to prevent the window being put halfway up. Releasing the operating mechanism, whether it is the switch on the fascia or the key in the rear door, will send the window straight back down again. Once closed, it can be lowered into any position.
This operation is controlled by the multifunction module, and this is the likely cause of the problem. However, before replacing this, I would carry out a couple of checks. First, ensure that the drop glass in the rear door has a smooth movement and is not jamming, which may cause the change of direction you describe. Also check the wiring loom between the door and the body for broken or chafed wires, another common cause for such problems. One final check is to ensure the door switch on the rear door is operating correctly.
If you have not done so, it may be worth trying to recalibrate the system: disconnect the battery and leave the terminal off for 10 seconds. Reconnect the battery and the rear door glass should drop after a couple of seconds. Start up the engine and ensure that the lights, heated rear window etc. are turned off. Increase engine revs to 1500 and open and close the rear door. Fully open the drop glass, then fully close the drop glass – if the glass remains in the up position, the calibration process has worked. Now you can allow the engine to idle, and switch off.