Landy Extremes

[Gascoigne]

G'day. Just wondering if anyone has any experience or knowledge of any problems associated with the electronic systems on Defender Extremes (particularly earlier models 1999-2002) such as ECU, traction control and ABS, when used in the outback, on beaches and fording creeks? i.e. I'm looking at buying one (to use it for what 4WD's are meant to be used for - none of this city-driving nonsense) and my only concern is having it stop and not being startable again when I'm in the middle of nowhere.

Are they still driveable if these systems fail?

Are there any field repairs that can be done to get you out of trouble? e.g.will WD-40 into the ECU get you moving again if you've managed to get it wet? Is there a "limp home" system and when does it kick-in or not kick-in?

Can these systems be removed?

Also can crank handles be retrofitted to the windows to get rid of the electric window setup?

I guess the alternative would be to get an earlier model Defender in good nick but they are, of course, like hen's teeth.

Much appreciate any genuine suggestions.

Cheers

Gascoigne

[NOZ]

I cannot help you with that one but someone on here will for sure .

Welcome to the site :wink:

[Ace]

I am pretty sure some drying time and some WD40 will get you home Steve Clarke drowned his a while back and got it going again no worries.

As a preventative measure i have heard of people water proofing theirs with a plastic tupperware box and silicon. Failing that if you plan to do a fair bit of wading through deep water you can have the ecu relocated. matt

[CraigE]

The ecu's are fairly well sealed and will take a bit of water. The box they are in can be sealed completely as well with a bit of time. The biggest drama is oil in the injector harnes, this will cause the ecu to misread when it gets to the ecu connector under the seat. A new injector harness will cure this and cleaning the connector regularly until the oil disipates. The old injector harness can be cleaned up and used again. Usually occurs around the 100,000km mark.
Mine is a Defender 2000 model and does not have the electric windows or central locking. I believe this was put in around 2003. I would kill for elecy windows as mine is a daily driver as well, sick of jamming knuckles. Central locking is no real drama as the key can still open.
Hope this helps.

[Frenchie]

Originally posted by Gascoigne

Also can crank handles be retrofitted to the windows to get rid of the electric window setup?


Not sure why you would bother? The electric windows appeared with the update dash in 2002 models. The dash is much neater and the power windows are great. Mine haven't faulted.

[Gascoigne]

Thanks guys you've all been very helpful.

Cheers