Thread: Freelander 2 trailer plug not working?

Took my Freelander 2 to the auto elecs today to have a look at the
trailer outlet. Hasn't worked since I bought the vehicle (2nd hand)
Has two outlets, I believe one is euro and the other Australian and I
assume factory fitted.
Anyway, not that I think he tried too hard but the auto electrician told me the trailer plug was infact dead and is controlled by a module. Not sure if he meant the module was dead or it didn't have one. Anyway he told me would cost a fortune to fix. Is there a master fuse or something I should be checking?

Alternately, could I run some wiring direct from the rear tail lights and just install another standard 7 pin outlet? I asked the electrician if he could do this instead and he said he was concerned it could effect the wiring or give the main computer false readings or something. Has anyone else had any experience with this?

Threads merged & moved to FL2.

Originally Posted by fender22

Alternately, could I run some wiring direct from the rear tail lights and just install another standard 7 pin outlet? I asked the electrician if he could do this instead and he said he was concerned it could effect the wiring or give the main computer false readings or something. Has anyone else had any experience with this?

I wouldn't be doing that your electrician was right not to touch it. I'd take it to Land Rover or someone else who can check to see if it's set up right software wise.

The black plug works fine for basic Australian trailers (e.g. 6x4). The white handles electric brakes etc on larger units. The only issue I've had is with a 6x4 box trailer with LED tail lights. Apparently the FL2 (& most other European 4wd vehicles) continually pulse tests the trailer tail-light circuit. Its programmed to test incandescent bulbs but if you have LED's there's enough power in the test pulse to make the LED's flash. There are a couple of devices out there to prevent this but they seem overly expensive ($150+). I eliminated the problem by replacing the LED lights with incandescent types ($40 !!).

The genuine towbar accessory is complex, & something like $1500. I'm told the fitting instructions are 7 pages or thereabouts.

I wouldn't be wiring it up the old way.

Regards
Max p

There are a number of fuses in the rear compartment(under the floor) that control the box thingo. Check these first and also run a Multi Meter too see if anything in the plug is getting power.

If the module does need replacing you can get them from the UK for about $350 AUD delivered. Very easy plug and play install.

There is also a fuse inside the trailer module. There is a 40amp fuse for the trailer module in the rear fuse box (near spare wheel) as well as a 15 amp for the ignition power (in white plug).

Black plug comes from factory with indicators L,R, stop, tail left & tail right & fog(or maybe it's reversing?) & common ground. Typical problem (if whoever fitted it didn't do it) is that one of the tail/ clearance wires is in the pin that Australia uses for electric brake control. Therefore if it hasn't been disconnected from ecu and you tow a trailer with electric brakes when the lights come on the brakes will lock up.

I've read on the forums that the uk sourced ones don't seem to work in aus vehicles.

It could be the car ecu needs reprogramming.

Also you can get the used wiring looms from rover spares in Adelaide.