Freel2 Readers,

I was watching a video on the Volvo XC70 (First cousin to the FREEL2) and I noticed that Volvo made a provision for an emergency release for the rear hatch.

So obviously I need one as well.

I got out the drill. (I ended up drilling a slot but one small hole in the perfect spot would likely suffice)

I did have to drill thru the Plastic cover and the steel housing.

Marking: this spot is slightly too high (a little lower is better) which is why I drilled a second hole


Post modification: Sorry for the focus but you can see the slot



Releasing the latch: And here is the punch that I use to actuate the latch

Freel2 Readers,

Because of the access on the LR2 I wasn't able to drill the hole as low as where Volvo placed it.

For reference here is where Volvo placed the emergency release.

VOLVO XC70 Release





Take a look at this link

https://volvoforums.com/forum/volvo-xc70-1...ed-103254/

Take Care

Paul

Another great contribution Paul, many thanks!

Nice one, thanks.  Now at the point when I learn something new something old is lost out the other side !
Now retired so it doesn't matter anymore.
Freelander now gone.

Nice one Paul,
another nice little project to keep me busy.
Dave DAVE.

Motion, Gasman and Dave,

I appreciate your comments.

I do realize that most of FREEL2 will likely never do this modification.

But I still want to share what I've learned.

If any of you (or anyone else) does do the modification please post some pictures of the location and how well it works.

For mine with the punch inserted and moved back and forth and a slight pressure on the hatch it opens easily.

Thanks again,

Paul

My modification list
1. Emergency release for rear hatch
2. Drain plug with a magnet for PTU
3. Fill plug with a magnet Rear Diff (and Mobil 1 Delvac fluid)
4. Upgraded HID bulbs
5. String for rear seatbelt latch to protect the leather
6. Volvo XC60 wheels (Because I like the look)
7. Black-out fog light trim
8. Magnets added to the automatic transmission pan and to the fill plug
EDIT --> 9. Bypassed the Satellite Radio Module

P/S I realize that my list is nothing compared to LiteWater (and others) and if I am being honest I am surprised that LightWater didn't comment, if I was going places like him this would be one of those things that I would absolutely do.

Last edited by p_gill on 5th May 2021 3:20 pm. Edited 1 time in total

This latch release is a very good idea. I will do it as well.

We each do modifications for our own reasons. I personally don't want to touch the car's electronics. Having said that I did open up the fuse box to have a stickybeak inside. But it is not actually changing anything as far as the electronics is concerned.

Stuartc holds the crown with his all singing, dancing shimmy & twerking Freelander! All I have done is tack on some accessories & strengthen some pretty ordinarily designed parts. Procrastination, mankind's greatest labour saving device!

Acoustic insulation ARB TPMS 3xARB air compressors After cooler Air tank On-board OCD pressure air/water cleaning Additional 50L fuel Carpet in doors ABE 2x1kg Waeco 28L modified fridge Battery 4x26ah Solar 120w Victron MPPT 100/20 DC-DC 18amps 175amp jumper plug Awning 6x255/60R18

p_gill wrote:

8. Magnets added to the automatic transmission pan and to the fill plug

There are 3 large magnets inside.

Just spotted this on eBay .....

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/164833905331?ep...mp;LH_BO=1

check out photos. Are you now selling this as a Kit ?? Tambora Flame FL2 and the punch out witness mark in the plastic, it must be you even the steering wheel is on the 'wrong side'

Lightwater wrote:

This latch release is a very good idea. I will do it as well.

We each do modifications for our own reasons. I personally don't want to touch the car's electronics. Having said that I did open up the fuse box to have a stickybeak inside. But it is not actually changing anything as far as the electronics is concerned.

Stuartc holds the crown with his all singing, dancing shimmy & twerking Freelander! All I have done is tack on some accessories & strengthen some pretty ordinarily designed parts.

I'm sure StuartC will be along soon with an electronic gizmo to enable
unlocking from the dash.
Dave DAVE.

3landertwo wrote:

Just spotted this on eBay .....

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/164833905331?ep...mp;LH_BO=1

check out photos. Are you now selling this as a Kit ?? Tambora Flame FL2 and the punch out witness mark in the plastic, it must be you even the steering wheel is on the 'wrong side'

Three_Lander_Two,

The ad says that its a Diesel (we didn't get the diesel)


Nevertheless it is a good point, instead of getting out the drill a new latch could be purchased that has the release built in.

If I had found this picture I would have used it instead of the Volvo picture.

Thanks for pointing this out it is a good plan for anyone that doesn't want to do the modification.


I think that you missed modification #7

7. Black-out fog light trim

Clearly not my FREEL2



Thanks for sharing

Paul

Here is mine

Click image to enlarge

alex_pescaru wrote:

p_gill wrote:

8. Magnets added to the automatic transmission pan and to the fill plug

There are 3 large magnets inside.

Lightwater wrote:

This latch release is a very good idea. I will do it as well.

We each do modifications for our own reasons. I personally don't want to touch the car's electronics. Having said that I did open up the fuse box to have a stickybeak inside. But it is not actually changing anything as far as the electronics is concerned.

Stuartc holds the crown with his all singing, dancing shimmy & twerking Freelander! All I have done is tack on some accessories & strengthen some pretty ordinarily designed parts.

The "road service" I provide from remote areas to our own local street is jump starting & flat tyres.

Even if you she gets road service to help, there is nothing like actually going through the exercise of changing a wheel. I put my 2 spares on the front the other day. If she can't totally do it herself she can get a friend to help, but at least she is streets ahead of others going through the process.

Also go through the process of jump starting.

The people who I have helped were surprised how easy it was when a non Road Service person can do this.

Builders gloves (especially for winding up the jack are worth their weight in gold) & a hi-Vis vest.

My better half can do all these things without me, but she does need help with the heavy things, Freelander wheels are heavy. But the important thing is, she knows the process & if by herself can direct other people to help!

She has jump started quite a few cars over the years & embarrassed the "other" half. Priceless! Procrastination, mankind's greatest labour saving device!

Acoustic insulation ARB TPMS 3xARB air compressors After cooler Air tank On-board OCD pressure air/water cleaning Additional 50L fuel Carpet in doors ABE 2x1kg Waeco 28L modified fridge Battery 4x26ah Solar 120w Victron MPPT 100/20 DC-DC 18amps 175amp jumper plug Awning 6x255/60R18

LiteWater,

Excellent suggestion

I will work on the things that you pointed out

Thanks

Paul