10 Min Rover 800 Wiper-light Stalk Upgrade

The problem?
Not a problem but a 10 minute aesthetic upgrade. The Rover 800 / Freelander stalks feel so much better and look OEM compared to the thin shiny black stalks fitted as standard, which look slightly out of place. The stalks are a direct replacement and use the same connectors as the F/TF.

Note: There is no need to remove the steering wheel to change the stalks

Tools needed;
Small cross head screwdriver and a thin flat blade (I used a paring knife).

Preparation;
I went on ebay and for the princely sum of £1.99 won a set of Rover 800 stalks. My postman was slightly intrigued by what I was up to now when handing over the parcel



Remove the two stalks by removing the two retaining screws on each side and then use a blade to release them from the main housing.



Now you know how they come out, take the two stalks to your car...




The loose connector on the wire does not connect to anything on the F/TF, this is for the variable time intermittent wipe on the 800.

The Fix;
1) Remove the screws holding the steering column trim and remove trim

2) From the straight ahead position rotate the steering wheel 90^o clockwise to expose the retaining screws on the wiper stalk.



Remove the two screws and connector then replace the wiper stalk then refit the two screws.

3) Rotate the steering wheel to expose the retaining screws on the lights stalk.



Remove the two screws and connector then replace the light stalk then refit the two screws.

4) Refit the steering column trim – there you go 10 minutes job done





Now enjoy your shorter, chunkier stalks which not only feel much better quality but actually look like they were designed for the car, looking more OEM than the thin shiny black ones.

The new wiper stalk does have a variable speed intermittent slider setting which is not compatible with the F / TF. I know a lot of people have had a look into this but I’m not sure if an easy usable solution has been found. Personally I don’t use the variable timer wipe on the other cars I have anyway. If you know of an easy fix for the variable time wipe then feel free to add it below.

Agree they are SO much better. Had 'em on Meg for about 2 years now and never wanted the old ones back! Only thing that annoys me is not having the intermittent wipe control working!!

Just to clarify, intermittent wipe still works as standard but the variable time intermittent control on the 800 stalk does not work on the F / TF.

Like I said for me I don't use it on my other cars so I don't mind.

I agree it's not 'needed' but it's sitting there taunting me!

Not more stuff, to do! :nonod:


Nice modification, though :broon:

Amazing I'm having some of these

Bling mod.

These are anti bling, the originals were the shiny ones :lol:

No connection to sellers, the freelander stalks also fit here are a few of the reasonably priced ones currently available

LAND ROVER FREELANDER TD4 INDICATOR AND WIPER STALK Completed

There are more so do a search if your interested. All the Rover 800 ones were more expensive

I did this last weekend whilst trying to find why my horn has stopped working. Have to agree the 800 stalks feel as if they are what the TF should've had.

Still didn't fix the horn and nor did a wheel swap

Andy I assume you've checked the fuses but have you tried powering the horn directly to see if it still works? There have also been problems with the contacts under the bonnet on the fuse before now.

Nice mod - I might have a look the next time I'm at the local yard.

In my experience of 80's and 90's Rovers there will be a small ECU somewhere controlling the veriable speed wipers.

If I can find a copy of Rave or similar info for the 800 I'll try and work it out.
(anyone got a copy/)