Land Rover Repair: freelander fault, speedometer needle, starter solenoid

Question
landrover freelander 1.8xei 1999 petrol model.
sometimes when i turn the ignition on nothing lights up on the dashboard but the engine still starts and runs ok.
other times the dashboard lights come on when i turn on the ignition and the engine starts and runs as normal, then when i operate left or right indicator there is a fizzing noise coming from the steering column and the indicators do not come on and at the same time the rev counter needle and the speedometer needle drop down to zero then i pull over and stop the engine. when i turn the ignition back on after 2 or 3 time's it's ok again for a little while then it plays up all over again. any idea's on what the problem is please.
Best Regards

Ed  

Answer
Hi Ed,

you've got an electrical short perhaps in your ignition switch or somewhere in-line with the ignition of your engine.  If could be in the dash, in the column, on the starter solenoid, check ALL your exterior lights to make sure they are working.

If you can't find the short...take it quickly to a LR expert who can.  You don't want to be stranded somewhere with a car that won't start.  

Best of luck,

JohnMc