We take the air conditioning in our Land Rover for granted. We become so used to it that turning it on is like changing gear. However, like other parts of our vehicle, it can break down or develop faults. Sometimes these are problems that you notice right away, other times, they slowly creep up on you, conveniently becoming most noticeable on the hottest day of the year!
Well, fear not, as in this blog, we give you the rundown on Land Rover air conditioning, how to spot faults with it, and how you can get them fixed.
What does the air conditioning in my Land Rover actually do?
Good question: Many of us simply pop the A/C on to cool us down on a hot day, and whilst that is a pretty important feature, it does more than keep the sweat from your brow!
Cooling
This, as we say, is a pretty important feature, and likely the most common one you use it for. The air inside your Land Rover is cooled, giving you a more pleasant and comfortable journey. It does this by removing heat and moisture from the air.
Dehumidify:
The air conditioning unit in your Land Rover also dehumidifies the air. It removes excess moisture, stopping condensation on the windows. This not only provides you with a more comfortable driving experience but is also better for your health. Reducing the possibility of dampness getting a foothold in the vehicle allows you all to breathe easy, knowing that mould spores are unlikely to start accumulating.
Filtration
Much like the dehumidifying capabilities help remove excess moisture, the filtration helps remove dust and pollen. This not only gives you better air quality in the vehicle but also aids those who may struggle with allergies.
Heating
Many air conditioning systems are now set up to warm things up as well as cool them down. In some Land Rover models, this means you can heat your vehicle when it gets cold or cool it down when it is too hot. All with one system.
Defrosting
We have spoken before about your windscreen freezing on the inside and about how winter weather can affect your Land Rover. Without proper care and attention, it can soon become an expensive fix! Using your air conditioning, you can aid the defrosting process for the windshield and windows. This then allows for an easier and more comfortable drive.
What are the signs that my Land Rover air conditioning is faulty?
A fault with your Land Rover can sometimes be an expensive fix, with air conditioning it is no different, especially if you leave it too late.
Luckily, your vehicle will be kind enough to exhibit some key indicators to demonstrate that all is not well.
Air warmer than normal
If you turn on your air conditioning and find that it’s not producing cool air, you could have a problem. This may stem from a lack of coolant or a leak.
No air
If you turn the air conditioning on and nothing happens, it might be that the system that powers the a/c has broken down. Check it at varying settings to see if the problem is intermittent or something more permanent.
Strange smells
Should you turn the a/c in your Land Rover on and find yourself met with mouldy, musty smells, there could be a buildup of mould within the air conditioning system. This could be due to clogged filters or leaks. Untreated, this could lead to health issues for those in the vehicle, so it is best to get it checked.
Loud or unusual noises
When you switch the air conditioning on, you might hear a gentle hum of the unit working, but should you start to hear a rattling noise or something that sounds like air escaping a tire, you could have a problem. At this stage, it would be hard to detect what is causing it, so shut the air con off and have the system serviced by an expert!
What would cause the air con in my Land Rover to stop working?
There are a host of reasons your Land Rover air con may stop working, or at best work intermittently. Some can be a quick fix; others may be rather more substantial. Regardless, it is always best to seek out help and guidance from a professional. Attempting to fix it yourself could see you make things worse and then even more expensive to repair.
Common causes of air con faults with a Land Rover stem from:
- Blocked filters: Filters can block with all sorts of debris, reducing air flow and therefore the performance of the air conditioning.
- Low levels of coolant: With insufficient coolant levels, the air con cannot do its job. Low levels of coolant can often be attributed to leaks within the system.
- Damaged or worn fan: If the fan has been damaged or is just worn down, it cannot move the air properly. This could lead to some parts of the vehicle being nice and cool while others don’t get to see the benefit.
- Electrical faults: Everything may be in tip-top shape, but you still have issues with the air conditioning in your Land Rover. Sometimes, these issues are hidden away and could be caused by faults with the wiring or any other aspect of the electrics.
- Blocked condenser: Your condenser plays a vital role in the functionality of your air conditioning. If it gets blocked, the coolant cannot be sufficiently cooled.
- Lack of general car care: If you don’t keep on top of your Land Rover servicing, maintenance and general cleaning, you could be helping mould and mildew grow. This not only leads to health issues for you and your passengers but causes the air con to emit a horrible smell when you use it.
How can I prevent my Land Rover air conditioning from breaking down?
Some issues with Land Rover air conditioning may stem from a lack of care, while others may be a little more technical. However, doing the below may give you a better-performing and longer-lasting air con system:
- Use it, don’t lose it! Use your air con often as it helps keep the system lubricated and ready for use.
- Replace filters as required. Your Land Rover will normally need its filters changed every 12,000-15,000 miles. Leaving it too long can see things get blocked. This then leads to larger problems that may cost more to fix.
- Inspect and test. Cast your eye over your vehicle periodically, testing the air con to see if it works as it should. Detecting a problem early means you can get the benefit come summer and save you money before problems get worse.
- Clean the vents. If you keep the vents clean, they can’t clog, and then you’ll have better airflow!
- Check for leaks. If you have noticed the air conditioning in your Land Rover isn’t working as it was or does nothing at all, there could be a coolant leak. Inspect the system for leaks and contact a professional if you find any.
How much will it cost to repair Land Rover air conditioning?
Much depends on the severity of the problem and the model of the Land Rover. A wiring issue, for example, may cost you more than a simple unblocking of a filter. As we said earlier though, regardless of the problem, it is always best to tackle it sooner rather than later. The small problems left untreated can soon turn into larger ones that cannot be resolved or cost a fortune to fix.
Speak to a team like ours at RCV for advice and guidance. Our years of experience working on a host of Land Rovers means we are well-equipped to tackle problems quickly and affordably.