what exactly is a blend motor

[jbmccarty]

I have a 1999 Range Rover 4.6 HSE with 53,000 miles. It is in perfect condition but every now and again I get the book and exclamation mark on my heating/ac screen. I would say maybe once a month and when I turn the rover off and restart it the book/exclamation mark are gone. Is this serious? Am I damaging my car by not having it checked out? It doesn't seem to be effecting anything even when the symbol is showing.

[White and Nerdy]

Hi I have the same thing.......it is on all the time now.the blend motors control the air flow and the temp from the heater and AC. it won't hurt anything.but the motors will all 3 have to be replaced eventually. You might not have good heat or defrost or a/c.....

[jbmccarty]

white and Nerdy,

thanks a lot. Just seems to come on with the heat. Haven't seen it with the a/c

[White and Nerdy]

BTW nice looking ride.white gold? same as mine..4.6hse 1999

[jbmccarty]

white, 99, 4.6, 53,000 miles

[TerryS]

Blend motors are the servos that operate the "doors" directing heat, and AC, from Defrost, Dash, and Footwells. I think P38A has 5. The parts themselves aren't cheap, but it requires total dissassembly of the dash to replace them. Generally the bill at a dealership is well over $2500. Very common LR failure. (Mercedes also)

[jbmccarty]

thanks TerryS,

[Mr Tj]

Just to add my story.

Mid-Dec driver's side only went to full heat (with 'fault' indication on the ECU). Did some fiddling and managed to get it stuck on full cold. Had it that way for a couple of months - managed to get a service slot at the new dealer's, and wouldn't you know it - 2 days ago it cleared!

Will still ask them to do a full replace (I need new lights in the dash message center in any case).

[jbmccarty]

let me know how that works out for you as far as price. I need one new light in my dash message center also. Took it in for an oil change and all the lights worked fine, when I picked it up one of them was out, kind of suspiscious, wouldn't be suprised if the dealer messed it up just so I could pay them to fix it

[Mr Tj]

Turns out that once again I need to remember never to underestimate the Lucas Effect. The culprit in this case turned out to be one of the bleed motor control relays that hat gone bad. So no need to pull the dash - I've still got one light in the message center, looks like it will have to wait for a replacement.

I have to admit that the Des Mines dealer service guys are very good at finding the 'odd' Lucas style issues that lots of places would have us switching out mega-expensive pieces of gear just to fault-find.

[hermanpj]

Saw a couple comments in this thread about message center lights. These are actually very straightforward to replace. Rave CD contains the full procedure, but basically all you do is:

1. Remove the kick-panel. This is held on by 4 screws that are covered by plastic mouldings (pry off the screw-covers - theres a little slot in each to insert a blade). Detach the floor area air duct when removing the kick-panel.

2. Remove the instrument binacle surround (a very fragile piece of black plastic trim so be careful). At least 4 screws - 2 going up into the top, and two that you can get to once you have removed the kick-panel. When you slide out the surround, you need to have the steering wheel lowered completely. Disconnect the fuel door multiplug when removing.

3. I get nervous whenever working around anything with ABS so at this point I disconnected the battery. You will have to reset the windows and sunroof though.

4. 4 screws secure the binacle to the chassis of the dashboard. As magnetized screw driver or one with a claw on the end helps when putting back together...

5. Unplug the binacle and pull it straight out. Careful the clear plastic jewel case, the plastic the binacle is made of, and just about every bit of plastic in this truck are fragile.

6. Message center is lit by 3 bulbs. While your at it check for other missing bulbs. These bulbs are common at autoparts stores. The little screw in bulb holders are NOT common though so try no to lose any. They can be ordered at dealer if any are missing.

7. Reverse process to reinstall. Re-set windows and sunroof. Homelink ,stereo settings, seat settings should all be fine. Put the key in the door and turn it lock and unlock, and then use it in the ignition.