What does this button do? ( TDi 1997 discovery?) - Land Rover Forums : Land Rover and Range Rover Forum

morbell · 11-27-2012, 01:10 PM

Hi folks
Not sure if my tdi 1997 has air con or not. It has this snowflake button (see image - middle switch). When I push it no light comes on and it doesnt blow cold air. The fan does work so expected cooler air to come if I push this snowflake button but no change. If it is A/C it is not working so also advice on getting to to go would be great. If it's not A/C button can someone identify what it is please?
Thanks in advance

stb616 · 11-27-2012, 01:22 PM

It's your A/C. If its not blowing cold.... See if the compressor is engaging at all when you push it. If not, it could be a variety of things. The easiest to check would be the the freon level. You can get a gauge at any parts store. If the compressor does engage, you're probably just low.

So I guess it looks you'll need a gauge in either case. It has to be reasonably warm for the system to work. What's the temp outside when you tried it?

morbell · 11-27-2012, 03:04 PM

Temp is about 24 celcius - maybe 70 or so,pretty sure its hot enough outside. So how and where do I look to check freon level?

stb616 · 11-27-2012, 04:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by morbell

Temp is about 24 celcius - maybe 70 or so,pretty sure its hot enough outside. So how and where do I look to check freon level?

How To Make AC Ice Cold, Recharge air, and Force the Compressor Clutch to Engage - YouTube

Watch that video, guys kinda a shmuck, but it goes over the basics of the system. Needless to say don't stick your hands in there while the engine is running.

If you go to a parts store to buy a gauge, they should be able help you with where to hook it up.

FYI- If the system is completely empty, it's beyond what you can fix yourself.

Spike555 · 11-27-2012, 05:53 PM

My a/c button does not light up but it works fine, been that way as long as I've owned it.
With the engine running press the a/c button, do the electric fans behind the grill come on?
There are two, they both should come on, if not it might be a...wait for it...blown fuse.
If the a/c is so low the compressor will not kick on you need a shop to trick the compressor so they can fill the system.
I was taught a trick to fixing leaking a/c lines, where the metal line crimps to the rubber line you can clamp the collar with a really good hose clamp, that will stop the leak.
That is the most common place for a/c leaks on older cars.
The a/c on the DI will run no matter the outside temp, I've ran mine at 0*F to defog my windows in the winter from breathing to heavy after sledding.

morbell · 11-27-2012, 11:07 PM

yes both fans come on, just no cold air. So next step is to get a shop to refill the system correct? Is this a big/costly job?

Spike555 · 11-28-2012, 07:08 PM

Is it a big job? No.
Is it costly? Depends on how much R-134a they need to add.
You can buy a DIY a/c re-charge kit at the parts store and try that first, you can get one of those for around 20USD.

morbell · 11-29-2012, 10:19 AM

cheers. good to know.