Climate Control Blowing Cold Air

[OllieG]

Considering the beautiful weather forecast for this week, this might not seem like much of a problem and maybe I shouldn't expect much sympathy.. But, here we go; it seems that whatever the ambient temperature and whatever temperature I set the climate control to, my S-Type blasts me with freezing cold air.

Has anyone else suffered from this "over-active" air con or have any suggestions to a solution?

Thanks in advance,

Ollie

[J44EAG]

I`ve not personally had full cold air on an S-type, Ollie. I had the opposite. Full hot!

The most common fault on the S-type is usually the heater valve located above the O/S anti roll bar bush clamp. It is not easy to get at and is a nasty job to replace. However I am inclined to think this might not be the problem on your car.

The cable loom running behind the N/S wheel arch liner and across the front of the car is known to get rot issues. The quality of cable was a problem that is often prominent. Water could find its way into the core of the cables. Breakage issues could also affect the loom.

Also relevant were issues with the heater control module. The PC board could burn out in a couple of places. Sometimes a repair could be effected. On other occasions a replacement module, new or second-hand restored normality.

As always with these modern cars, diagnosis prior to any repair is paramount. For this to occur, the car either needs to go to a suitably equipped garage or you need to buy your own diagnostic tool. If you buy something like the iCarsoft 930i unit, that would be a good investment. Around £95 is the usual price.

Rather cheaper but quite effective is the Torque Pro app for iPhone or Android use plus an ELM327 bluetooth chip. The Carsoft and or the Torque set up are very useful. Personally I prefer the iCarsoft which is plug and play and requires little setting up. The Torque and Android set up is a bit fiddly to set up but once up and running performs almost as well as a Carsoft.

Depending on how well versed you are with car mechanics or on your desire to get your hands dirty, you have perhaps have two choices. Attempt to diagnose and fix the issue yourself, or put the job out to the trade. A good local independent Jaguar repair operation is likely to give you the best repair prices and a good level of service. Using a Main Dealer is likely to be rather more expensive.

Let us know how you get on.

Mike K

[oldtimer]

Ollie,
From your description it sounds as though the Air Con is constantly delivering a freezing cold flow as it is supposed too. Can you hear the Air Con compressor cycling - simply sitting in the car with the engine running you will note an audible change in engine note as the compressor cuts in and out.

Alternatively, try selecting full heat and feel the hot water pipes running along the near side of the engine bay(post 2002.5 year model cars)
to see if hot water is being delivered to the heater matric.

As Mike rightly points out it could be the system control module

Need to try and understand the problem prior to changing parts.

[jeff1954]

Hi Ollie,
If you sit in the car and hold the steering wheel, just below your left hand there is a small grill or vent. Carefully prise off the cover get your vacuum sweeper pipe and suck out any dust or fluff that may be in there then try your A/C.
I told Mike about this procedure some time back when he had a similar problem and it worked for him.

Jeff

[J44EAG]

I`d forgotten about that one. Yes, it was full of fluff!

Cleared it with a bycycle pump and a soft paint brush.

Mike

[oldtimer]

Jeff,
Yes, I remember the topic but like Mike had forgotten all about it. Knowledge is like lino, it rolls up behind you !

[jeff1954]

Yes oldtimer I know where you'r coming from. That procedure has always stuck in my mind for some reason, and as we all know the simplest things are always worth a try first. If you know about them of course.

Jeff

[Mugwy1]

Last year I had a similar problem with my 2.5 v6, after a bit of digging I found that the outside air sensor located at the front of the vehicle was the problem and upon replacing this it was nice and warm again. I did notice that when the heating system was on, the inside temperature reading would initially read normally but after about 5 - 6 miles it would fluctuate dramatically. It may be worth a look if the other suggested checks fail.

[oldtimer]

That's interesting - can you tell me where the gauge is that reads the vehicle inside air temperature ?

[OllieG]

Hi Jeff,

That's brilliant.. Prised off the vent cover and it was full of fluff in there.
I used one of those air-dusters for cleaning computer fans that I had knocking about. With hindsight maybe not such a great idea assuming that the component in there is temperature sensitive! Anyway it got rid of the fluff build up.

Went for a short test drive and initially it does seem to have made a considerable improvement!.. I'll need to take it on a longer run to be sure but I think it may have done the trick.

Will let you know.

Thanks all for the help,

Ollie

[J44EAG]

As said, I had the fluff problem and a clean sorted the problem. Glad you appear to have a handle on the issue. Lets hope it lasts for you.

Mike K