Land Rover Repair: Air Conditioner for 98 disco, faulty component, r134

Question
Hello,

Last fall, while repairing the driveshaft on our '98 discovery, my husband noticed that fluid was leaking.  Immediately thereafter, we had no air conditioning.  The heat works, the blower works, but blows hot air.  The AC light (snowflake) even lights up if pressed, but no cold air.  He tried adding some R134, but to no avail.  What could be the problem and how easy is it for a DIY-er to fix?
Thanks in advance!

Answer
Hi Adrienne,

it could be a number of problems. What you should do is go to a local AC auto shop and have the system tested.  They should be able to find the problem.  Sometimes it could be a leak, sometimes it is the compressor.  There is a small switch within the compressor that can fail and thus render it useless.  Some AC shops have simple fixes that don't cost very much.  If you do need to replace an AC component, consider buying salvaged parts.  Some wreckers will offer a limited warranty on salvaged parts, others may even bench test the part before selling it to you.

Replacing the compressor is not too difficult and most DIY'ers can manage the job.  My suggestion is to have an expert determine the cause of the problem then you decide if you want to do the work yourself or have a local shop do it for you.

IF you do decide to replace the faulty component, write to me and I'll send along whatever document I can find to help you out.

Best of luck (and try to keep cool!!!),

JohnMc
jmcinnis64@hotmail.com