Land Rover Repair: leaking and foul smell...is it the AC?, land rover discovery, autoglass shop

Question
John,

Just bought a 98 Land Rover Discovery. We noticed no smell when we picked it up. It's only been a few days and there is a foul smell coming out of the AC vents (I'm pretty sure this is where its coming from) and water is leaking in the passenger side on to the floor. I am taking it to my friends shop tomorrow. We are buying a warranty but not sure what this could be and if it will be covered.

THanks.  

Answer
Hi Brian,

sounds like it could be a leak on the high pressure side of the ac (gas compressed to fluid) could be as simple as a gasket or as bad as new ac lines.  Since its a new "used" purchase, you should be able to return to the dealer and have them repair it for you. Most states and provs have a 30 day or so limit on repairs like this.

It could also be a bad leak.  Series I Disco's have a terrible leak reputation, especially in the passenger footwell.  Most  owners agree that the source is the windshield seals.  You could have them redone at any autoglass shop for about $140 US.  Have to peel off the rubber and then use sealants all around the windshield...then reinstall the rubber seal.

Be careful with warranties...expecially those 3rd party warranties...they sound good but are not worth the paper they are written on.  Most cover only drive train.  AC would be considered a luxury and not covered.  Makes sense, if you want to avoid paying out.  AC would break down more often than say...a transmission.  Especially LR's AC...shutoff switch is inside the AC compressor...and eventually if the switch is overheated...bang!  You have to buy a new compressor ($700) instead of a new switch ($25).

If you bought it from an individual...well...you're bound to have more problems getting the previous owner to repair it.

That foul smell might be the carpet.  Footwell leaks may have been a problem BEFORE you purchased it and the new leaks are activating the mold (smell) again.  It may be possible that mold is growing inside the vents...you'd have to dismantle the dashboard and have them cleaned...ouch $$$.

One word of advice...learn to do some repairs yourself.  Buy a Haynes manual #3016 or get the LR dealer repair manuals.  

Be careful with you do any repairs at mechanics other than LR.  They often get into trouble because they are not use to Euro wiring...Lucas electrics have been known to confuse even the best american mechanics.  "it just does'nt make sense to do it this way..." is often been said.

I once purchased a Winn warranty...never again.  Unless its from a reputable dealership, I'd say  Be careful.

Last suggestion...take it to a LR dealer and have them perform a thorough inspection.  It will cost you +$100  but they will find ALL of the problems (mostly so that you get them all repaired at that dealer ... CHA-CHING$$$)

I hope this is the only problem you will have.  I don't think its a big expense but its a stinker none the less.

Best of luck,

JohnMC

NB:  old LR tradition: give a name to your Disco.  Sorry, Simba's been taken.  :)