Land Rover Repair: a/c condensor fans, throttle position sensor, mass air flow

Question
I am just getting into the picture but was told by a couple of people that it runs hot when the a/c is on..took it to a repair place and was told that's what the problem is...is there a way to verify that its the fans and not a sensor or something?
Thanks
-------------------------

Followup To

Question -
My girlfriends 98 discovery has been giving her problems and she took it to a mechanic and he said that the a/c condensor fans needed to be replaced..  what are the locations of these fans?  he said there were 2 of them.  also, an idle problem has been occuring, was told that it was the idle control valve and mass air flow..  do you have any suggestions about checking them out.
Thanks a bunch

Answer -
Hi Pete,

what are the symptoms of the AC problem?  Condensor is mounted in front of the radiator. Fans mounted in front of condensor.

As for the idling problem, the MAF is a very expensive part to replace.  GET assurances from LR that this is the part that is defective.  Don't let them swap parts in search of a fix - at your expense!  I've seen LR swap out parts and yet the problem remains.  Don't be stuck with new parts that did not correct the problem.  IF the problem resurfaces, tell them you'll want your money back.  Maybe this will motivate them to find the fault first before installing new parts.

It's rare to have a MAF fail and more often for the idle control valve.  On my Disco, I paid $'000's on an idle problem only to discover that it was a Throttle Position Sensor ($585 including labour).  Don't let the dealership profit from parts that fix nothing.  Demand proof.

Best of luck,

JohnMc

Answer
Hi Pete,

I'm no specialist with AC so I rely on my local AC specialty shop for this.

What I do know is the following:

1.  All high pressure lines should be hot to the touch.

2.  All low pressure lines should be cool to the touch.

3.  Inlet and outlet temperatures at the receiver/dryer should be the same temperature (warm).  A big temp difference between inlet and outlet indicates a blocked receiver/dryer.

4.  Heavy frost on the inlet to the expansion valve indicates a defective valve or moisture in the system.

5.  Keep the condenser fans clean and free from debris.

You might be able to apply power directly to the fans by removing the multiplugs found on top of each fan.

The fans are also controlled by the engine temperature sensor.

Best of luck,

JohnMc