Nodge68
Well-Known Member
If the gauge is showing half, the the coolant is above 75°C. The correct running temperature should be around 86°C. Really you need to access the ECD live data, so you can get the accurate temperature the engine is running at. If it's just over 75°C then the thermostat is on its way out. A drop of 10°C is enough to affect heater output significantly. It's also worth checking to see if any auxiliary heaters (PTC or FBH) are running, as those also affect heater performance.
Thanks for reply. Where do I find auxiliary heaters to check?
Ha right ok yes I have one so is there a way I can check if it is working?
What is ptc and Fbh, and what do they do please?
Nodge68
Well-Known Member
The FBH should operate when the air temperature is below ~5°C and the engine is running. It's pretty obvious the FBH is running, as it sounds like a small jet engine, although it is closely related to an oil fired central heating boiler.
Non operation is normally down to the air temperature sensor not working or some other problem with the FBH itself. It's also been known for people to remove it's fuse (fuse 5 in engine bay fuse box), to stop it working.
Nodge68
Well-Known Member
A PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) heater, is a ceramic heater unit that is basically a large resistor in the shape of a heater matrix. As it heats up, it's resistance increases, so using less current. It's in the heater box and it's job is to assist the water matrix in heating the cabin, when the outside temperature is low.
The FBH is an auxiliary diesel fuelled heater which is fitted behind the LH front fog lamp (if fitted). It's job is to increase the temperature of the water going to the heater matrix, when the outside temperature is low.
The PCT heater was fitted unless a FBH was specified.
That would explain the sound I been hearing lol so it works great stuff cheers
OP where are you feeling for heat? I have a GS and an SE and the grilles in the dash (above the radio) never produce any significant heat in either.
I get very toasty toes in both though.
I've always assumed it's just a quirk of the Freelanders.
And you can buy cheap (£ 5-£ 6) BT dongles from E-Bay that will plug into the OBD port. There is a free android/ iOS app called Torque that will talk to the dongle & let you see the temperatures. Make sure the dongle works with Torque/ Torque Pro though.
I get very toasty toes in both though.
I've always assumed it's just a quirk of the Freelanders.
And you can buy cheap (£ 5-£ 6) BT dongles from E-Bay that will plug into the OBD port. There is a free android/ iOS app called Torque that will talk to the dongle & let you see the temperatures. Make sure the dongle works with Torque/ Torque Pro though.
GrumpyGel
Well-Known Member
Have you checked the coolant level?
When the heater on my L Series stops throwing out heat, I know its time to top up the coolant.
H
Yes it's just below max I check it daily just in case. I read a lot about r5 thermostat mod but don't know whether to trust it.
Nodge68
Well-Known Member
Daily coolant checks 
you're keen. I check mine monthly, which is about 500 miles between checks.
The R5 mod works perfectly. I've had a lovely hot heater for the last 2 years, ever since I did the mod.
you're keen. I check mine monthly, which is about 500 miles between checks.The R5 mod works perfectly. I've had a lovely hot heater for the last 2 years, ever since I did the mod.
Yep I have OCD when it comes to checks haha.Daily coolant checks
The R5 mod works perfectly. I've had a lovely hot heater for the last 2 years, ever since I did the mod.
Sounds good you might have just persuaded me to give it a try.
