I've had some frustrating problems with the FBH in my 2011 model 4.4 TDV8 Vogue.

Some issues with the software wrongly installed by Land Rover meant it only ran for 2 minutes and then shut down. When they finally sorted that out (and told me it was a "battery problem"... and that will be £260 please) at least now the system runs for its' intended 20 minutes, but compared to the heat output I got from my last RR (a 2008 3.6 TDV8 Vogue SE) the temperature is pathetic. It's warm, but certainly not hot.

When I queried this with the dealer, I was told that the system had been programmed to emit less heat because owners had complained about the strong smell of diesel and the smoke emitted in previous versions (crap methinks).

Is ther a way (IID Tool??) of tweaking the system so that the temperature is increased? I used to love this feature in the winter months, now it's just a bit of a joke.

Thx, Andy 2017 4.4 SDV8 Autobiography

Last edited by awclymm on 13th Mar 2014 4:38pm. Edited 1 time in total

i've looked on the gap site , http://www.gap-diagnostic.com/products/iidtool.html and the iidtool only gives live values as far as i can see.. ... - .- -.




Y. O. L. O.
.

Andy

Mine is exactly the same as yours .
I'm waiting for Mike to come back to me on another matter and i will bring it up again.
Mine also comes up with start car battery low all the time and thats just when I've just unlocked it.

I'm not sure if the MY10 models had a different battery as theres not a lot of peeps complaining about that year.


Jay  2020 Porsche Panamera Turbo Hybrid (V FAST)
2017 Range Rover Autobiography 5.0 V8
2018 JCW Mini Cooper
2018 Skoda VRS

Which Mike is that please? 2017 4.4 SDV8 Autobiography

http://www.fullfatrr.com/forum/topic23316.html

IIRC the batteries were changed as part of this issue to gel type and the battery charging controls changed as well as the FBH timer cutback from 30 to 18-20mins. The cutback is going to cause more of a temprature issue as well not allowing it to get fully hot or the system getting warm and the thermostat opening up to the engine block and then it sucks all the heat out of the water mean while the interior fan is still running at decent power and just pushing out cooler air. FFRR MY06 facelift With TDV8 Alloys Zeros/ATR's
Mantec Sump Guard, Rigid Load liner, MY10 BT upgrade.

Mine had the software updates done by LR, and the new gel battery and it works fine, no low battery warnings and never failed to start - yet!

having had the experience of previous FFRR' s and issues with the FBH and non starting etc, you do though need a run of around 6/7 miles to recharge the battery sufficiently between uses of the FBH otherwise the FBH shuts itself down to preserve the remaining power in the battery to ensure the vehicle starts.

A lot of problems with the FBH stems from people using the FBH then just undertaking short journeys - the battery doesn't recharge sufficiently or the battery is duff in the first place which leads to problems - or there are other fundamental problems with power bleed draining the battery.

I can confirm though that if the vehicle is set up properly IME it works fine

Last edited by Vogue on 14th Mar 2014 4:14pm. Edited 1 time in total

Did you own the earlier model (3.6TDV8) for comparison? 2017 4.4 SDV8 Autobiography

3.0, 3.6 and now the 4.4 V8 Diesels

Iirc the main issues came from the 2010MY revision with the 3.6 tdv8 and sc but IMO I don't think the sc would be as badly affected due to it's lower drain when starting. FFRR MY06 facelift With TDV8 Alloys Zeros/ATR's
Mantec Sump Guard, Rigid Load liner, MY10 BT upgrade.

Hello awclymm

my experience is like yours and JAYBOYS - basically the FBH does not do the job it should.

My previous Vogue SE, the reg started LR10 and had the 3.6 TDV8, was FANTASTIC with the FBH. Commuted to the local railway station during the week - 2 miles each way. Then used it for decent mileage on weekends.
During the week, used the timed climate control for each journey.
so by the Friday, the FBH had cycled twice each day for 30 minutes, with only a two mile drive in between each cycle, and it ALWAYS worked. Cabin was ALWAYS toastie. It NEVER failed to start.
Marks for the FBH = 11/10.

Now my present 4.4 TDV*, reg starting LX11, is a joke in comparison. All the pre-heater does is take the edge off the cold. (Not that is has been that cold this winter, but it was in 2012/13) When properly "set up" according to LR, it wouldn't take the top off a rice pudding. They recognise the AGM with the new battery management system cannot cope with an FBH, so for the L405 it is only an engine pre-heater I believe. But please correct me if i am wrong on that point.
Marks for the FBH and new battery system = 4/10

As far as LR are concerned, I am just an irritation - no-one else suffers from poor FBH performance apparently. However, people should not be getting the constant low battery warning. Can't imagine now that the recall wasnt done on any FFRR after a couple of years, but maybe a few slipped through.

As for those like Vogue who are happy with the system, then i am happy for them. Logic says to me that it is more likely that people will beef about problems on their FFRRs on this forum, than they will sing its praises. So on the basis the majority don't beef about it, maybe my car is not right. (But LR say it is.....)

My FBH has never worked properly and has always blown cold air even after replacement with a new unit. Dealer still trying to sort it out.

It seems I've opened (re-opened?) a real can of worms here.

I am jealous that Vogue seems to have a FBH system on his 4.4 that is comparable with systems on previous models. It would appear that he is in a very small minority based on the replies to this thread.

I have actually given up with my local dealer. They have blatantly fobbed me off with nonsense about their interpretation of the problem and their inability to resolve it - they have had my car for over 20 days this calendar year, so maybe they are hoping Spring will arrive and the problem will go away?

I believe the problem can only be resolved at the ECU level. 2017 4.4 SDV8 Autobiography

You only usually hear about the problematic vehicles on forums - unless your an enthusiast that's why the average person or new owner visits them

Awclymm, the only difference with my 4.4 over my previous vehicles is that it runs for 20 mins rather than 30. But with my previous vehicles running at 30 caused flat batteries and starting issues so I am happy for it to run at 20 mins and give no issues

I've probably now gone and given my FBH the kiss of death now !