Hi,

I've been through the previous topics but not found a definitive answer.

When you set timed heater to come on at a predetermined time is the heater control temperature setting on the centre console supposed have any impact ?

I've assumed not as regardless of the temp set I always get a lukewarm cabin at best. This morning was 1'C outside, heater obviously kicked in because the frost cleared on the windows and interior not cold, but I'm envious of those that supposedley jump into their cars being toasty warm.

Or is that just wishful thinking and that it never actually gets that warm ?

Any thoughts ?

Andy Fuji White 2012 4.4 TDV8 Westmiinster

My L405 & L460 are both petrol supercharged and twin turbo, but if you set the temp dials it warms up the car, i think the same occured on my L322's again all were petrol. the majority of heat is diverted to screen though.

L322 FBH system is the worst I've ever seen. You can see how your neighbors jump in warm cars with warm engines, take off their clothes and can start driving immidietly. With RR you have nothing, engine is cold and the cabin also.
There is two main reasons caused that: too short FBH operation time (very sensitive to battery voltage level) and wrong air direction.
FBH need 5-10min to heat up itself and coolant fluid first, but very often whole working cycle takes 15-20min only due too low voltage. Voltage drops quickly due wrong software, blower start blowing immidietly. It shouldn't. Blower should start blowing much later, when the coolant fluid is warm enough. But no, it go on right away, blow cold air during first 10min and consume battery power.
Air is directed at the windscreen only. Glass is cold and cool down the intake air, so there is not much warmth left for the cabin. And the cabin is not small, lot of glass.
Only way how to well pre-heat L322 interior would be increase FBH working time at least to 40min. And open all flaps on climate control, not windscreen only. But as we know its impossible.
Second battery helps a littlebit, but not much. Working cycle is anyway limited to 30 (20) minutes.
So it is what it is, there is nothing to do, you have to live with it.
Or, if you have 230V near parking place you can arrange separate electric heater inside.

@jaguar3

you are spot on. I did a test tonight in the UK with a temp of +1 degree. The FBH came on demand from the fob ok, set up a blow sequence and ran for exactly 18 minutes, It warmed the front screen sufficient to clear the ice and there was a little warmth in the cabin when I got in. but not nothing to get excited about.

Maybe the issue it is a diesel related issue, as all my petrol models have and do heat up quickly and I am sorry to say my cabin is always nice and toasty when I get in.

Maybe I have low expectations but it's a 12 yr old car and having any heat prior to driving to clear the screens is an advance on every other car I've ever owned. I'm someone who has cold showers in the morning so being 'not warm' for a few mins into a journey realy doen't bother me. 2012 TDV8 Vogue (L322)

I've found that setting all 3 temp control dials to max heat setting the night before makes a difference.
Also battery needs to be in good health and not short of diesel in the tank.
It mainly blows on the screen area to defrost the screen.
It gets toasty in mine. I set it for 15mins (adjustable) via the Altox app (and box) I have fitted instead of the fob controller. So, I can fire it up from my phone before I jump in the shower (hot ) in the morning.
It is a fickle system as folks point out. Some days it doesn't stay on for the full 15mins which I reckon is battery related. Gone to a good home: 2011 4.4 TDV8 Vogue SE Buckingham Blue with Ivory and clear glass = "Rory"
New Defender D300 90
1974 Series 3 Lightweight = "Millie"
My preferred specialist: www.glenrands.co.uk
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Not agree with you JayGee. Why I can jump in my Ford Ranger with toasty interior and cant with RR? I'm someone who swimm in ice hole every weekend with -20 outside temp, but its not an excuse. Same at home, Iam not feel comort indoors when there is +19 only. Yes I can be there, no problem, but its not comfort. Why do I have to feel uncomfortable?
I have owned several cars with FBH (Peugeot 807 van, Ford Ranger, Grand Cherokee, VW vans etc) and I can confirm, it is possible to use this great device much smarter.
Seems RR is overprotected against cold engine not starting. Voltage droping limit is 11,5V only and many other faults in engineering.
Need to change:
1) Pre-heat the engine as well with residual heat after cabin always.
2) When the engine is also warm, its possible to let voltage drop to 10,5V
3) Dont use blower in first 5-10min when coolant is anywhy cold.
4) Open all flaps, not windscreen only. We have electrical windscreen heating, it working great.
5) Let FBH run at least 30min, better 40, up to Webasto will switch off anywhy with 10,5V.

Unlikley JLR will fix this for you (or anyone) who owns a 12+ year old car so I guess use your Ford when it's very cold? 2012 TDV8 Vogue (L322)

Well, it is what it is, but I was not happy with the system and rebuild it compleatly.
1) Install new analog Webasto (not communicate with RR anymore).
2) Install better T100 Telestart.
3) Deactivate FBH valve.
4) Install 230V system: electric heater 2,2kW and battery charger.
Last week was -25 every morning. In the evening connect the plug, it charging the battery during night. One hour before trip push the fob, FBH and interior heater activated. FBH pre-heat the engine, interior fan work with cabin. 10min before trip start the engine and let it run for 10min. And then jump in 25° cabin with compleatly warm engine and go. FBH continue running during trip and work as additional heater.
That what I expect from pre-heting system.
Third winter already Iam happy with my system.

to that solution.
I'm assuming on a standard system connecting an exteranl 12v supply would prevent premature shutdown due to voltage drop at least. 2012 TDV8 Vogue (L322)

Yeah, not bad. Only thing need 230V near parking place. I have it.


Defa battery charger and relay to switch fan.

I see you have the 'climate' seats which it seems don't offer the instant heat of the electric heated ones which would be an added issue. 2012 TDV8 Vogue (L322)

After using FBH, I find it takes a few pushes of the start but to get engine turning over. Is this by design? It might just be because it’s cold and glow plugs need to kick in… but no indication of that?

It could be the battery , but when it does turnover it seems to be strong

Should start without issue - how old is the battery? 2012 TDV8 Vogue (L322)