So about 2 weeks ago I started smelling maple syrup in the car. My kids aren't allowed to eat in my car, so I knew something was up lol.

Checked the coolant tank, and sure enough it was nearly bone dry. I got it to the dealer and they topped me up until my appointment a few days later.

Pressure test confirmed a leak, and they'd need more time to find the leak as it wasn't readily apparent. I told em' the smell was inside the car, its gotta be the heater core. Sure enough that is what they found as well.

So, under warranty they've ordered a new one. Problem is, on national back order... and they have no idea when one will be available.

The question is... would raising a concern directly with Land Rover help speed this process up in any way? I'm not trying to give the dealer or the SA a bad review or anything. They got me a loaner and have done all they say they can do until the part comes in. If opening a case directly with JLR could possibly help, how do I go about starting the case?

 

The whole "parts on backorder" response is tried and tested. Translates roughly to, we'll fix it when we're good and ready.

While LR provide you with 0 needed parts, the same company is using 1000's. They are being produced and used by the boat load in the Nitra factory every day. There is no shortage of parts. They just couldn't be bothered setting up a well oiled spares supply line. Cheaper to just tell the consumer the backorder and eat a bag of phallic objects line.

I got the same runaround when I needed a replacement alternator on my brand new Defender with 1300 miles on it. No part no eta, backorder/covid (choose your BS adventure).

Kick up a fuss, speak to whoever you can, be respectful, mannerly, yet persistently ever present thorn in the side of the dealer/LR. My part magically was acquired from Jaguar and repair done.

 

I have the same maple syrup smell issue but my dealer is telling me my pressure test is fine.. so no leak…

 

I was afraid of them giving me that same story. I've read a few people saying pressure tests were fine for 2-3 attempts until they finally found the issue. Have you noticed any reduction in the levels under the hood? In preparation for the runaround, I took a picture of the bottle every day for a week. Cool and Hot motor. There was no way they could tell me that it should go from max line to min line within one week under the same Cold or Hot conditions.

If your smell is coming from the interior of the car, its gotta be the heater core. Well doesn't have to be, but thats where the smart money is. I would tell them to run the test with the heater on the car ON. That may identify a pressure drop that wouldn't otherwise be there if the heater isn't on.

 

I'm trying. I opened the case with JLR and I've been messaging them each day since I opened it for an update. Up to now, no response at all from them.

The dealership SA has been real nice, but basically can't tell me anything outside of what the parts department says. Parts dept seems to check their system, sees it states 'back ordered no ETA' and moves on with the rest of their day - nothing being done to get their hands on a part from some place.

 

thank you this is helpful l

 

does replacing the heater core require them to take apart you entire dash? i'm a little worried about that ....

 

Yes I'm fairly certain it does. I'm not happy about it either. But I dont really have an alternative option here. Just hope its not going to be rattle city when its done.

 

to Starbai and Speedyj
It has been a few months. Did your dealer/JLR repaired your coolant leaking problem?
Just curious. Thanks.

 

dealer had it for 6 weeks. Claimed no leak but some sort of spill that occcured. They cleaned it and smell was still there, said there was nothing else that could be done. Ended up getting sick of car and sold it for a cayenne. LR service is not very competent.