Hey friends, picked up a 2003 discovery 2. I realized that the HVAC panel (buttons that can be pressed to turn it on etc) and the power mirrors only work when the headlights are on. Any idea what’s going on with that? Lately however both are not working today even with the lights on. The buttons do light up when the headlights are on. Along with the dash and all other lights that should glow at night. So I know the panel is getting power at-least. Is there something I should look at specifically? Or try to reset? Thanks ….side note— perhaps the headlights being on are a coincidence and the mirrors and hvac panel just work intermittently ?

EDIT FIXED *******

OLD POST! But to anyone who is having this problem! I figured it out! Take the plastic off that surrounds the ignition switch barrel. Check on the opposite side of where you insert your key. There will be like 5 wires soldered onto a plastic piece. your issue might be here. I noticed i had a hair line crack in the plastic and when the key was being turned that piece would move. Im assuming inside is a bunch of connections and when the key is turned the power mirrors and A/C control think the car is off and are not receiving power. I was able to get a piece of wire and then also zip tie that piece so that it stays firmly in place until i can get a replacement. But power mirrors and A/C control now work perfectly.

 

you might check all your grounds and if they look good, maybe take a look at the ECU and check for burns or water damage.

 

thanks for the reply. Where might the ECU be? Under the glove box with the rest of the other boxes? Thanks!

 

Yes under the glove box (on LHD vehicles)

 

Does the ECU or BCU control the mirrors and Hvac system? I replaced the fuse box, swapped the HVAC panel with a spare and checked fuses. Still same issue Any other ideas?

Also, is there a relay or something connected to the HVAC panel thats not connected to the inner fuse box?