OK, updates on my AC repair.

Took the truck to my friend and he pulled down 25hg of vacuum and the system held it no problem so I guess the schraders are fine.

However, he noticed right away that the system was not doing anything. He dumped some R134a into the truck under vacuum but still nothing.

I guess I have a classic X5 problem going on now.
The auxiliary fan does not switch on at all. From what I have read there is some debate over this. Some say their AC systems work without the aux fan while others say the DME will not run the AC system if it does not detect the fan running.

I would like to test the aux fan to see if that truly is the problem but have not read a post yet that details how to bypass the DME and run the fan.

Have also read that 12v supplied to the lead of the AC compressor should allow me to hear the clutch engage and disengage. I guess I can start there but want to verify that it is ok to do that. Would not want to do anything that would risk damaging the computer.

Anyone have a method for testing the aux fan?

Cheers
Bernie