Ac not working, Checked Refrigerant, What else to do?

[bcredliner]

[QUOTE=upallnight;1076500]There's a reason why BMW and other car makers went with using diagnostic software to trouble shoot problems in the automobiles these days. Cars are a lot more complex these days and the only way to fix them correctly is with the use of diagnostic software. The software and hardware are not that expensive any more.

Scanner 1 4 0 Diagnostic Tool Code Reader 4 BMW E38 E39 E46 E53 E83 E85 x3 x5 Z4 | eBay

You can get the software and the hardware for a little more than 17 bucks. Can't afford to spend 17 bucks on software and hardware, then you should consider other means of transportation.[/QUOTE

Alert the Media---Cars are a lot more complex than they used to be!

I'm not sure what you mean by--- the only correct way to fix them--- as this forum would not exist if the correct response to every new thread about symptoms of a problem was to read the codes. The vast majority of responses are to replace a particular part based on the symptoms or basic troubleshooting steps to find the root cause.

I agree that code reading/clearing software pricing is much less than it used to be and is also more user friendly. I wouldn't buy this one as it is a "cracked version" and it is likely that it will show only an abbreviated number of codes. I like the readers that read in depth codes, connect by bluetooth, in my case to my iPad and will also display realtime measurements of a running engine. And, most importantly are designed to be user friendly enough for the DIYer that isn't using it that frequently. They will cost more than $17.00 but will be a much greater value.

As you know codes can be misleading. An example if there is an air/fuel mixture problem there can be several codes thrown so there is often a need for basic troubleshooting to find the core issue. That was my only reason for asking for your input. In this case my guess is it is likely the testing side would be needed to determine the problem and if it can't be done with basic troubleshooting that means I would have to drag out the INPA suite, my dedicated windows computer and a bottle of valium.

[upallnight]

[QUOTE=bcredliner;1076592]

Originally Posted by upallnight

There's a reason why BMW and other car makers went with using diagnostic software to trouble shoot problems in the automobiles these days. Cars are a lot more complex these days and the only way to fix them correctly is with the use of diagnostic software. The software and hardware are not that expensive any more.

Scanner 1 4 0 Diagnostic Tool Code Reader 4 BMW E38 E39 E46 E53 E83 E85 x3 x5 Z4 | eBay

You can get the software and the hardware for a little more than 17 bucks. Can't afford to spend 17 bucks on software and hardware, then you should consider other means of transportation.[/QUOTE

Alert the Media---Cars are a lot more complex than they used to be!

I'm not sure what you mean by--- the only correct way to fix them--- as this forum would not exist if the correct response to every new thread about symptoms of a problem was to read the codes. The vast majority of responses are to replace a particular part based on the symptoms or basic troubleshooting steps to find the root cause.

I agree that code reading/clearing software pricing is much less than it used to be and is also more user friendly. I wouldn't buy this one as it is a "cracked version" and it is likely that it will show only an abbreviated number of codes. I like the readers that read in depth codes, connect by bluetooth, in my case to my iPad and will also display realtime measurements of a running engine. And, most importantly are designed to be user friendly enough for the DIYer that isn't using it that frequently. They will cost more than $17.00 but will be a much greater value.

As you know codes can be misleading. An example if there is an air/fuel mixture problem there can be several codes thrown so there is often a need for basic troubleshooting to find the core issue. That was my only reason for asking for your input. In this case my guess is it is likely the testing side would be needed to determine the problem and if it can't be done with basic troubleshooting that means I would have to drag out the INPA suite, my dedicated windows computer and a bottle of valium.

In this case the OP is trying to fix his AC. He tried the cheap fix with an AC in a can repair from Pep Girl, but since that didn't work he is looking for another cheap fix to the AC. Many people including yourself had suggested that he bring it in. It is very obvious that he doesn't know anything about automotive AC system. I would never advise anyone on this forum to DIY if I felt that they lack the knowledge to perform the repairs, too many lawyers that will sue you because their client hurt himself while following your suggestion on how to fix their car.

The op can throw parts at the car but that get expensive very quickly. A replacement aux fan is 400 bucks plus labor to install. A typical compressor replacement is close to 1000 bucks.

Modern cars these day have systems that were never used in older cars. My Lotus has twin Weber side draft carbs and no 02 sensor to monitor the exhaust. That is as basic as you can get. My PORSCHE has fuel injection but no computer to control the injectors or the spark plugs. The BMW X5 has a computer to control the injectors and the spark plugs along with a MAF to determine the amount of air the engine is using plus 4 02 sensors to monitor the exhaust gas pre cat and post cat. If you don't think this is more complicated than earlier cars you must have received your license in the 90's.