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.