X5 E53 How can I jump my Compressor Clutch

Meestahbig · #1 07-12-2016, 08:43 AM

I will try and take small steps here to fix my AC. How can I jump my compressor clutch to test if it is functioning. I cannot seem to get the single wire plug to disconnect from the compressor - should it just pull out with some force, it's not super easy to access, but does have some clearance.. I know these plugs are on tight for a reason.

I am thinking the following using a 12v battery. Connect the + to the wire compressor wire as it goes into the IHKA (black/grey). Connect the - side of the battery to the body of the compressor.

thanks.

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upallnight · #2 07-12-2016, 10:27 AM

If you don't even know how to remove the wire from the compressor, you probably don't know that the power wire to the compressor is controlled by the DME. You probably don't even know what voltage is being supplied by the DME. Jumping 12 volt to that wire can fried the DME. Better to take it in to a shop that know what they are doing versus damaging the X any further.

If you are near Avoca N.Y. there's a shop that does a summer AC tuneup for $39.95 plus the cost of the refrigerant. South Main Auto repairs, owner name is Eric O. He has a Youtube channel and he does AC the right way.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AfHmgM-GRo4

Meestahbig · #3 07-12-2016, 10:37 AM

thanks. I believe I know a lot more than you seem to think.

These are 12v compressors. Not a big deal to jump the compressor. I've also looked at pictures of the compressor on ebay with the plug removed, it just seems tight and wanted someone kind enough to confirm that it just needs a bit of force.

I also think the wire goes out of the compressor to the IHKA (climate control panel), it is the middle wire on the 3 pin plug. Black/Grey. I pulled that out the IHKA last night, it was hard to pull out, but it comes... just like the FSR. hard to pull out, but it comes.

If you just bring it in to the shop, you don't learn anything. Part of learning is failing or breaking other stuff. that is why I was asking some advice on the forum.

upallnight · #4 07-12-2016, 11:15 AM

Since you didn't list the model year of your X you could have a variable displacement compressor which is clutch less. The variable displacement compressor still have a signal wire from the DME to control the valve that allows the displacement within the compressor to varies.

Meestahbig · #5 07-12-2016, 11:18 AM

good point. it is a 2003. thank you.

g300d · #6 07-12-2016, 11:35 AM

The variable displacement compressors in the 04-up models still have clutches.

Meestahbig · #7 07-13-2016, 11:40 AM

I was finally able to pull out the compressor connector plug last night. It is on there snug and for good reason. For others that try, you need to pull behind the first lip, I had to use a screwdriver to get it to move and then it popped out.

I tested the resistance of the compressor 278k ohms. Dang, that's too high. To test it, I put one lead into the socket, put the other lead onto the body of the compressor. I believe it should read well below 50 ohms (note - not 50k ohms, but 50).

I also took a wire from the positive battery terminal and stuffed it into the plug, nothing. Nothing at all with the car off or running... I believe the compressor is dead. I guess it can be rebuilt? I don't know. I will probably just get a new one and try and put it in myself...

David.X5 · #8 07-13-2016, 12:39 PM

That test doesn't say anything about the compressor, just the clutch. I think aftermarket clutches are available now. Of course, a new compressor comes with a new clutch.

Meestahbig · #9 07-13-2016, 03:05 PM

Yes, you are correct, I do believe that the compressor was still pumping okay, but the winding is gone.

Does anyone know where to buy the clutch parts?

Here is the new Behr compressor, just don't know if I have the courage to tackle this job myself. I have the gauges, scale and the vacuum. I have aspirations of doing some AC work on my other more expensive cars.

I can buy cans of r134a pretty inexpensively.

I don't know how to pull off the AC belt, don't know how to replace the receiver drier, don't know about adding oil into the system or if that is already in the new compressor (I think it is).

BMW E53 x5 3 0i A C Compressor with Clutch Behr 64 52 6 918 000 | eBay

Its hot here in NY, so not sure how much time I can buy with wife and kids, with NO AC.

I am sure upallnight will tell me to bring it into the shop. LOL.

axgordon · #10 07-13-2016, 03:22 PM

You can try what I did on my 2003 3.0. Still works with no issues. Still on original compressor and clutch with over 206k miles. Look at the post #4. If you good with the soldering iron - you can solder jumper without removing clutch coil. You can PM me if you need clarification or have questions.

http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...placeable.html

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