2006 X5 A/C Clutch Override?

[Overboost]

A common problem on these is the auxiliary fan in front of the radiator. If it fails and does not come on when the AC is requested, the clutch will not engage. If you pull the connector for the AC system pressure switch (straight down looking on the right side of the engine bay in the front by the radiator) the fan should come on and eventually get to full speed. An easy validation of the auxiliary fan.

[cn90]

- There is a post somewhere in forum showing how to directly wire the AC to activate it. This way you can rule in or rule out the Clutch issue.

- On the same topic, my 1998 528i AC was noisy at 150K, I was afraid of "Black Death", so I replaced it using brand-new Denso compressor ($250 was the cost). So far so good. I posted the DIY in bimmerfest forum.

- What I am getting at is that if you have more than 150K and the AC Clutch turns out to be the culprit, then at that mileage, it is best to replace the compressor. On the long run, it is cheaper.

[Bluemach1]

Originally Posted by Overboost

A common problem on these is the auxiliary fan in front of the radiator. If it fails and does not come on when the AC is requested, the clutch will not engage. If you pull the connector for the AC system pressure switch (straight down looking on the right side of the engine bay in the front by the radiator) the fan should come on and eventually get to full speed. An easy validation of the auxiliary fan.

Thanks. I did this test and indeed the fan DID NOT come on. based on this, I am leaning toward the dead AUX fan....

[Bluemach1]

Recommendations on aftermarket AUX Fan brand? Lots to choose from. Whats good?