AC failure diag help

[Bdc101]

Originally Posted by Overboost

PA Soft does not have the functionality to command any process. It is more of a scanner, coding tool.

I paid a little over $200 for my Behr aux fan when I did it 5 years ago. The money isn't that bad but the replacement job requires removing the front bumper.

Pelican has the Behr for $602, and the BMW for $604.


Fortunately there are a couple of partouts nearby.



Thanks for answering my question about PA soft, and also commenting on my PA soft thread on E46fanatics

[Overboost]

FCP Euro showing the Behr/Mahle fan assembly on clearance for $364.

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...em-64546921381

[andrewwynn]

Owch I might be looking into alternatives. Both for part and install. I think I would be very ok with cutting a couple plastic tabs and self tapping screws vs remove the bumper.

On the M62 engines I worked on about the first thing out of the car was the aux fan and it didn't even require tools, gravity held them in with four hooks.

[upallnight]

Did you check the "50 amps" fuse in the fuse box behind the glove compartment? If it is blown don't bother replacing it because it takes a hella short to blow a 50 amps fuse. Replace the fan because that is the only thing on that circuit.

[andrewwynn]

The fan circuit is always live might be easier to check voltage at the fan connection vs under the glove compartment.

[Clavurion]

Originally Posted by andrewwynn

The fan circuit is always live might be easier to check voltage at the fan connection vs under the glove compartment.

Yes, much easier.

[wpoll]

Originally Posted by Clavurion

Yes, much easier.

Which will confirm that, you know, it still plugged in.... Since it possible that is not...

[upallnight]

Originally Posted by andrewwynn

The fan circuit is always live might be easier to check voltage at the fan connection vs under the glove compartment.

Might be easier, but you are assuming that he has the equipment and knowledge on how to perform this test.

I, on the other hand, assume that they don't know anything or why else will they be posting on this forum.

[Bdc101]

I checked the fuse and it is good. I didn't have time to get out my DMM, so I'll check voltage at the fan tonight.


Can anyone confirm -- will PA soft (if I get it working again) tell me that either the fan is bad, or that there is something else preventing it from turning on the compressor? Or should I just go straight to purchasing a Foxwell?

[Overboost]

The aux fan error or compressor error will show up in the dme error codes. Not sure if PA Soft will pick it up, when I had the issue I ran INPA to see the error. If you have the budget, the Foxwell is a great tool. I have 4 tools I use all the time and they each have functionality that the others do not.

• INPA
• PA Soft 1.4
• Foxwell NT-510
• ELM 327 Bluetooth module to OBD Fusion on my Android phone